Lara Sutton announced as Co-opted Director on the New Zealand National Fieldays Society Board

11 March 2026

Industry professional Lara Sutton is joining the New Zealand National Fieldays Society Board as a co-opted director.  

With degrees in Law and Accounting, she is also a chartered accountant, qualified solicitor, and experienced dairy farmer. She has extensive experience in the commercial sector and in-depth insight and connections to rural New Zealand.  

In her current role, she is Strategy & Commercial Partnerships Manager for DairyNZ, playing a central part in guiding strategic direction and developing initiatives that support the long‑term success of dairy farming in New Zealand.

Alongside her professional responsibilities, Lara is a herd‑owning sharemilker in the Waikato, where she runs a 300‑cow operation across 138 hectares.  

Sutton joins recently appointed President Graeme Austin and member Sam Williams, who were both appointed at last year’s Annual General Meeting.  

“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Lara as a co-opted Director to the Board,” says Austin.  

“Lara brings a wealth of experience with qualifications in law and accountancy, as well as hands-on farming experience and a passion for New Zealand primary production. The Board is excited about the contribution Lara can make in the future to Fieldays and the other events held at Mystery Creek Events Centre each year.”

Sutton said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the New Zealand National Fieldays Society. As someone who has worked across the food and fibre sector and is passionate about rural communities, I’ve always seen Fieldays as a place where farmers, innovators and industry come together to share ideas and showcase what’s possible for our sector.”

“I am looking forward to contributing to an organisation that plays such an important role in the future of New Zealand agriculture.”

The nine-member board consists of Austin as President, Tim Hale Vice President, members Lynette Pearks, Clinton Gulliver, Jo Finer, Harmen Heesen, Sam Williams, Immediate Past President, Jenni Vernon and Lara Sutton as Co-opted Director.