Highlights from Meat Business Women NZ's Dunedin event, New Zealand

More than 60 women from Auckland to Invercargill working in New Zealand’s red meat industry gathered at Dunedin’s Silver Fern Farm office as part of a Meat Business Women NZ networking event.

Attendees heard from Silver Fern Farms’ Bronwyn Cairns (Site Manager – Waitane plant) and Catrina Rowe (Sustainability Manager).

Cairns, who worked through the ranks during 30 years at the Silver Fern Farms Waitane plant, shared her story that centres around people and whānau.

Bronwyn started her journey as a laboratory technician, moving into a technical officer role, then compliance manager, then production manager’s role before being appointed to her current role.

“For me, there isn’t a day that I don’t want to go to work, and that’s because of the people I get to work with. My team inspires and motivates me, and we have an amazing culture on the site and a resilient and resourceful workforce.

“Looking after your people and having a willingness to learn will get you far in our sector.

“I have been well supported in my role and the wider group support from all areas in the business is invaluable to running a plant,” she says.

Rowe took another route into the red meat industry having held various roles in media, climate advocacy and sustainable development, which has seen her located in Wellington, Cook Islands and Fiji before settling in Dunedin.

Rowe shared her advice for those entering the industry, she says “It is important to stay connected to what’s important to you and the change you can create.”

“If there is a door open – take the opportunity and don’t second guess it.”

“I’ve also learned not to underestimate the importance of listening, humility and good manners in the workplace,” she says.

Meat Business Women NZ Chair Abigail Delaney says having so many incredible wahine in the room engaging in essential conversations, reinforced the importance of having a network to support women working in New Zealand’s red meat industry.

“It is fantastic to see there is an appetite to connect and grow within the industry. We look forward to hosting more of these in-person events around Aotearoa in working with supportive and passionate organisations like Silver Fern Farms.”

Silver Fern Farms sponsored the Meat Business Women NZ Dunedin networking event with the next event planned for the end of July in Christchurch. More details will be released shortly on the official Meat Business Women website here.

Thank you to Silver Fern Farms for sponsoring the event, and to the Meat Business Women New Zealand’s Territory Partners Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc and the Meat Industry Association.

Become a member of Meat Business Women here