Janine Swansson

From plantain to pouring rain, Janine’s 30+ years at DairyNZ have yielded significant highs and challenges – but this passionate dairy advocate wouldn’t have it any other way.

“A real highlight has been being a part of the award-winning Tararua Plantain project, which informs the National SFFF Plantain Potency and Practice Programme. I’ve also been working across the most challenging circumstances, after Cyclone Gabrielle hit the Hawkes Bay area in February 2023.

“I’ve witnessed the strength and tenacity of our farmers and fellow sector colleagues. It’s a privilege to help farmers across every aspect of their business, using DairyNZ’s wealth of science-backed knowledge and tools to support or enhance the development of successful farming businesses.

“Those businesses are holistically complex in nature. Being across every aspect of them, every day, can be a huge load alongside day-to-day practical farming. Our support for dairy farmers is also about acknowledging the good they’re already achieving in and around that.”

Janine says working with rural professionals and others in the sector also helps avoid and reduce duplication.

“Advocacy and collaboration work well, creating benefits and opportunities for farming businesses. We also draw on other sector strengths to create positive outcomes, and come together to provide solutions in times of adverse events, such as Cyclone Gabrielle.”

A born and bred dairy farmer, Janine loves animals, land and water – and combining farming with business.

“The teams I work with at DairyNZ are truly passionate about the success of dairy farmers today and into the future. We do what we do because we care, want to celebrate the great work of our sector, and progress a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming.”

• Find out more about DairyNZ’s other Lower North Island regional team members.
• Check out our nationwide regional teams.