Entries open for 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
Manawatū farmer Raewyn Hills is the new chair of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards national committee.
Hills has been a national committee member since 2019 and is a long-time supporter of the awards.
With husband Michael, she won the Manawatū Farm Manager of the Year title in 2013 and she is currently an equity partner milking 850 cows plus dry stock alongside her husband.
"We were involved with the Awards programme as entrants before progressing to hold various roles within the Manawatū regional committee and for the past three years I have been the national dairy trainee team leader," says Hills.
"The Awards have been a journey of growth since first entering.
"Through the Awards programme, you gain so much satisfaction watching others grow and go on their own journey of progression through the dairy industry," she says.
"I have so much enthusiasm for the Awards programme, working alongside many others who make the Awards possible and ensuring the programme remains relevant, creating connections and providing value to our entrants throughout the various stages of their careers."
NZDIA Trust chair Richard McIntyre farewelled outgoing chair Amber Carpenter and thanked her for her dedication, time and passion for the Awards over the years.
New Zealand red meat exports experienced a 29% increase year-on-year in September, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
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