Dairy’s top women named

By Sonita Chandar

Adiverse group of women from all over the New Zealand have been named as the four finalists for the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award.

The celebration of women who make outstanding contributions to the dairy industry is in its 11th year of recognising an outstanding woman who has contributed to the dairy sector with passion, drive, innovation and leadership.

The four finalists are Donna Cram, Kimberly Crewther, Rebecca Miller and Sheena Penwarden.

“This is one of the most diverse groups we’ve ever had as finalists, each bringing incredible passion, knowledge, leadership and mana to the sector,” DWN trustee Donna Smit says.

“Donna Cram influences locally and nationally through a large range of positions. Kimberly is our first ever off-farm finalist and plays a key role for our sector nationally and internationally. Sheena is driven by Māori values and is passionate about educating her community on dairy and the environment, and Rebecca has a passion and vision for influencing through a heart-centred drive. They are all inspirational in their commitment and passion for dairying.”

Each of the nominees is a DWN member and the five judges include representatives from DWN, Fonterra, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and a previous Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year recipient.

Judges will assess the finalists on a range of factors, including commitment, drive and passion for the dairy sector, and being a positive role model for women in dairying.

“Each finalist is living the DWN values and offers a huge amount to our sector, epitomising the ‘bigger, brighter, bolder’ mantra shared through the DWN Conference,” Smit says.

The 2023 finalists for the Dairy Women’s Network Regional Leader award have also been announced. They are Emily Williams, Rachel Usmar and Roseanne Megaw. This award, sponsored by FMG, showcases inspirational women who demonstrate excellence at grassroots level and leadership in their local community, and encompass DWN values.

DWN chief executive Jules Benton says, “It’s always so exciting and inspiring to see the calibre of woman nominated for this award. And this year is no exception and each of these incredible women truly live the DWN values.

“Our regional leaders, across New Zealand, are women who believe in helping their communities, connecting their rural networks, and in supporting individuals. They often juggle running a farm and families and are heavily involved in their communities – and then are our volunteer regional leaders as well, organising, attending and often inspiring events in their communities.

The 2023 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year will receive a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake a development programme, professional and business coaching, a learning experience.

The Regional Leader of the Year recipient will receive a registration to the Dare to Lead programme and associated costs.

Both recipients will be announced at a gala dinner on May 3 at the DWN Brighter, Braver, Bolder conference in Invercargill.