Leonie Guiney - Director

Leonie Guiney graduated from Massey University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and brings more than 35 years of experience in the New Zealand dairy industry. Her early career included consulting roles across Taranaki, Canterbury, and Ireland, followed by lecturing in Dairy Production at Lincoln University. She has also facilitated programmes in investment principles and strategic planning in Ireland and for BNZ in New Zealand.

Together with her husband Kieran and their four children, Leonie has built a diversified dairy farming business across six dairy farms—four irrigated Canterbury operations and two dryland farms in Canterbury and Rai Valley—supported by multiple dairy support units. Their business also includes three 50/50 sharemilking couples, three variable order couples, and one managing couple, reflecting Leonie’s commitment to developing people and supporting profitable careers in dairy.

Leonie served nine years as an elected farmer director on the Fonterra Board. She chaired the Risk Committee and contributed to the Audit & Risk, Divestment, Cooperative Relations, People Culture & Safety, and Capital Structure committees. She is a strong advocate for cooperative structures and farmer‑governed models, with a particular focus on ensuring NZ dairy farmers remain globally competitive.