B+LNZ Regional Delivery Plan 2026: Western North Island

Learn what extension activities we have planned for the Western North Island (WNI), powered by your local Farmer Council and regional team. These plans are designed to build a sustainable, resilient and confident farming community. 

image of field day in Western North Island. Farmers are looking at an item on the ground.

Your WNI B+LNZ Farmer Council 

  • Lachlan Hopkins (Chair)
  • Andrew Bendall (Deputy Chair)
  • Andrew Kirk
  • Bevan Proffit
  • Dan Leary
  • David Turner
  • George Hardwick-Smith
  • Hayden MacDonald
  • Laura Morrison
  • Patrick Henderson
  • Sam O’Fee 

Your B+LNZ Regional Team 

What we're focused on

Our extension activities are built around five key focus areas for WNI.

Innovation
Exploring technology, genetics and farm systems that improve efficiency and future farm performance. 		 People
Developing leadership, capability and sector-wide development opportunities that help farmers and farming teams navigate change and build resilient businesses. 		 Farm fundamentals
Building confidence in the core skills, knowledge and practices that underpin productive farming businesses. Production and performance knowledge underpin farm viability, with a focus on practical learning and consistent messaging. 
Finances
Strengthening financial literacy, benchmarking and business decision-making. 		 Connection
Connection sits across everything we do, helping strengthen learning, wellbeing and thriving rural communities. 
 		  

How we’re delivering for farmers 

Focus Groups 

Small-group learning programmes designed to help farmers apply new ideas and build confidence.

Areas of focus include:

  • Financial performance and benchmarking.
  • Farm system change.
  • Innovation and technology adoption.
  • Succession and business transitions.
  • Farmer-led learning and practical problem-solving.

Learn more about B+LNZ Focus Groups.

B+LNZ Hub Farm 

The Whanganui Hub Farm provides farmers with opportunities to see practical farm management, productivity and farm systems in action. Regular field days allow farmers to compare approaches, discuss ideas and build confidence in adopting proven practices on their own farms. 

Field days and demonstration events 

A programme of practical on-farm events showcasing proven approaches, new technologies and farmer-led learning.

Featured topics include:

  • Artificial intelligence and farm software.
  • Wearables and EID technology.
  • Drones and water monitoring technology.
  • Genetics, breeding decisions and parasite resistance.
  • Farm systems and resilience.
  • Technology in action on commercial farms.

See all upcoming B+LNZ events on the B+LNZ event calendar. 

Workshops and skills development 

Farmers will have access to practical workshops designed to strengthen farm fundamentals, build people capability and improve business performance.

Topics include:

  • Feed budgeting and pasture management.
  • Parasite management and drench resistance.
  • Farm planning and production fundamentals.
  • Leadership and team management.
  • Employer excellence.
  • Gen Next and emerging leader development.
  • Shepherds to Shareholders.
  • Benchmarking and financial performance.
  • Cashflow forecasting and enterprise analysis.
  • Investment literacy. 

View upcoming local events on B+LNZ event calendar.

Community and collaboration 

Building stronger rural communities through:

  • A&P Show and Central District Field Days engagement.
  • National Lamb Day activities.
  • Ladies' and men's events.
  • AgInnovation event.
  • School and youth engagement activities.
  • Farmer networking opportunities.