Entries open for Dairy Woman of the Year award

Do you know a dedicated dairy woman who goes the extra mile? If so, she may be in with a chance of winning the $20,000 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2019 scholarship, nominations for which are now open.

The award is made annually to “an outstanding woman who has significantly contributed to the dairy industry with passion, drive, innovation and leadership” and the winner will receive a bursary of up to $20,000 for a development programme, professional or business coaching and/or learning experience of their choice.

The Dairy Women’s Network was established 20 years ago and current executive officer Jules Benton says the awards are one way to celebrate the increased leadership and diversity of women throughout the dairy industry over that time.

“If we’ve learnt anything over the past 20 years, it’s that the role of dairy women has gone from being one of a silent force in the background, to one where they are leaders, CEOs and board members in their own right,” she says.

Award entrants must be a member of the Dairy Women’s Network, which has a Rodney branch covering Wellsford, Warkworth, Kaiwaka and surrounding areas, but nominations can be made by anyone. There are three other criteria for nominees, who must:
•    be a strong performer, recognised by her peers as a potential leader;
•    demonstrate leadership within her community, but also have a wider circle of influence;
•    be influential in the dairy industry, holding or having previously held leadership positions on regional or national dairy organisations.

Nominees might also hold, or have held, a governance role in relevant organisations, or have future aspirations in that direction.

Entrants will be judged by a panel including representatives from the Dairy Women’s Network,

Fonterra, Global Women and Ballance Agri-Nutrients, plus a previous Dairy Woman of the Year. The winner will be announced at a Glitz and Glamour gala dinner at the Dairy Women’s Network national conference in Christchurch next May.

For more information and to download an entry form, visit dwn.co.nz/dwoty