Mid Canterbury leader recognised at national level

A Mid Canterbury dairy farmer has been named a finalist in a national award recognising grassroots leadership across the sector.

Ashleigh Gordon, of Valetta, is one of two finalists in the 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award, presented by Dairy Women’s Network (DWN).

The winner will be announced at the gala dinner during the organisation’s annual conference on May 5 in Christchurch.

DWN chief executive Jules Benton said the finalists reflected the importance of leadership within rural communities.

“Our volunteer Regional Leaders play a vital role in DWN’s success. They’re the face of DWN in their communities, connecting with and supporting others, and ensuring DWN remains deeply grounded in the realities of rural life,” Benton said.

Gordon said the recognition had come as a surprise, having been in the role for less than a year.

“It’s just humbling really. I certainly don’t do things like this for recognition, so to be named as a finalist was a bit of a surprise,” she said.

The 30-year-old sharemilker, who farms alongside her husband Blake, said stepping into the role had been about timing as much as intent. With two young boys now at school, she felt able to commit properly to the position.

“I just felt like the right time… to be able to put the commitment and dedication in that I would want to,” she said.

Originally from the Waikato, Gordon began her career in dairy goats before moving into dairy cows nine years ago.

 Since relocating to Canterbury, the couple have progressed through the industry and now operate within an equity sharemilking partnership, with long-term goals of farm ownership.

Alongside farming, the family also runs a homekill business, while Gordon remains heavily involved in the local community.

From preschool fundraising committees and toy libraries through to sport and school initiatives, she describes her involvement less as leadership and more as simply being part of how rural communities function.

“If you can put some time and effort into the community in a volunteer role where you’re not expecting anything back, there’s actually a huge reward in it,” she said.

That sense of connection has become central to her role with DWN.

Gordon said creating opportunities for people to step off farm and connect was one of the most rewarding aspects of the position.

“I love creating something for people to be able to get off farms and just enjoy something different… and remember to fill their cup up,” she said.

While she admits public speaking remains outside her comfort zone, the ability to bring people together comes more naturally.

“The part I do find very easy is the connection side of things and bringing people together,” she said.

Gordon also credits the support of her local community, particularly with family based in the North Island, as a key driver in her involvement.

“That’s another big driver on getting involved… to create our own little network here,” she said.

The Dairy Women’s Network itself, she said, played a vital role in strengthening those connections.

“They play a really important role in bringing events to our community… it gives a chance for people to connect, learn and feel supported locally,” she said.

Gordon will attend the DWN conference and gala dinner in Christchurch, where she is looking forward to networking and hearing from guest speakers.

“It’ll be cool to go and just soak in as much as I can,” she said.

Also named as a finalist is North Otago contract milker Leilani Lobb, who has been recognised for her contribution to connecting and supporting farmers through events and leadership initiatives in her region.

The award recipient will receive a scholarship towards a leadership development programme of their choice.