Dairy Woman of the Year reflects on role

Sponsored by Fonterra, the Dairy Woman of the Year award recognises an outstanding woman who has significantly contributed to the dairy industry with passion, drive, innovation and leadership.

The Dairy Woman of the Year is announced annually at the national Dairy Women's Network conference, which in 2016 is being held on 4-5 May in Hamilton.

Current Dairy Woman of the Year Katie Milne attributes her recent win in the rural category of the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards to her Dairy Woman of the Year title, along with her role as Federated Farmers national board member.

"A lot of new pathways have opened up for me as a result of the combination of the two roles and I've been approached a lot more since being named Dairy Woman of the Year to speak on varying topics and to different groups," she says.

"It was pretty exciting to have won the rural category in the Women of Influence Awards because I'm acutely aware of how much is going on in that space driving women forward, which is great to see.

"It's about time we had those profiles raised and Dairy Woman of the Year is certainly doing that for me, and ultimately showcases to other women what can be achieved.

"As women we have a lot to offer, and a different perspective and a different way of engaging. It's great that New Zealand and the world are starting to wake up to that."

Milne starts her 12-month Breakthrough Leaders' Programme delivered by Global Women in February. The leadership programme is the main prize for winning Dairy Woman of the Year, valued at $25,000.

While she says it will be "hectic" she's looking forward to getting stuck into the programme.

To find out more about the Dairy Woman of the Year, or to nominate someone in your community, visit www.dwn.co.nz