News

A year of connection and practical value

DWN continued to connect with members, our partners and the wider dairy industry throughout the year. From face-to-face events to online webinars, our learning opportunities attracted engaged audiences and gave people different ways to take part. Regional events and partner workshops brought people together to learn and share. DWN events provide the opportunity; the more meaningful question is what people learned, shared and did afterwards.

The People Expos, delivered with DairyNZ, received encouraging feedback. From the evaluation responses, the overall rating was 9.1 out of 10, the Net Promoter Score was +72.5, and 98.7% said they would recommend an Expo. Respondents rated their intention to change leadership behaviours at 4.4 out of 5. These responses are encouraging: people valued the experience and left intending to put what they learned into practice.

Throughout the year, webinars, local events and partner sessions addressed the decisions people face every day: farm business, people, animal care, wellbeing and changing farm systems. Our Calf Rearing Expos continued to bring practical, science-based learning into communities, with wider partner collaboration in delivering these events. We have kept listening to our members and working with experts to make learning accessible, relevant and worth their time.

Celebrating people and possibility

Our annual conference in Christchurch brought our community together to learn, connect and celebrate. Once again, the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award recognised an outstanding recipient. The award matters because it makes leadership visible: one woman’s contribution can inspire others to share their ideas, step forward and see what is possible for themselves and for dairy.

A highlight of the year was the launch of our limited-edition Monopoly for Dairy Farming NZ. Bringing 3,000 boards to life took two years of imagination, persistence, detailed work and collaboration. It celebrated the places, people and character of New Zealand dairy farming in a way families could enjoy together. My thanks to Fonterra and Farm Source for their pivotal support, and to everyone who helped turn a big idea into something tangible.

The people who make DWN

A special thank you to our team. Behind every welcoming event, useful webinar, partnership conversation and ambitious project are people who care deeply about getting the detail right, supporting our partners and creating a positive experience for our members. Their commitment, creativity and willingness to support one another carried us through a full and demanding year. I am immensely proud of them.

To our Hub Leaders and Volunteer Regional Leaders: thank you. You are the human connection at the heart of DWN. You make room for others, notice who might need an invitation and create the local sense of belonging that no national programme can manufacture. You give your time and energy so generously, often alongside busy lives and farm businesses. The strength of this network is found in you.

Partnership with purpose

To our investment partners, thank you for continuing to believe in DWN and the people we serve. Your contribution goes well beyond funding. You share expertise, give your time and make your teams available to our members and rural communities. Together, we connect people with practical knowledge and opportunities. Your support makes this work possible, and we value the trust you place in us.

Looking ahead

As we look ahead, our focus remains on practical learning, strong connections and opportunities that help people grow and lead. We will keep listening, look more closely at what happens after our events, and make careful choices about where our resources can make the greatest difference. Thank you to everyone who contributes to DWN. Our progress is a shared effort, and this year reinforced what we can achieve together.

Financial Report, 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026

Statement of Financial Performance 

During the 2025/2026 financial year, total revenue was $1,520,624, compared to $1,251,312 in the previous year, an increase of $269,312. This was largely attributed to the Monopoly project.

Total expenses increased from $1,248,833 to $1,498,949, related to the Monopoly project. 

Net profit for the year was $21,676. 

Statement of Financial Position 

For the year ending 31 May 2026, DWN increased its trust funds from $612,790 to $634,465, attributed to a net profit of $21,676. 

As of 31 May 2026, total assets increased from $864,132 to $945,112, while total liabilities rose slightly from $251,341 to $310,646. 

Statement of Cash Flows 

Net cash balances held in bank accounts decreased by $369,542 during the year. The closing cash balance was $173,974 

The term deposit, held at ASB, increased to $741,065. 

In Summary 

DWN achieved a net profit of $21,676 for the 2025/2026 financial year. 

Jules Benton 
CEO 
Dairy Women’s Network