Donna Griggs

Donna Griggs, farms in Ruawai, Kaipara up in Northland. She has been heavily involved in her community for over a decade, working for and leading fundraising committees, the Waipu Playcentre and the local school’s parent-teacher association while her children were attending.

With three adult children having left the farm, and three teenagers, Donna now focuses on 50/50 sharemilking 900 cows on the Ruawai Flats with her husband, and volunteers as Regional Leader and Coast to Coast Business Group Leader for Dairy Women’s Network.

Donna also hosts DairyNZ discussion groups on their farm and organises industry workshops for local farm teams to build their knowledge.

She strives to support and encourage the wellbeing of others.

Donna’s style of leadership is to lead by example. She is people-focused and attuned to the needs of those around her; this, combined with her strong values, allows her to offer the right guidance and opportunities to build up her community by strengthening the individual and forming solid connections. Donna makes an impact with everything she does. 

– Judges Panel