Kris Wilson

For Kris Wilson, farming is not just a job. It is a high-stakes environment where he thrives on the challenge of "living by the sword." Kris is a leader who believes in testing boundaries every single day. He is driven by a simple but powerful mantra. 

When asked what gets him out of bed in the morning, Kris points to two distinct drivers. The first is his family, specifically his partner and children, who act as his fundamental purpose. The second is the adrenaline of the farm itself. He enjoys the intensity of life on the farm where things can go really good or really bad very fast. This pressure to perform is exactly where he wants to be, working alongside the top farms in the industry. 

Among Pāmu values, Kris relates most strongly to Shoulder-to-Shoulder. His approach to leadership is proven by the loyalty of his team. Despite encouraging his staff to look for new opportunities and give other roles a go, his team remains tight-knit and reluctant to leave. This loyalty stems from a supportive culture where everyone looks out for one another. 

This shoulder-to-shoulder approach extends beyond his immediate team to the outer circle of Moutoa Dairy Complex, helping others out when times are hard or staff are away on leave.

For Kris, excellence requires good structures, forward planning, and removing the guesswork. He operates with clear pathways and actionable steps so that the team always knows how they are tracking. 

He believes that clarity is essential for a high-performing unit. 

Kris feels a strong connection to the land. His view on Te Ao Māori in the workplace is grounded in a practical guardianship of the environment. 

                                                       "Look after the land." 

This focus on the land has led to significant recognition. One of his best moment came at the Dairy Awards when he won the pasture award, both individually and for the complex. As he puts it simply, he "loves his grass." This structured approach has also led to success in culture, with his team securing the Wellbeing Hauora Award, a recognition that makes him incredibly proud. 

Kris has clear ambitions for his future with Pāmu. In five years, he sees himself moving into contract milking for the business or potentially running one of the Pāmu farms in Taupō. Until then, he continues to push for greatness, ensuring his team is happy, the pasture is thriving, and the standards remain high.