Dairy Women’s Network (DWN), CMK Chartered Accountants, Rural Exchange (MediaWorks) and Figured have teamed up to provide a practical and relatable content programme which will help a NZ dairy farming family to better manage the financial side of their business.Â
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN), CMK Chartered Accountants (CMK), Rural Exchange, MediaWorks and Figured have teamed up to provide a practical and relatable content programme which will help a NZ dairy farming family to better manage the financial side of their business.
The Milking It Project supports New Zealand dairy farmers by offering practical and relatable financial management guidance. Through the real-life journey of New Zealand dairy farmers Addie & Kip and Nicole & Kevin, we will gain a deeper understanding of the daily financial challenges of dairy farming.
Their journeys are be shared through multiple formats focussing on valuable advice, expert insights, and how good financial management can be accessible and achievable. By reducing uncertainty and highlighting the importance of a strong support network, we aim to demonstrate the benefits of teamwork and technology in decision-making.
Our goal is to highlight the importance of farmers having the confidence and tools needed to manage their finances effectively, ensuring both business success and personal well-being. Join us as we build financial resilience in the dairy farming community
Kevin and Nicole are the passionate contract milkers at the heart of Milking It 2.0. Based in the Central Plateau, they’ve been self-employed since 2017 and currently supply Fonterra from the farm they manage. Recognised as the 2023 Central Plateau Share Farmers of the Year, they bring experience, grit, and ambition to every aspect of their business.
While they’ve built a strong foundation on-farm, Kevin and Nicole are the first to admit that financial management is an area they’re ready to strengthen. Early challenges like being caught off guard by a large second-year tax bill, have sparked their drive to deepen their understanding of business finances and build towards their long-term goal of farm ownership.
Currently in discussions to buy equity in their existing farm, the Opperts are focused on growth, savings, and setting themselves up for a secure future. With support from tools like Xero and Figured, and their accountant, they’re excited to be part of the Milking It 2.0 journey.
As proud members of Dairy Women’s Network and active users of partner services including FMG, Ballance, LIC, and SealesWinslow, Kevin and Nicole are eager to learn, share their story, and inspire others working toward their own goals in the dairy industry.
Stay connected with the Milking It Project and follow Kevin and Nicole’s journey as they navigate their first year of dairy farm ownership. You can keep up with their progress through a variety of formats, including podcasts, Audiobooks, videos, blog posts, and social media updates. Our multi-media content will provide regular insights, expert advice, and real-time problem-solving tips. Watch our channels and join us on social media to receive the latest updates and be part of this inspiring journey towards financial resilience in dairy farming.
Meet the team supporting Addie and Kip through their journey within the Milking It Project.
Sally Coombe is a Chartered Accountant with a passion for the dairy industry, drawing from her role as an equity partner in a South Taranaki dairy farm. She specialises in financial and tax planning, budgeting, and assisting clients in achieving growth. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and children, and contributing to their dairy farm.
Andrew, CMK’s strategist, helps clients achieve their goals by developing tailored strategic plans. Raised on a sheep and beef farm in King Country, he specializes in agribusiness and succession planning for farmers nationwide. Despite a busy schedule, he values family time and is dedicated to guiding clients to success.
John Dazley is a seasoned advisor with a passion for supporting agricultural and horticultural clients across New Zealand. Specializing in taxation planning, he assists businesses in maximizing profits and advises on effective trading structures, particularly for family-run enterprises. Outside of work, John is heavily involved in community activities and is a staunch supporter of local not-for-profit organizations, all while balancing family commitments.
Jules Benton brings a unique perspective to her role as CEO of the Dairy Women’s Network, with deep family ties to the dairy industry. Her passion for storytelling and connection drives her commitment to empowering DWN members in their dairy journeys. Outside work, Jules is dedicated to fitness, cherishes time with loved ones, and finds inspiration in the beauty of New Zealand.
Rose is the Learning and Development Coordinator at Dairy Women’s Network and the project lead for the “Milking It” project. With a passion for the dairy industry, Rose is dedicated to supporting New Zealand dairy farmers. Her planning and coordination efforts ensure that all aspects of the project run smoothly and on schedule. Outside of work, Rose finds joy in the great outdoors, especially in sports like surfing and golf, as well as spending time with her dog, Pipi.
Forsyth is Figured’s Head of Marketing. His background in digital is long enough to pre-date Google and he thrives on challenges, specialising in marketing as a lever for business growth. With a long track record of growth, transformation and delivering business results he worked in a wide range of industries before discovering that SaaS was his real passion. A self-described family man, spare time sees him coaching kids rugby, out on his bike, but most likely somewhere out on the Hauraki fishing or diving.
Takumi is a Marketing Manager at Figured, and is supporting the development of the Milking It series. He has a passion for telling stories from the New Zealand agriculture industry and sharing the impactful work that Agri advisors do to grow farming businesses. In his spare time, Takumi enjoys spending time with his family and his dog, River, as well as cooking and playing golf.
As an experienced professional with nearly 30 years media experience across radio, print and digital, Steve has developed a particular set of skills that are readily transferable to any industry. During his time in this dynamic world, lots has changed and evolved and so has he, but his fundamental strengths remain intact. He is a serial hunter, who relishes the thrill of the chase and building strong business relationships.
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Rural radio dedicated to the backbone of New Zealand, and your home for rural and agricultural news and content.
MediaWorks engages and connects our communities across Aotearoa with the country’s leading commercial radio network, more than 5,500 outdoor touchpoints and a cutting-edge digital portfolio.
Figured is a complete crop, livestock and dairy, production tracking, farm accounting, budgeting and forecasting tool that delivers accurate financial data.
CMK has been providing accounting, taxation and business development support to clients for nearly 70 years. CMK takes pride in working closely with its clients at all stages of growth, to structure their business to maximise both profit and efficiency.
This project wouldn’t be possible without the invaluable contributions of all partners: CMK, Figured, DWN, Rural Exchange and MediaWorks. Together, we are committed to helping farmers navigate financial complexities and build resilience through practical, relatable content. Thank you to all our partners for their dedication and support in making this project a reality.
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