In a statement today, NZDIA says the national gala awards dinner will be held in Queenstown for the first time.

All national finalists will win flights to and accommodation in Queenstown for finals week, with the dairy trainees also experiencing a trip of a lifetime via a study tour around the region.

NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon says the awards are not only a prestigious programme with hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes, but also a learning platform where people can secure their future, learn, connect and grow, both personally and professionally.

“In addition to these benefits, entrants also have an opportunity to experience national final week and gala dinner in the incredible Queenstown environment.

“The awards promote best practice within the dairy industry and give entrants the chance to challenge themselves, connect with others, earn a regional or national title and to share in substantial regional and national prize pools.”

Entries open this Sunday 1st October. The Awards encompass New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year, New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year and Fonterra Responsible Dairying of the Year categories and entries are accepted online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

Online entries don’t close until midnight December 5th, however those that enter before midnight on October 27th 2023 will go into the early bird entry prize draw and be in with a chance to win fabulous prizes from Honda.

The awards are supported by national sponsors CowManager, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian, Ravensdown, and Trelleborg, along with industry partners DairyNZ, MediaWorks and Rural Training Solutions NZ.