The South Waikato district has an approximate population of 23,000 residents and spans over 182,000 hectares of predominantly abundant pasture and forested land. Of this figure 22% of people work in the Agriculture and Forestry sector. A strong community spirit has created a top district to work and reside, with considerable potential for economic growth and development. In recent times the South Waikato has been described as economically depressed with a falling population. The central North Island is the most developed forestry region in New Zealand with approximately 555,000 hectares of planted production forest. The area of Carter Holt Harvey's forest in the South Waikato is 85,650ha or 47% of the total area of the district. Of this figure 75,709 ha is productive with the remainder native reserve and roads. Strategic initiatives that impact the district involve converting forestry operations into dairy farming.

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.