Monday, 02 October 2023 12:55

Applications open for 2024 Zanda McDonald Award

Written by  Staff Reporters
L-R: 2023 Award winners Harriet Bremner (NZ) and Mitch Highett (AU) when they were crowned at the 2023 Award Celebration Evening in Brisbane, March 2023. L-R: 2023 Award winners Harriet Bremner (NZ) and Mitch Highett (AU) when they were crowned at the 2023 Award Celebration Evening in Brisbane, March 2023.

The search is on for the next generation of game-changers who are making a difference in agriculture, with applications now open for the 2024 Zanda McDonald Award.

The trans-Tasman award, now entering its ten-year milestone, is open to Australian and New Zealand residents aged 21-35 years old working in the agriculture sector.

One winner is chosen from Australia and New Zealand annually, both receiving a fully personalised education, training and mentoring package across countries, spending time with leaders across all areas of the primary sector.

“Ten years is a pretty special milestone, particularly when we get to witness the impact it’s having on the career trajectory of our winners and finalists, as well as the sector at large,” says Zanda McDonald Award chair Shane McManaway MNZM.

“Now we’re on the lookout for the next crop of passionate young Kiwis and Aussies who are making a difference and wanting to go to new heights,” says McManaway.

“Through this award we can provide the avenues and support to help them get there. The winners will get face-to-face with some of the biggest and most successful agricultural operators in Australasia to really elevate their thinking, and we’ll arm them with strong leadership skills and unparalleled opportunities that money can’t buy,” he says.

The winners' programme is tailored to meet their desired areas of interest and growth, with the mentoring trips seen as a real highlight. All travel and accommodation costs are covered, including flights by private plane to access remote and varied locations.

“It’s been an absolute game-changer for me, and the customised programme has opened so many doors. I’ve made connections that will continue to support me right through my career, and can’t recommend it enough.” says Mitch Highett, 2023 Australian Award winner.

Mitch Highett is Founder and Managing Director of farm management company Bullseye Ag. His business works alongside farms across NSW and QLD with an area totalling over 500,000 acres.

He won the 2023 award alongside New Zealander Harriet Bremner, a farmer at Jericho Station, Southland, children's book author, and health, safety and well-being advocate for agriculture.

“I’ve been so humbled by the experience so far. What makes it particularly special is the amazing network I now have through the Award family, and the ongoing support and guidance,” says Bremner.

Applications open on 1 October 2023 and close on Tuesday 31 October 2023 at 5pm NZ time.

For details of how to apply, please see www.zandamcdonaldaward.com

More like this

Zanda McDonald finalists announced

The Zanda McDonald Award have announced their 2023 Award finalists, comprising of six young professionals from Australia and New Zealand.

Passion and innovation pay off

A Mid-Canterbury dairy farmer passionate about innovation and continued improvement has been named this year’s winner of the New Zealand Zanda McDonald Award.

Featured

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.

Top Māori sheep and beef farms showcase excellence in Ahuwhenua Trophy field days

Recently two of New Zealand's top Maori sheep and beef farms held field days as part of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy competition. The two are: Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust, northeast of Whangarei, and the proprietors of Tawapata Onenui farm on Mahia Peninsula in southern Hawke's Bay. Reporter Peter Burke attended both field days.

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.

National

Machinery & Products

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

Grabbing bales made quick and easy

Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

No more pines!

Forests planted for carbon credits are permanently locking up NZ’s landscapes, and could land us with more carbon costs, says…

Group hug!

OPINION: Forest & Bird and farmers don't often find themselves on the same side of an issue, with F&G's litigious…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter