16 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Alastair Neville Alastair Neville and his fiancée Tamzyn. Karen Phelps Reporoa farmers Alastair Neville and his fiancée Tamzyn are combining their passion for dairy farming with industry leadership, taking on key roles within Rotorua/Taupo Federated Farmers alongside successfully operating their 150-hectare family farm. At the organisation’s recent AGM in May, Alastair stepped up to the Dairy Chair role after several years serving as Sharefarmer Chair and Tamzyn has now taken on the Sharefarmer Chair position, marking a natural progression in their advocacy journey. “I wanted to gain insight into the Federated Farmers side of the industry and advocacy, getting to know what happens in the background of the dairy industry,” says Alastair Neville, whose involvement with industry organisations dates back to 2008 when he joined Massey Young Farmers as a member and events officer. In his new role as Dairy Chair, Alastair is focusing particularly on staff training and retention within the dairy sector. He has already helped facilitated workshops through Federated Farmers including a contract milking and sharemilkers session in Reporoa that brought together farmers and those looking to advance in the industry. “Dairy farming is forever changing and it’s an area we need to work on,” says Alastair. “The skill level and requirements are forever changing and shifting. So it’s making sure people are brought up to speed and well looked after. We do great at attracting people to the industry but we need to keep them.” He advocates for policy changes that make employment processes more accessible, particularly around migrant workers. “Employment and HR, especially with migrant workers, you often require professionals to assist now. So it’s making sure this stays relatively affordable for employers. It all starts with good policy and education for employers around hiring and training staff,” says Alastair. Tamzyn’s transition to Sharefarmer Chair builds on her experience as Rotorua/Taupo secretary last year. “It’s a good progression to move to sharefarmer chair. I have been learning a lot,” she says. Focusing particularly on staff training They say their work with Federated Farmers provides direct benefits to their own farming operation. “It gives us really good insight into what happens within the industry and throughout the rest of the country. We get to listen to other farmers’ ideas, successes and challenges,” explains Alastair. The couple’s commitment to industry involvement was recognised at the 2025 Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year competition where they won the Industry Involvement merit award for their significant contribution to the wider agricultural community. “It meant a lot to win that award. It reiterated the time and commitment we put into things over the years and showed that there is more to farming than being inside the farm gate. There is a lot of stuff that happens in the greater industry and it’s a great way to learn and create good networks,” explains Alastair. The couple currently milks 315 Friesian cows under a 50/50 sharemilking contract on the Neville family farm which has been in the family since the early 1950’s when Alastair’s grandfather received it as a WW2 ballot farm. Alastair took over the farm while he was studying for his Agri-Science degree at Massey University. A significant change came three years ago with the investment in Halter collar technology, which has revolutionised their farming practices. It’s saved time, reduced the need for another labour unit, reduced animal health issues and the virtual fencing technology has also improved reproductive performance. Another big change has been their first child, Alastair junior, just a few months old. “It’s been really neat, he’s a little character and hopefully the start of my retirement plan,” jokes Alastair. The couple is now planning for a 2027 wedding and considering the transition from sharemilking to farm ownership to achieve their next two life goals. Gerard Hansen Licensed Immigration Adviser 021 770 132 gerard@alpinenz.co.nz alpineirnz.co.nz Need help with your employment needs? Get In Touch. Not just residential building... From milking, implement and pole sheds to effluent systems, feed pads & bunkers, and vat silo stands. Trust the builder with extensive rural build experience.
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