700 to awards dinner

National convenor Chris Keeping says final judging is underway for the 36 finalists representing 12 regions across the country. The finalists converge on Auckland next week for a series of activities and to participate in the final judging component, an interview.

"It's a really exciting time for the finalists, especially once the pressure of final judging is off. They really enjoy the opportunity to meet each other and spend time together while doing activities out of their comfort zone. It'll be a time they cherish for years to come."

Keeping says the winners will be announced at the national awards dinner at Sky City Auckland Convention Centre on Saturday, May 12 and take home nearly $140,000 in cash and prizes. TV3 news presenter Mike McRoberts is Master of Ceremonies for the sellout awards dinner, with 680 people expected to attend including many of the industry's farming and political leaders.

The Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO.

She says the finalists will visit Fonterra's offices and learn more about the cooperative's activities, visit the Auckland fish market, go on a wine tour and visit the Viaduct Basin. The dairy trainee finalists join the group a little later, as they have a study tour in the Waikato, however all finalists will be placed into groups to compete in 'Amazing Auckland' an amazing race style event.

"It's going to be a real fun time culminating in the naming of our national winners at the dinner."

A wait list has been established for those still seeking tickets to the dinner. Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information.