Entries are now open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, the nation’s biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.
Eleven regions across Aotearoa will award a Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year, with the winners all competing for the national title at the National celebration, which will be held in Rotorua in May 2026.
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) continue to recognise the top performers across multiple levels within the dairy sector, with a substantial million-dollar prize pool on offer. Aside from the attractive prizes, the awards help to foster the next generation by offering opportunities for entrants to learn and grow through the awards programme. Participants walk away with feedback, recognition and opportunities that are invaluable to both their personal and career growth.
Two exciting awards that deliver serious financial support to the next generation 36 of farm ownership are also back on offer this year. The Fonterra and ASB First Farm Award returns with up to three winners receiving up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% for three years*.
The First Farm Award provides financial and strategic support to help the best in the industry successfully launch into farm ownership. The award is open to farmers who have previously entered the Share Farmer of the Year category and are planning to buy their first farm within two years.
The Alumni of the Year Award is also up for grabs again, which is a collaboration between ASB and NZDIA to reward NZDIA alumni who have made significant contributions to the programme and the industry. The winner will also receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% for three years*.
Entrants must be former NZDIA award participants who may have progressed to farm ownership or have more than 50% equity in a farm business.
These awards specifically are another great reason to encourage young dairy farmers to enter the Awards in the Dairy Trainee, Dairy Manager and Share Farmer categories, as the opportunities and the value as an alumni member continue to give back in the future.
Together with the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award, these awards help to recognise leading farmers in the dairy sector and play a key role in showcasing excellence, identifying role models and best practice, lifting the overall standard in the dairy sector.