Cheyenne Wilson’s career is characterised by her unique perspective and diverse thought, which she brings to New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. Her experience spans multiple facets of the industry, from hands-on farming roles to governance and advisory positions. She shared her farming origin story with Farmers Weekly and what inspires her to keep motivated in a sometimes challenging industry.
Born and raised in Southland, I whakapapa to Tūhoe and Ngāti Awa. I grew up in the small coal mining and shearing town of Ohai in Western Southland.
My farming roots run deep. My parents met in the shearing sheds before my father retired his handpiece and began working on sheep and beef properties around the area.
As a child, I attended Ohai Primary School before it closed, necessitating a shift to schools in nearby townships. Drawing on my parents’ example, I developed a strong work ethic early on, delivering newspapers from the age of 12, working in the local shop after school, and assisting my father on farms during school holidays.
Despite growing up on farms, in high school I was strongly encouraged not to pursue a career in the sector due to my family’s lack of farm ownership, but I naturally found myself gravitating towards various farm jobs.
I started in shearing sheds as a rousey and eventually juggled four different jobs, including calf rearing.
Over the years I witnessed significant changes to my hometown’s landscape, from underground mines transitioning to opencast mining, followed by the closure of the local mine. This period also saw a decrease in sheep numbers and the expansion of dairy farming in the area.
In 2013, dairy farmers Kevin and Wendy Dixon offered me my first full-time job, as a dairy farm assistant on their newly converted 1200-cow farm, sparking my interest in dairy farming. Encouraged and supported by the Dixons, I undertook various PrimaryITO courses, which helped solidify my career choice.
I worked on this property for three years before moving to Mid Canterbury for growth opportunities. There I served as an assistant manager on two properties over two seasons, during which I placed as runner-up in the Dairy Trainee of the Year in Canterbury North Otago, receiving two merit awards. In 2018, I was also a finalist in the Young Māori Farmer of the Year.
Receiving recognition in these awards was incredibly validating for me. To be acknowledged for the hard work and dedication I had put into the roles I served in the industry was a boost to my confidence. The awards were an opportunity to recognise those who had supported me in my career journey. These accolades opened doors for further opportunities and reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in the food and fibre sector.
In 2018, I took on my first farm manager role on a 600-cow farm in Culverden. I saw this as the next step in my career path and a chance to apply my skills and knowledge in a leadership position. However, I really struggled in this position, experiencing clinical depression due to being away from my support network in Mid Canterbury and facing a tough season.
This challenging period forced me to re-evaluate my career in the industry, and I stepped back from full-time farming to study at Lincoln University. After three and a half years studying full time and working I completed a Bachelor of Environment and Society.
During this time I was fortunate to find a supportive farm owner, Tony Dodunski. I rented a house on his farm and worked there while studying. In this supportive environment, I took on the role of young-stock manager, which helped rebuild my confidence and passion for the industry. My experience in the industry was noticed and appreciated, as I was approached for my insights and opinions on procedures being implemented in the dairy shed, despite not being in the dairy shed often.
Before completing my studies, I transitioned into a corporate role in the Bay of Plenty to be closer to my whānau and whenua. I spent a year in this position, gaining insights into the corporate world and refining my values. Manaakitanga is central to my approach, as I believe in caring for people and recognising the unique contributions each person brings to organisations and the industry. I demonstrate this by showing up with kai and hosting both formal and informal events.
Tino rangatiratanga is also important to me; I seek roles that allow me to be my authentic self, embracing all parts of my identity and experiences. Additionally, kaitiakitanga guides my actions, ensuring I take every practical step to care for all aspects of Te Taiao.
Throughout my career I actively supported rural communities through various voluntary roles in the industry. This has always been a passion of mine. I have previously held multiple roles across club, center and regional netball; multiple roles in New Zealand Young Farmers; and been a regional leader for Dairy Women’s Network. I was also the chair of He Tātai Rangahua, the Food and Fibre Youth Council. I have shared my experiences and journey in the industry on multiple platforms to encourage rangatahi (young people) to pursue careers in the industry.
In early 2023, I started my own farm advisory business, Te Kaharangi Hono, allowing me to take on contracts closely aligned with these passions, while maintaining close ties with family and friends. I now hold multiple governance roles in the food and fibre sector, including trustee for the farmer-led charity Meat the Need and a board member of Muka Tangata, The People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council, and the Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Education. I am also a Farmstrong ambassador.
My journey from a small town in Southland to becoming a leader in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is a testament to my resilience, dedication and passion for the industry and the support I received along the way.
I hope my story inspires others, especially young wahine, to pursue careers in the food and fibre sector and contribute to the industry’s sustainable future.
My whakapapa and upbringing in Te Ao Māori and in a rural community gifted me with a deep cultural perspective that enriches my contributions to the sector. This is also why my work emphasises the importance of sustainability, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural values.
Currently, I’m participating in the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, where my research focuses on identifying the tools and mechanisms needed for rangatahi to thrive in the food and fibre sector. Through this participation, I hope to further hone my ability to influence and shape the future of the industry.
The programme allows me to collaborate with other industry leaders, share insights, and learn from the experiences of others. My research and initiatives are geared towards creating pathways for young Māori to enter and succeed in the food and fibre sector, addressing barriers, and fostering a supportive environment for their growth.
My vision for the industry’s future is rooted in inclusivity and empowerment. By leveraging my diverse experiences and insights, I hope to shape a more equitable and vibrant future for New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
More: The Farmers Weekly Rural Living series highlights the rich diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rural communities, farming families and contributions to the food and fibre sector.
