From her early childhood days to becoming a significant contributor to the industry, Isabelle Coates’s journey through New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is testament to the power of passion, mentorship and leadership.
Her story also highlights how opportunities and industry role models can shape career paths and fuel commitment to the sector’s growth and sustainability.
Growing up on a lifestyle block in Kaikōura, Coates was immersed in agriculture from a young age.
“I spent a lot of time outdoors, helping out with the animals. That’s where my love for farming really began.”
Her interest deepened through hands-on experiences, particularly in rearing calves, and was further fuelled by her work on sheep and beef properties around Kaikōura during her school years.
Attending Garin College in Nelson, Coates was one of only two students in her year group interested in the food and fibre sector.
Despite the school’s urban setting and lack of agriculture courses, her passion for the industry continued to grow. Encouraged by her mother, she pursued further education, finding a perfect blend of her interests in agriculture, food technology and business through the Agribusiness and Food Marketing Degree at Lincoln University.
Her practical work experience at Muzzle Station, where she fell in love with the high-country lifestyle, further solidified her career path.
Inspirational women who inspired Coates to pursue career opportunities in the food and fibre sector include Kaikoura farmer Heather Gilbert and Muzzle Station owner Fiona Redfern.
Gilbert was one of the first to let Coates on her farm and had created a lifestyle for herself farming. Redfern was “a great supportive boss” who ignited her passion for the sheep and beef industry in particular.
Coates said watching these women succeeding in the agriculture sector inspired her to keep pursuing her own goals.
Her early work experience with James Mcfarlane at South Pacific Meats, focusing on human resources and health and safety, was pivotal to her career path.
“Working in HR and health and safety opened my eyes to the challenges of keeping skilled people in the industry,” she said, highlighting the critical importance of attraction and retention – a theme that would resonate throughout her career.
Coates completed a Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme focusing on the Retention of Rangatahi in the Red Meat Sector in 2022. Coates made great memories and connections through the programme. This experience led to an opportunity working at PGG Wrightson Seeds where she learnt a lot about the different departments of the organisation.
Coates’s commitment to fostering community support among young professionals is exemplified by her involvement with New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF).
Starting with Lincoln Young Farmers in 2017, she quickly made her mark, holding roles such as vice-chair of Wellington City Young Farmers.
Coates said having access to the Young Farmers network was instrumental in creating opportunities for both her personal and professional growth.
“[Young Farmers is great for] connecting with people passionate about producing high-quality food and fibre, growing personally and professionally, competing in events and giving back to the community,” she said.
“I could wholeheartedly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without NZYF.”
Returning the favour, Coates played a key role in starting a new Young Farmers club in the Tasman region. She believes there needs to be a greater emphasis on the importance of networking and support for young professionals in the sector.
“It was important to create a space where young people could connect and support each other.
“Young Farmers play a pivotal role in young people’s careers in the food and fibre sector. For those people moving to new areas and starting new jobs young farmers is an important network to have,” she said.
Coates’s drive for knowledge and her commitment to growing the food and fibre sector has seen her take on diverse roles over the years.
“I’ve always been driven by the idea of making a tangible impact,” she said.
“The projects I’ve been involved with are all about building a better future for the industry.”
Currently working as engagement and partnerships manager at Muka Tangata, her career is marked by continuous learning and active participation in the industry.
Over the years, she attended numerous conferences and workshops, always seeking knowledge and building connections. She has been involved in notable projects, such as the Primary Industry Capability Alliance Teachers Day Out, and the development of leadership micro-credentials in forestry. She is also a champion for farmer-founded charity, Meat the Need.
“Education is key – whether it’s through formal qualifications or practical workshops, learning never stops in this industry.”
Mentorship has been crucial in Coates’s journey, with figures like Nic Lees, a senior lecturer at Lincoln University, and Susan Stokes, former education facilitator with DairyNZ, profoundly impacting her career. Their guidance has shaped her professional path and fostered her leadership skills. She credits much of her success to the support and wisdom of these mentors, who have provided her with valuable insights and the confidence to pursue her ambitions.
“Having mentors who believed in me and pushed me to achieve more has made all the difference,” she said.
Passionate about ensuring the food and fibre sector remains vibrant and inclusive, Coates is dedicated to developing leadership and training initiatives for the now and next generation.
“The sector is evolving, and it’s crucial that we bring everyone along for the ride.”
Looking ahead, Coates is focused on continuing to contribute to the sector’s development, with a strong emphasis on attraction and retention.
“Thinking back on projects I’ve been involved with or the research I have done I see synergies and alignments and it keeps pushing me further in the direction of attraction and retention.”
More: The Farmers Weekly Rural Living series highlights the rich diversity and people of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rural communities, farming families and contributions to the food and fibre sector.
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