Women are encouraged to nominate their rural role models before March when finalists will be put before a judging panel comprised of Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) trustee Sophie Stanley, 2020 Dairy Woman of the Year Ash-Leigh Campbell and representatives from Fonterra, Global Women and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
The recipient will be announced at a gala dinner at the DWN conference in Invercargill in April.
“The Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award is a prestigious award recognising the hard mahi and leadership that women contribute to this very important sector,” Stanley said.
“While the last two years have thrown us uncertainty in many ways, we have seen so many examples of women stepping up and leading themselves, their peers and the industry through these challenging times.
“Leadership has never been more important, and we encourage all women in the sector to consider self-nominating or nominating a peer who you think has demonstrated the leadership qualities we need for the future.”
“No other award in New Zealand specifically recognises the capability and success of women in the dairy industry and we are proud to sponsor it,” Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell said.
“In these challenging times it’s more important than ever to recognise the outstanding women who are passionate about dairying, who are leaders in their communities and who work to be positive role models, bringing good people together to achieve good things and enabling the next generation of farmers to succeed.”
Previous award recipients are encouraging those in the industry to remember the new opportunities and pathways that the award creates for other women in dairy, when making or agreeing to a nomination.
The 2022 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year will receive a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake a development programme, professional and business coaching, a learning experience, or a combination of all three.
Nominations are open now at dwn.co.nz/fonterra-dairy-woman-of-the-year