The Dairy Women’s Network has appointed Nita Harding as its new general manager.


Harding was formerly a business manager with AsureQuality Limited where she was responsible for business development, strategic and financial planning and reporting, client and stakeholder relationships and compliance for the veterinary services team.


She holds a vet degree from Massey University, a MACVSc in Animal Welfare and an MBA from University of Waikato.


Harding replaces Lynda Clark, who will step down from the general manager position after seven years in the role. Clark will remain on the Network’s trust board. Harding will start in her new role on July 19.


Dairy Women’s Network chair Robyn Clements says the board is delighted to announce the appointment of someone of the calibre of  Harding to the role.


“She brings a strong business management background, including extensive experience in business strategy and finance.


“Her passion for professional development – given the benefits she found from completing her MBA with distinction in 2008 – aligns well with our Network’s plans to continue expanding opportunities for dairying women’s professional development.


“Nita’s networks from working in the primary sector for a number of years are also helpful to our organisation.”


Harding is excited about taking the Network to the next level for the benefit of dairying women throughout New Zealand.


“The Dairy Women’s Network has established itself as the leading organisation for continuing education and professional support for dairying women and has been influential in enabling women in the industry.


“I’m looking forward to putting in place further educational opportunities to empower dairying women. It’s also important our women understand the industry and marketplace they operate in and how they play an important role in the success of New Zealand Inc,” says Harding.


The Dairy Women’s Network also announced changes to its trust board.


One of the founding trustees and former chair, Willy Geck, has stepped down from the board after 11 years of service.


Clements says Geck’s outstanding contribution and leadership to the network has been significant since its inception.


“We will formally farewell her at our annual general meeting in October.”


Additionally, the network has appointed two new trustees to its board: Chris Stevens and Toni Laming.


Stevens has been involved with the Dairy Women’s Network for many years in various leadership roles. She and her husband run a 1500-cow dairying operation on farms at Rotorua and Tirau.


Laming is a former senior executive with Fonterra and held the positions of general manager of international operations and general manager of corporate strategy.