Dairy woman contest opens soon

The scholarship, worth $25,000, is part of the award sponsored by Fonterra. This year's nominations open on November 1, 2012 and close on December 16, 2012. The winner will be announced in March 2013.

The Women in Leadership programme connects participants with high-calibre networks and provides mentoring as well as professional and personal development. Participants are expected to progress to more senior positions in one to three years after completing the course.

Inaugural winner, Barbara Kuriger, who collected her award this year, says she joined the leadership programme in September and it has already helped her find her future aspirations.

"My heart is in dairy and agribusiness, and the programme is getting me to think more broadly about the opportunities I can create for the industry and for other women."

She said she sees her future in another governance role.

"I'm passionate about helping people find solutions, and I can see there is more potential for New Zealand's rural and urban business communities to connect – we're not that different. We all want to have successful businesses regardless of the industries we're in, and we face similar challenges. There is a lot of knowledge out there that can be shared for everyone's benefit."

Dairy Women's Network chair Michelle Wilson says the judges saw in Kuriger a real demonstration of leadership by example, exemplifying the network's values of innovation, commitment, inclusiveness, credibility and integrity.

With more than 25 years' experience, Kuriger was the first woman regional director of LIC and has held other leadership roles including a DairyNZ and AgITO directorship. She owns and operates a dairy farm in New Plymouth with her husband Luis.

Kuriger says winning the inaugural award was very special and anyone considering entering should grab the opportunity.

"Everyone has a different view of success. Whatever it means to you, whether it's being a director on a board, a leader in your community, a champion for change or a successful business woman, this award can help you get there."

The Global Women's 12-month leadership programme is internationally renowned for the calibre of its training and participants. Global woman members include high profile lawyer Mai Chen, business woman Annah Stretton and ex-Prime Minister Jenny Shipley.

Dairy Women's Network chief executive, Sarah Speight, says the Dairy Woman of the Year award celebrates and advances women who are making a real difference in the dairy industry, in their dairying businesses and in their communities.

"Women are valued around the leadership table because they bring a range of different perspectives, but they still make up less than 12% of agribusiness boards (Source Ministry of Women's Affairs website). Through the award we want to assist dairying women to develop their leadership skills for the benefit of our industry," says Speight.

Sarah Kennedy, managing director Fonterra Nutrition, says Fonterra is a proud supporter of the awards.

"Women play a huge role in our industry and supporting their development through world class programmes like the Global Women Leadership programme is vital to drive the industry forward and protect our dairy future."

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the Dairy Women's Network annual conference on March 20, 2013 in Nelson.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a significant contribution to the industry, credibility and integrity and be a positive role model. They should also show a contribution to the community and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Full information and nomination forms can be downloaded at the Dairy Women's Network website: www.dwn.co.nz .