2027 NZ Dairy Industry Awards Open for Entries
Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
The first-time entrant was encouraged to enter the Awards by previous entrants.
“My wife pushed me along as this is something that is very much out of my comfort zone.”
He ended up winning the title, $7,125 in prizes plus three merit awards: he is farm manager on Theland Farm Group’s 266ha, 930-cow property at Hororata.
Overend (36) is currently studying towards a diploma in financial planning agribusiness management and holds PrimaryITO Level 3 and 4 in team management and effluent management.
He entered the dairy industry five and a half years ago and has worked for the past two and a half years as a manager.
Overend has learnt to deal with the challenge of stress through good nutrition and exercise. He’s proud that he has a low staff turnover rate and is thankful for the strong support from experienced and knowledgeable operations and technology teams.
Hilton farm manager Salem Christian, 22, was second in the Dairy Manager category, winning $2,250 in prizes and two merit awards. He was the 2018 Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year.
He currently works for Brian and Ingrid Bolt on their 240ha property, milking 900 cows, Salem counts winning 2018 Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year as one of his biggest successes.
Christian enjoys working outside with cattle and is making the most of the progression opportunities the dairy industry presents.
Hororata farm manager Tessa Goes placed third and won $2,000 in prizes and two merit awards. Goes works on the Theland Purata Farmgroup 173ha, 590-cow property.
