42 | nzdairy Hine with Mapuche Delegation (Argentina) 25 May 2026. Karen Phelps An authentic leadership style, with a strong focus on people, whenua and long term outcomes has secured Hinehou Timutimu the title of 2026 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year. The award was recently announced at the Dairy Women’s Network 2026 Conference, where Hine was recognised for her work through Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust. She was also acknowledged for her commitment to kaupapa Maori-led approaches in farming, environmental restoration and community development. Hine, who serves as general manager of the trust, says receiving the award came as a surprise, along with “deep humility and gratitude”. “The recognition reflects not just my own efforts, but the collective work of Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust, our whanau, and the wider network of partners we work alongside.” She views the honour as recognition of Maori-led approaches within the agricultural sector, rather than an individual achievement. At Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust, Hine leads strategic planning, partnerships and delivery across a range of whenua based initiatives, including the Whenua Ora programme, Paekoau Stream restoration project and climate resilience initiatives. Her role regularly involves balancing governance, operational management and stakeholder engagement, while also continuing her own studies through the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and a postgraduate commerce qualification through Lincoln University. Hine says her journey into dairy farming has always been grounded in whakapapa and responsibility to whenua. “Dairy became a platform to realise aspirations Focus on people, whenua and positive results DAIRY PEOPLE » Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust for intergenerational sustainability, economic resilience, and cultural restoration,” she says. “Over time, it has evolved into a broader systems approach - integrating western science base models with te ao Maori matauranga. A strong focus on reconnecting people to whenua, wai and whakapapa continues to drive her work, particularly through educational resources and wananga designed to support future generations. She credits the generations who came before her for the way she has shaped her career and for her leadership style. Her parents, grandparents and extended family have been her greatest mentors. “I was shown from a very young age that our role as a wahine, a nurturer, a mender and healer requires grace, humility and the agility to move between spaces and step into different roles without complexity, but with purpose.” Dairy Women’s Network trustee and lead judge Jenna Smith recognised Hine’s leadership style, noting it was “authentic and anchored in purpose”. “Hine leads by example, makes decisions clearly, and consistently demonstrates her ability to bring people along with her - whether she’s rolling up her sleeves, planting out a stream bank or setting and implementing strategy.” Jenna says Hine did not seek recognition or status, but instead focused on progressing outcomes for women and the dairy sector. Fellow judge and group director of Fonterra Farm Source Anne Douglas says Hine’s ability to combine matauranga Maori with modern farming practices reflected the type of leadership needed within the sector. “Her commitment to people, to land, and to the next generation of farmers is truly inspiring.” Looking ahead, Hine hopes to continue Electrical Installations and Repairs Proud to support Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust Farm Services & Cowsheds • Effluent & Irrigation Systems Commercial & Domestic Wiring 027 531 2549 Hinehou Your strength is your power Ko tō kaha, tōmana 189 The Strand, Whakatāne E: info@goldsmithsca.co.nz WWW.GOLDSMITHSCA.CO.NZ hello@plainsirrigators.co.nz strengthening Te Tawa Kaiti Lands Trust as a model for Maori-led agricultural systems while building capability within future generations. Her leadership philosophy remains guided by the saying: “Ka ora ai te whenua, ka ora ai te tangata - when the land thrives, the people will prosper”.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=