New Zealand Study Tour
Building global perspective and leadership for the future.
The Gardiner Foundation New Zealand Study Tour is an annual program that offers emerging dairy leaders a unique opportunity to explore global dairy systems, connect with peers and industry leaders, and grow their leadership potential.
Delivered with the support of the Australian Dairy Conference (ADC) and the Australian Dairy Products Federation (ADPF), the eight-day tour visits leading dairy operations across New Zealand’s South Island, one of the world’s most productive and progressive dairying regions.
The tour has been part of Gardiner’s long-standing commitment to investing in people and developing leadership capability across the Victorian dairy industry and beyond.
Key Aims of the Tour
The tour is designed to:
- Facilitate strong networks between young dairy professionals and key industry stakeholders
- Increase exposure to diverse dairy systems and on-farm innovation
- Explore the real-world challenges facing New Zealand dairy
- Showcase global industry models and leadership pathways
- Strengthen participants’ leadership skills and inspire future engagement in the industry
Leadership development is central to the program. Throughout the tour, participants engage with leaders across the NZ dairy sector and are expected to apply their learnings through active involvement in leadership roles within the dairy industry and dairy communities upon return.
Applications are now open for the 2026 tour
Applications open Thursday 16 October 2025 and close at 5:00PM (AEDT) Monday 17 November 2025.
Key Details
- Tour duration: 8 days
- Location: South Island, New Zealand
- Timing: Mid-to-late March (dates TBC)
- Eligibility:
- Be aged between 20-40 years.
- Hold a current Australian passport (or ensure you have a valid passport by time of ticket bookings in December 2025).
- Be available for travel around mid to late March 2026 (dates to be confirmed).
- Participate in pre tour induction and networking activities (on-line and/or in-person).
- Have been employed (full time or part time) within the dairy industry – either on or off-farm, for at least the past two years.
- Agree to abide by the tour group code of conduct.
- Agree to proactively engage in future activities with Gardiner Foundation and Australian Dairy Conference.
- Utilise leadership skills upon return by undertaking leadership roles in the dairy industry and/or dairy communities.
Note: Applications will be accepted from all dairying regions across Australia. Given Gardiner Foundation’s remit to invest in the Victorian dairy industry and communities a majority of participants selected will come from Victoria. While the tour is fully funded there may be certain aspects of which participants will have to cover their own costs e.g. getting to and from Melbourne Tullamarine airport where the tour will begin and conclude.
To apply, download the following form(s) and email all documentation to Ashley.rosewarne@gardinerfoundation.com.au