Catherine FryCoast & Country writer·Coast & Country News·11 Jul, 2026 05:30 PM5 mins to read‌NZDIA Hauraki Trainee of the Year for 2026 Wil Wilkie works on Brendan and Tessa Hopson’s 600-cow Paeroa dairy farm. Photo / Catherine FryAuckland-born Wil Wilkie never imagined a career in farming growing up – but now the 26‑year‑old is being recognised as one of the industry’s rising stars.

In March, Wilkie was named the 2026 Dairy Industry Awards Trainee of the Year for the Auckland/Hauraki region, taking home $6400 with the Franklin