18.11.09
The organisation behind the successful Ballance Farm Environment Awards has won a tick of approval from the Waikato
business community.
In November the New Zealand Farm Environment Award (NZFEA) Trust made the finals of the Gallagher Agriculture and
Primary Production section of the 2009 Westpac Waikato Business Awards.
The Trust's flagship is the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, which now operate in eight regions throughout the country.
NZFEA chairman Jim Cotman says a key aim of the Farm Environment Awards is to encourage farmers to "run a ruler over
their businesses" and see where they stand in terms of environmental, economic and social sustainability.
He says the Trust entered the Waikato Business Awards for the very same reason.
"We wanted to get an independent assessment of the overall operation and see where we stood as a business."
He says making the finals was another great moment for an organisation that has earned many accolades over the years.
"It was good to be recognised as a well-run business that fulfils its key objective of being the leading independent
advocate for sustainable management of land and other natural resources on New Zealand farms."
Mr Cotman says the Trust's success was due to the efforts of a hard working management team, led by NZFEA general
manager David Natzke.
"Our ability to deliver upon our clearly focused strategic intent also rests on the efforts of many supportive
individuals, sponsors, partnerships and businesses. This acknowledgment from the Waikato Business Awards will reassure
our supporters that the Trust is doing its best to maximise the value of the resources they provide."
NZFEA general manager David Natzke says making the finals of the Waikato Business Awards was a great achievement for the
Trust, especially as it was competing against some established and well resourced businesses.
He says the acknowledgement was welcome recognition for a team that "delivers something unique year after year".
Information on the work being done by the NZFEA Trust is available on the Trust's website http://http://www.nzfeatrust.org.nz