3 November 2000
Dairy Farmers of New Zealand Chairman Charlie Pedersen said that it was inevitable that the Bank of New Zealand would
wish to wind back its sponsorship of the Sharemilker of the Year competition.
"The Bank has been the principal sponsor of the competition over the past 11 years, and has contributed a very
significant level of funding to it. It was only a matter of time before the Bank came to the conclusion that an
ever-increasing level of sponsorship was unsustainable."
"We understand such decisions and appreciate the Bank's commitment to the competition for so long."
"Sharemilkers now have a great opportunity to reassess the future structure of the competition that has grown
considerably from its original regional focus."
"Times have changed, but the need for a competition as a benchmark of sharemilking excellence is as strong now as it has
ever been."
"I am confident sharemilkers will take up the opportunity presented to them and deliver a vibrant and relevant
competition built on a sustainable financial basis," concluded Mr Pedersen.
ENDS For further information: Charlie Pedersen 025-463-480