Locals Brooke Hewett from Tongala and Jamie Collins from Dingee were selected to participate in the program.
Beginning in Christchurch, the group will visit dairy farms, research facilities and businesses across Canterbury and Southland, focusing on innovation, sustainability and leadership within the industry.
Throughout the tour, participants will gain first‑hand insights into New Zealand’s pasture‑based dairy systems and hear directly from farmers, scientists and industry leaders about how the sector is responding to challenges such as climate change, market volatility and environmental expectations
The Gardiner Foundation has been running study tours in New Zealand since 2008, supported by the Australian Dairy Conference, Australian Dairy Products Federation and Australian Dairy Farmers.
Gardiner Foundation chief executive Allan Cameron said the tour allowed participants to broaden their knowledge of the global industry, while developing key leadership skills.
“The New Zealand Study Tour gives participants the chance to step outside their own farming systems and learn from a globally recognised dairy industry,” Mr Cameron said.
“Experiences like this help build the leadership capability our industry needs by connecting people, ideas and innovation.”
The program is designed to build leadership capability across the dairy industry by exposing emerging leaders to new ideas, systems and perspectives.
The 2026 tour is led by Gardiner Foundation people and community development projects co-ordinator Ashley Rosewarne, with experienced dairy industry leader Chris Griffin facilitating the program.
By connecting people, ideas and innovation, the Gardiner Foundation New Zealand Study Tour continues to play a key role in developing confident, capable leaders for the future of the dairy industry.
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