Our New Zealand Judges

Shane, along with his wife Lynnette, are the owners of Gold Creek Charolais and Deer farm, Ongaha Gold, an extensive sheep beef and dairy operation west of Martinborough, and a dairy farm in Kaikoura, South Island. They are also founders of Five Rivers Medical integrated medical facility in the South Wairarapa.

Lynley, along with her husband Matt, own and operate Spring Valley Enterprises Ltd, a 2400ha sheep and beef farming operation in the Wairarapa.

Will has led diverse businesses across different industries, all with technology at their core. He is Group Leader, APAC for Cultura Technologies, a specialist agri-food software group, and has long encouraged emerging leaders through internships, scholarships and graduate programs.

Meagen is the 2025 New Zealand Award Winner and as part of her professional development, she is a judge for the 2027 Award. Maegen is a 25-year-old Operations Manager at family-owned Mills Bay Mussels in Marlborough.