| 79 nzdairy New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards » Nui Fresians Claire’s recent accolade came as a surprise, having placed third in the same category last year before deciding to give it another go. Alexia Anderson A career pivot is paying off for Reporoa dairy farm assistant Claire Swindells who has been named the 2026 Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year. The award, recognised at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, reflects a significant shift away from her original career plans; with a decision to pursue an opportunity in dairying, which has since become a thriving pathway. Her previous plans to study a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in economics were interrupted when she realised an office based career was not for her. She returned to Taupo where she got a job relief milking at Pinta Dairy Unit at Pamu. “I’d never farmed before, but it looked like a cool opportunity and something new to try.” She went on to become dairy assistant at Pinta, which was milking 2100 cows at the time through an 80 bale rotary on 860 effective hectares. Claire says she gained valuable experience, but decided it was time to gain a broader skill set, which led her to Nui Friesians in Reporoa, where she has been working since mid-2024. The 350 cow split calving operation, which milks twice daily year-round, has provided the hands-on experience she was looking for. Claire works alongside contract milkers Reece and Alex Pearce, and farm owners Robin and Annette Broderson. Her role allows her to be involved in all aspects of the farm, broadening her skill set and expertise. Responsibilities include milking, feeding, effluent management, tractor work, fencing and general maintenance, with time also spent on the farm’s 200 hectare support block. “I enjoy working with stock and having farm dogs to work with and tractor driving,” she says, of the many elements of the role that keep her engaged. Claire’s recent accolade came as a surprise, having placed third in the same category last year before deciding to give it another go. “I was stoked. I didn’t expect to win and was super chuffed,” she says. The competition tested a wide range of practical and technical skills, along with industry knowledge. While the interview component proved daunting, and selecting cows for culling during the herd testing challenge pushed her outside her comfort zone, Claire proved she still had what it took to gain top spot. She says the experience taught her a lot, including a range of practical elements and also helped improve her knowledge around the environmental aspects of farming. Claire credits her employers and the farm’s owner for helping her throughout her journey. She has also learned a lot through her Level 3 Primary ITO training and has gained support within Reporoa Young Farmers Club, where she now acts as vice chair. Involved in all aspects of the farm Looking ahead, Claire has set herself some solid goals, including a move to a new farm next season where she will take on more responsibility. She also aims to progress into management, contract milking, and eventually sharemilking and 07 377 6380 | info@bfa.co.nz | www.bfa.co.nz From all of us at BFA, congratulations to CLAIRE SWINDELLS Working on farm owned by Nui Friesians awarded DAIRY TRAINEE OF THE YEAR at the 2026 NZ Dairy Awards – Central Plateau farm ownership. Claire, who is driven by a passion for animal welfare, and the lifestyle dairy farming can offer, remains focused on building on her valuable skills. “I love animals and making sure they’re happy and healthy,” she says. Her desire to follow her dreams and take opportunities have ultimately paid off, setting her on a path toward a rewarding and successful career in dairying.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=