Greenpeace-reported documents reveal that Dairy NZ, alongside other corporate dairy groups, played a role in drafting policy communications and proposals which contributed to a diluted methane emissions target. This process highlights a concerning level of political influence that favors corporate interests over robust climate action and democratic accountability.

Dairy NZ, alongside Federated Farmers and Beef+Lamb, played a role in a joint effort to reshape New Zealand's freshwater rules. By signing a letter urging Minister Andrew Hoggard to intervene and amend the Resource Management Amendment Bill, the industry succeeded in diluting environmental protections, allowing continued dairy pollution. This move, aligned with other lobbying actions, underscores a broader pattern of regulatory capture favoring intensive agriculture at the expense of community and environmental health.

DairyNZ's new chair Tracy Brown has called for a cross-party deal involving major political parties to secure clearer and more predictable regulations on emissions pricing and freshwater, aiming to provide farmers with the certainty they need for investment and sustainability. This initiative follows the disbanding of a previous collaborative group and seeks to bring together National, Labour, Greens, and other parties in a bipartisan effort.

DairyNZ released survey findings highlighting farmers' concerns over inflation, stringent regulations, workforce shortages, and mental health challenges. The organization is calling for an independent regulatory review panel and urging policymakers to adopt balanced measures ahead of the national election, reflecting a commitment to progressive governance and supporting marginalized rural communities.