“In agriculture in New Zealand, women are definitely underrepresented in the management and leadership pipeline.” -Kristi Wright (class of 2014)

Kristi Wright stepped into the role of Fairlight Foundation's Executive Director on 1 September 2026.

The mission of the Fairlight Foundation is "to foster and support the career advancement of women in the agriculture industry in New Zealand."

Fairlight provides on-farm internships that deliver practical, personal, and professional skills, as well as knowledge-based training to build confidence, competence, and expertise.

Fran McLachlan, who teaches in the Science Department at WHS and also runs a farm, said Wright and her partner have done a lot for the community, including organising a potluck for local farmers. "She's a real doer," McLachlan shared.

In addition to growing capable, self-assured farming professionals, the Fairlight Foundation also offers "taster camps" for partner high schools, including Wakatipu High School (WHS).

For the past two years, 20 WHS students have visited the Fairlight Foundation's farm and spent a whole day developing hands-on, practical skills. Noni Gabb, horticulture teacher and coordinator of the trip, said each year students have had the opportunity to practise a wide range of skills, including quad bikes, side-by-sides, working dog training, fencing, sheep handling (including drenching), and even whip cracking.

"It's great that we've got these amazing women helping other women learn the trade. Women may be their focus, but everyone at the Foundation has done a great job ensuring all the students on the trip feel included," Gabb shared. "The trip has been all the students' favourite excursion of the year."

To learn more, check out "Big Gumboots to Fill: Meet Fairlight Foundation’s New Director" from Countrywide Connect or visit the Fairlight Foundation's website. 

Kristi Wright (photo courtesy of Otago Daily Times)