"While she is also involved with Rural Women and DWN, her community lies closest to her heart," Ms de Villiers said.
"She chooses to be most active on a local level, and not a regional or national level, as her local community is so important to her."
Mrs Paterson and her husband, Jamie, farm 125ha milking 275 cows at Kaharoa, north west of Rotorua.
They have been on the farm for 17 years.
Three years ago they stepped back from day-to-day farming operations to focus on management with their son and daughter-in-law.
Mrs Paterson said it was in her early years of farming in Reporoa where she learned the value of community. She was passionate about nurturing and mentoring young people new to dairy farming.
"I absolutely believe that an individual can make a difference, and part of caring for your community is being prepared to stand up and be their voice if that is what is required."
Mrs Paterson received a $2500 Milk Bar-sponsored scholarship to attend a leadership programme of her choice in New Zealand.