Susan O'Regan

Born and raised in the Waikato, Susan O’Regan comes from a family steeped in farming and public service. A graduate of the University of Otago with degrees in Law and Political Science, she began her career in the Beehive before establishing a successful family law practice in Te Awamutu.

In 2010, Susan shifted her focus to farming and family life, joining her husband John Hayward to develop their award-winning Waikato dairy farm, Judge Valley Dairies.

Elected to local government in 2016 and later serving as Mayor of Waipā, Susan led the organisation through a period of significant reform and financial challenge.

Her term was marked by driving unprecedented regional collaboration, championing boundaryless thinking, and embedding a long-term, strategic mindset across council and community.

She played key roles in initiatives such as Waikato Water Done Well, Future Proof, Electoral Reform Working Group and continues to contribute to governance as a Crown Appointee on the Waikato River Authority.