Cram was recognised by the judges at the network’s annual conference in Invercargill on Wednesday as “an outstanding woman who has contributed to the dairy sector with passion, drive, innovation and leadership”.
She is a fourth-generation dairy farmer, heavily involved in her community as the Taranaki Catchment Communities Inc chair and founder, is a DairyNZ dairy environment leader, an ambassador for Federated Farmers, and a Taranaki Regional Councillor.
In a statement, Dairy Women’s Network trustee Donna Smit said the judges had an unenviable job selecting a winner from an incredible group of women.
“What stood out for them was the way that Donna inspired her community and especially encouraged young people. Her ability to see the big picture and then mobilise those around her was something the judges thought was really special.
“In particular, she exemplified taking a grassroots, local, regional and international view of dairy, and you can see that translate into the influencing she does at regional and central government level. Donna lives the DWN’s values of seizing opportunities, building connections and being inclusive in all that she does, continually motivating others.”
The judges also rated Donna highly for being a ‘real doer’, someone who is a life-long learner, who leads from the front and connects and inspires others through her inclusivity, she said.
“I also want to recognise the three other amazing finalists, Kimberly Crewther, Rebecca Miller and Sheena Penwarden. They are each incredible women in their own unique ways. The passion, knowledge, leadership and mana they bring to the sector should be recognised, and we celebrate them all tonight and the incredible work that they are doing for our sector. They are everything we should be proud about in the dairy sector; they are courageous, kind, passionate and visionary.”
Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said Cram was an outstanding ambassador for the industry.
“Her leadership qualities, community engagement and commitment to sustainability represent some of the best attributes of Kiwi dairy farmers. We want more young people coming into the dairy sector, and she’s helping to do exactly that. Fonterra is proud to sponsor this award, and we acknowledge all the finalists for the significant contribution they have made, and continue to make, to our industry.”
Cram received a scholarship of up to $20,000 for an approved and personally chosen development programme, or professional/business coaching and/or learning experience.
