Dairy Awards Recognises Sir William Gallagher

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Trust has recognised Sir William Gallagher’s contribution to the dairy sector, by presenting him with a Lifetime Achievement Award today.

Trust chair Barbara Kuriger says Sir William is known as one of New Zealand’s most astute businessmen and chairs the successful Hamilton exporter of animal management, fencing and security systems, Gallagher Group.

“We selected Sir William for this award as he has taken a proud and iconic New Zealand company and succeeded internationally. He is also viewed by the trustees as an outstanding New Zealander and a fine example to current and prospective business people.

“His company’s contribution to New Zealand farming systems has been huge.”

Mrs Kuriger presented Sir William with a trophy during the launch of the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards – the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.

He is just the second recipient of an awards trust Lifetime Achievement, with retired Massey University professor Colin Holmes the inaugural recipient in 2009.

There was a display of Gallagher animal management and fencing equipment, organised by RD1 and Gallagher Group, at the presentation and it included some of the group’s earliest fencing technology.
In presenting the award, Mrs Kuriger said: “Sir William is a natural leader, whose communication skills and business influence is nationally and internationally recognised. He has created a work environment that encourages personal empowerment and independent thinking.

“A true entrepreneur, he has a sense of urgency and controlled risk taking, which is supported and managed by the positive team he works with.”

She said Sir William’s major skill was his ability to communicate across language and social barriers with an emphasis on ethics and integrity in his professional and personal dealings.

“Sir William has a strong and active commitment to the environment he lives and works in – he is a major sponsor of the Rescue Helicopter, Waikato Stadium, Mounted Police, Gallagher Family Hospice, Gallagher Hockey Centre and the establishment of the Performing Arts centre at Waikato University.”

More information on the New Zealand Dairy Awards can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.