RD1 gets behind the Dairy Women’s Network

20 February 2012

RD1 gets behind the Dairy Women’s Network

In an exclusive agreement, RD1 has committed to sponsoring the Dairy Women’s Network regional groups. The partnership is aimed at growing the reach and effectiveness of these groups over a three year period, helping to increase the success of women in dairying.

RD1 CEO Sarah Kennedy, now a leading woman in the dairy industry, sees some direct correlations between the two organisations.

“RD1 and the Dairy Women’s Network aspire to add value to dairy businesses. We also both have nationwide networks with a strong regional focus” says Kennedy. “The Dairy Women’s Network regional groups are not only the heart of that organisation, they are the grassroots of our industry, much like the RD1 store network.

“RD1’s staff is now 45% female, a clear indicator that women have a strong role to play in the industry. It makes sense that we get behind an organisation to support women in the dairying profession. We have people with similar interests, similar ambitions and we can work together to make a difference in local communities too.”

CEO of Dairy Women’s Network, Sarah Speight believes several benefits will come of the partnership. “We currently have 27 active Regional Groups operating across the country and plan to grow this to 30 over the coming year.

“It is these forums where women in dairying can network and learn from each other on a regular basis. They are also essential support systems for many of our women.

“With RD1’s help, it is our plan to increase the learning opportunities for women through our Regional Groups. Education is a core focus for both RD1 and the Dairy Women’s Network, and we are confident our growth plans will ultimately provide women with additional tools they can use to increase the success of their dairying businesses.”

Kicking off the partnership between RD1 and the Dairy Women’s Network, Sarah Kennedy is a keynote speaker at the 2012 Dairy Women’s Network conference in Rotorua, 21-22 March. Here she will talk about her journey into industry leadership and what it takes to achieve positions of influence.

RD1 is part of the Fonterra co-operative. Fonterra recently announced their sponsorship of the Dairy Woman of the Year, another initiative of the Dairy Women’s Network.

About RD1
• RD1 is 100% owned by Fonterra and is New Zealand’s largest dairy supplies retailer.
• RD1 has 64 stores nationwide; 52 stores in the North Island and 12 stores in the South Island.
• There are several divisions to RD1, including RD1 Nutrition and RD1 Livestock.

About DWN

Dairy Women’s Network Regional Groups currently operate in the following regions: Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Cambridge, South Waikato/King Country, Te Puke/Whakatane, Opotiki, Rotorua, Taupo, Huntly East, Te Aroha/Morrinsville, Pukekohe, Central Taranaki, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Takaka, Marlborough, Nelson/Tasman, Murchison, West Coast, Kaikoura, North Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury, Rangitata Island, Gore and Invercargill.

Visit www.dwn.co.nz for more information on the Network, Dairy Woman of the Year and Conference Registrations.

ENDS

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