Deanne Parkes

Deanne is an educator and dairy industry professional with extensive experience across farm operations, rural leadership, and vocational training.

After completing her degree in Sport and Exercise Science, she began her career as a lecturer at EIT and worked as a Strength and Conditioning Trainer for elite New Zealand athletes and teams. Raised on a dairy farm, Deanne later moved back into the sector, where she and her husband spent many years contract milking before recently transitioning into drystock farming.

Through her coaching and consultancy business, Deanne works with rural individuals and businesses to strengthen leadership, communication, and team culture, delivering mental health and professional development workshops across rural communities. She is also a facilitator for the Rural Support Trust.

Deanne tutors leadership and business management micro-credentials for Dairy Training, bringing a practical, strengths-based approach that helps learners build confidence, capability, and long-term success in the dairy industry.