MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
5 November 2018
Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2019 nominations now open
As Dairy Women’s Network nears the end of its 20th anniversary, it’s launching into its next celebration by announcing the opening of nominations for the 2019 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Next year will mark the eighth year for the prestigious award which celebrates women who have made outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s dairy industry.
Dairy Women’s Network CEO Jules Benton says with 2019 her first Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Awards as CEO, she’s looking forward to celebrating the leadership and diversity of women in the dairy industry.
“As the year of our 20th anniversary comes to a close, I’m excited to see the awards journey with fresh eyes and celebrate the exceptional leadership qualities dairy women contribute to the industry,” she says.
“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.”
Benton says 2019’s recipient, who will be announced at the Network’s conference in May in Christchurch, will be someone who is high-performing and recognised by her peers as a leader and demonstrates leadership and influence within her community and beyond.
“We very much see our Fonterra Dairy Women of the Year as wonderful ambassadors for the Network, women who also share in our vision to enable transformational change through agribusiness and our purpose to empower farm businesses to thrive with knowledge and connections.”
Human behavior and leadership expert Loshni Manikam was named 2018’s Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year in recognition of her dedication to growing leadership in farming communities and farmer welfare.
The Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award has been sponsored by Fonterra since its inception with recipients receiving a scholarship prize up to $20,000 to undertake a professional/business development programme.
Three finalists for the awards will be selected by a judging panel of representatives from Dairy Women’s Network, Fonterra, Global Women, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and a previous recipient.
Benton says anyone can nominate a Dairy Women’s Network member for the award.
“You don’t have to be a member yourself to nominate one for Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year. Nominations are completed through our website and are encouraged from anyone – a neighbour, colleague, friend – it doesn’t matter.”
Fonterra’s New Zealand Industry Affairs general manager Jo Finer says the Co-operative is proud to support Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and its celebration of high performers in the dairy industry.
“No other award in New Zealand recognises and encourages specifically the capability and success of women in the dairy industry,” she says.
“Each year we see outstanding women nominated, women who are passionate about the dairy industry, leaders across the sector and in their communities and networks, and who are contributing to the frameworks that will enable the next generation of farmers to succeed.
“I have no doubt we will find someone who fits that description in 2019.”
Click here to find out more about the awards or to make a nomination. Nominations close 1 March 2019.
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About Dairy Women’s Network
Dairy Women’s Network was established in 1998 by several of New Zealand’s leading dairying women to develop and educate women in the business of dairying. Around 10,000 members have access to professional and in-person support through a mix of face-to-face events and web-based contact, which includes dairy modules, regional meetings, internet forums and the annual conference.
About Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year
The Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award has been sponsored by Fonterra since its inception and recognises the passion, drive and leadership of women in the dairy industry. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges which include representatives from Dairy Women’s Network, Fonterra, Global Women, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and a previous winner. The winner will be announced at an awards evening on 1 May, during the Dairy Women’s Network conference in Christchurch, 1-2 May 2019.
