It’s the final countdown

It’s countdown time for dairy trainees, farm managers and sharemilkers planning to put their name forward to be part of New Zealand’s most prestigious dairy competition: the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.


Entries close in the three categories on December 20 which for the first time will feature all three tiers in all 12 regional events the awards comprise.


Entrants and those considering taking part have already had a taste of the benefits of taking part, says national convenor Chris Keeping.


“Our regional convenors – all volunteers – have organised in most regions, launch events at which top level speakers in a wide range of businesses relevant to all people in the dairy industry give presentations.


“The entrants are left in no doubt that being part of these awards will open many doors for them. Those who have been successful in the past consistently comment on the credibility their achievement adds to their CV and improves employment options.”


She says they’re a proven strategy in helping entrants make the decision to give it a go – for example the recent Waikato launch event had 10 entrants signing up on the spot.


The awards are supported by Westpac, Dairy NZ, Fonterra, RD1, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, and Blue Wing Honda, along with industry partner Agriculture ITO.


“Not only does our family of sponsors invest financially and with their own people power contribute to the stature, they take a personal interest in the entrants. They follow their progress through the awards, often building personal and professional relationships that carry on long after the awards process,” Ms Keeping says.


For more information about the Dairy Industry Awards or to download an entry form in any of the three categories: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz