Haere Mai - Welcome

New Zealand (Aotearoa) is privileged to once again host the IDF World Dairy Summit (WDS) in 2026 as one of the premier events on the global dairy calendar.

The New Zealand Organising Committee will be doing its utmost to ensure that World Dairy Summit in 2026, the third WDS to be held in New Zealand, will be as informative, stimulating and inspiring as the previous summits hosted in 2001 and 2010. We will assemble world class inspirational speakers and expert panels who will present, analyse and debate information, issues and opportunities that will appeal to a wide range of attendees.

Our theme – People, Planet, Economies – will show how dairy nutrition is an essential component of a healthy diet, how dairy farming and milk processing fits into a sustainable future, and the importance of the global dairy industry to the economic wellbeing of numerous communities and countries. In doing so our aim is to both explore the bigger picture and the role played by the IDF.

In addition, we will bring a local New Zealand style to the Summit and include technical visits to farming enterprises, manufacturing facilities and research facilities where attendees will experience how and why the dairy sector is such an important asset to the country.

There will be a wide range of diverse industries present, both local and global, recognising the vital part they play in supporting the global dairy industry.

An extensive social programme will feature the fine wines and food of New Zealand to complement the milk bar and offer visits to destinations that we believe are unsurpassed in the world.

We are sure you will experience an unforgettable and enjoyable IDF World Dairy Summit in New Zealand that will justify the “must attend” challenge.

Andy Williams
Chairman, Organising Committee
IDF World Dairy Summit 2026