New North Waikato/Hauraki region to strengthen dairy awards for the future

September 4, 2026

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) has introduced a new North Waikato/Hauraki region, following an adjustment to the boundary between the former Auckland/Hauraki and Waikato regions.

The adjustment creates a more balanced structure across two of the country's most active dairying areas. It is designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability of both regions and to better reflect where dairy farming happens today.

Over recent years the former Auckland/Hauraki region has faced challenges, including land-use change and lower entrant numbers and thus an increasing reliance on a smaller group of volunteers to run the awards programme.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Waikato region has continued to grow to become one of the programme's largest regions, with high entrant numbers, a strong volunteer base and solid sponsorship support.

Adjusting the boundary gives both regions a large dairying base of potential entrants, strong committee succession and sponsorship opportunity, helping to continue the work behind the NZDIA awards programme.

The new North Waikato/Hauraki region takes in the Morrinsville farming district, and continues to include the Franklin and South Auckland districts, which remain an important part of the region. The name North Waikato/Hauraki was chosen to better reflect the region’s area.

NZDIA Trust Chair Paulette Johns says the boundary change is about setting both regions up to thrive for years to come.

“Dairy farming has evolved, and our regions need to evolve with it. By adjusting the boundary and bringing in the Morrinsville district, we're creating two strong, sustainable regions that better support the farmers, volunteers and sponsors who make these awards what they are,” she says.

“We acknowledge farmers in the Franklin and South Auckland areas value the region's dairy farming identity, and they remain an incredibly important and valued part of our awards programme.”

The boundary adjustment and name change follows consultation with current and former regional managers, committees, regional stakeholders and national sponsors.

“We're grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation. This was a considered decision, made with the future of the programme in mind,” says NZDIA National Committee Chair Maegan Legg says.

“At its heart, this programme is about opportunity. This change is about making sure those opportunities stay strong and fair right across the country, so that no matter which region a farmer is in, they have the same chance to take part, be recognised and grow.

"This also strengthens the volunteer base, which is such an integral part of what makes this programme work. Many of our volunteers are former entrants themselves, people who came through the awards and now give back by helping run them. Without strong numbers, we simply couldn't do what we do for the sector."

For entrants, the things that matter most are unchanged; the categories, judging and national sponsor benefits all continue as they are. Entries for the 2027 Awards open on October 5, with the new regional boundary structure in place.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors ASB, CowManager, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC and Power Farming, along with industry partners Fonterra, DairyNZ and The Country.

Click here to access the regional map and zoom in to check the detail.

FAQ's

The NZ Dairy Industry Awards has made a change to the boundary between the Auckland/Hauraki and Waikato regions, and introduced a new region: North Waikato/Hauraki.

What’s changing?

We’ve adjusted the boundary between the former Auckland/Hauraki and Waikato regions and introduced a new region name – North Waikato/Hauraki. The Morrinsville farming district now sits within this region.

Why has the boundary changed?

To strengthen both regions for the long term. Over recent years the former Auckland/Hauraki region faced challenges, including land-use change that led to lower entrant numbers and an increasing reliance on a small group of volunteers to run the awards programme. Meanwhile, the neighbouring Waikato region had grown to become one of the programme's largest, with high entrant numbers, a strong volunteer base and solid sponsorship support.

Adjusting the boundary gives both regions a large dairying base of potential entrants, strong committee succession and sponsorship opportunity.

Why include the Morrinsville district?

Morrinsville brings a significant dairy farming area. It gives the North Waikato/Hauraki region a larger, more active dairying base and stronger foundations for the future.

Are farmers in Franklin and South Auckland still part of the region?

Yes. The North Waikato/Hauraki region still covers these areas and the farming community remains a valued part of the programme.

Why was “Auckland” removed from the region’s name?

The new name reflects the region’s expanded dairy footprint, particularly the addition of Morrinsville, and where the majority of dairying in the region now sits.

Was there consultation?

There was consultation with current and former regional managers, committees, regional stakeholders and national sponsors. Participants were encouraged to explore a range of options, and there was broad support for the boundary change.

Who made the decision?

The change was recommended by the National Committee and approved by the NZ Dairy Industry Awards Trust, following the consultation process.

When does the change take effect?

The new regional structure takes effect for the 2027 Awards programme.

Does this affect my entry, category or judging?

No. Categories, judging and the entry process are unchanged. The only difference is the regional boundary and name.

Does it affect sponsors?

National sponsorship benefits remain unchanged. For regional sponsors, the revised boundaries create new opportunities to connect with a larger dairying community.