Rain great, but drought biting
"Everyone's trying all sorts of combinations to get through" is how Cheviot's Emmet Daly describes North Canterbury farmers' efforts to cope with their sixth season of drought.
It wants to recognise people who have 'dared to dream' and act to make their ideas a reality.
Farmers are not as well recognised for their achievements as they should be, says the trust's chief executive, Shelley Campbell, announcing the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Awards, a key event in the trust's annual Leadership Week in June 22-29.
The aim is identify six leaders aged 25-45 who have inspired and achieved in many walks of life – sometimes in relative obscurity. Anyone can nominate a worthy emerging Kiwi leader, to a deadline of March 30.
Campbell says the awards are to encourage New Zealanders to develop the kind of leadership demonstrated by Sir Peter Blake during his yachting and environmental feats.
Blake dreamed of winning the America's Cup, then dared, as a natural leader, to get all New Zealand behind him to make it a reality.
"True leaders dare to dream. They are willing to stand tall and put a stake in the ground, to believe. It's their vision, their ability to inspire and their belief that makes them stand above the rest.
"And this year we'd like to see more nominations from the agriculture industry.... It would be great to recognise their achievements."
The Emerging Leaders are announced alongside the Blake Medal, which celebrates a great New Zealander with an outstanding contribution to the country.
www.sirpeterblaketrust.org
