Nicola Bryant

I am a dairy farmer, community leader, and passionate advocate for women in dairying, based in Opunake, Taranaki. Alongside my husband Michael, we contract milker on a 485-cow farm, which gives me strong grassroots insight into the day-to-day realities, challenges, and opportunities faced by women and farming families across the dairy sector. I am also a mum to two young teenage girls, which further shapes my passion for creating strong, inclusive pathways and positive role models for the next generation of women.

I have been actively involved with Dairy Women’s Network for a number of years and have loved every role I have held within the organisation, including Regional Leader, Taranaki Hub Leader, National Chair of the 2023 Landpro DWN Conference, and founder of the DWN Taranaki Business Group, which I continue to support through annual strategic planning. DWN has played a significant role in my personal and leadership development, and I am deeply aligned with its values of connection, inclusivity, and seizing opportunity.

Alongside my DWN involvement, I currently work as the Lead Catchment Coordinator for Taranaki Catchment Communities, where I support and mentor a team of coordinators and help lead regional engagement and communications. I also serve as a, Treasurer of the Te Kiri Hall Committee, and a Board of Trustees Member of Auroa School, contributing governance, financial oversight, and strong community connection across all roles.

My governance journey also includes serving as President and Patron of Kaponga Playcentre, mentoring through Primary ITO, and leading grassroots initiatives such as Agri 4 Kids in Taranaki to promote agriculture as a future pathway for young people.

Originally from South Africa, I moved to New Zealand in 2005 and am now a proud New Zealand citizen. I am driven by a strong belief in giving back, building inclusive communities, and ensuring rural voices are represented at governance tables.

I have applied for the DWN Associate Trustee role as the next step in my governance journey — moving from local and school-level governance into a national not-for-profit board environment. I see DWN as a safe and supportive space to grow my governance capability, learn from experienced trustees, and gain a deeper understanding of board-level strategy and decision-making. This role will help cement governance as part of my future leadership pathway.