Entries open for 2026 NZ Dairy Industry Awards
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
The awards include the Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.
Entries are being accepted online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz and close at midnight on November 30.
General manager Chris Keeping says of all entries received to date, there are 275 who entered in time to be eligible for the Early Bird Entry Prize Draw of $12,000 in travel vouchers and spending money.
“What’s really pleasing to see is the number of first-time entries across the three competitions, including 86 entrants in the Dairy Trainee of the Year competition who have never entered before, and 60 first-time Dairy Manager of the Year entrants,” says Keeping.
“The Dairy Industry Awards encourage share farmers, dairy managers and dairy trainees to pull their business apart and scrutinise why they operate the way they do.”
She says the recent payout increase announced for Fonterra farmers meant those entering the Awards this year can use the competitions process to analyse their financial situation and look at how to best utilise the money, when it comes in.
“We know there are huge benefits and opportunities to be had for those that do take the step to enter the awards – over $190,000 in national prizes that can be won, networks and friendships developed, confidence gained, business improvement and career advancement.”
The awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra Farm Source, Honda Motorcycles, LIC, Meridian Energy, and Ravensdown, along with industry partner Primary ITO.
More information on the awards, including the entry criteria changes, can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz
*There are three prize draws – one in each competition. To be eligible entrants must proceed through judging in January or February next year.”
