2005 Dairy Excellence Awards Launched
Westpac has continued its recognition of agribusiness excellence with the launch of the 2005 Westpac Fonterra Dairy
Excellence Awards.
“This is our 11th year of supporting business excellence in this industry and our third year supporting this important
event”, says Westpac’s Head of Agribusiness, Karen Silk. “The Dairy Excellence Awards not only recognise those attaining
excellence but also clearly identify how it is achieved and then share that information across the industry. This is
such a powerful way to generate and share best practice, which ultimately keeps the whole industry sustainable. To put
it simply, every entrant is a winner and comes away with something valuable to add back into his or her business.”
Entrants to the awards compete for one of six regional awards and finalists progress to compete for the national awards.
This year nominations can be made by third parties.
“Many dairy businesses have received unique opportunities from participating in these awards”, says Silk. “So this year
we are encouraging third party nominations. This means that anyone, including Westpac, can nominate those businesses
that deserve recognition but will not enter themselves.”
Entrants are judged across a number of business disciplines including productivity, human resources, business growth,
environmental integrity and quality management.
”The challenge of running all facets of a business effectively should not be underestimated. Delivering to this standard
on a sustained basis tests the leadership and commitment of every business, every day. The dairy businesses that enter
into these awards have met this challenge and we applaud those prepared to stand-up and be counted alongside their
peers,” says Silk.
“Today’s farmer is a savvy, smart and hard working business professional looking for a decent return on their
investment, driven by innovation, cutting edge technologies and a dynamic and vibrant business community. This is the
modern face of dairying in New Zealand and what we need to encourage, nurture and recognise.”
According to Silk, Westpac believe that nurturing and recognising dairy excellence benefits the economy, our communities
and New Zealand as a whole and that is why it will continue to support events such as this far into the future.
Nominations for the Dairy Excellence Awards close 20 December 2004.
To register your interest or for more information http://www.westpac.co.nz (agribusiness)