increase font size
Waikato Milking Systems chief executive Dean Bell.
Waikato Milking Systems has been named the 2016 Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Exporter of the Year.
The company was also named the QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year Award ($10m to $25m category).
Founded in 1967 the 100% Kiwi owned Waikato Milking Systems is one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of a wide range of dairy technology – from rotary and herringbone milking platforms to an extensive range of componentry.
At the award ceremony in Auckland last week, Barry Squires, convener of judges, described Waikato Milking Systems as 'a New Zealand success story ... an outstanding example of the growth of agritech exporters'.
It is the first year the awards have been open to Waikato businesses and chief executive Dean Bell admits he felt honoured to be included in a line-up of finalists which include some of New Zealand's pre-eminent innovators.
Winning the awards was, Bell says, "a tribute to an extraordinary bunch of people.
"We have gained worldwide renown as one of the leading innovators and manufacturers of rotary milking systems and dairy technology," Bell says.
"This reputation was cemented when we introduced the revolutionary Centrus Composite rotary platform a few years ago. Designed primarily for intensive 24/7 dairying environments, the platforms are constructed from a composite material which contains Kevlar – similar to the material used in manufacture of aircraft, racing yachts and bullet-proof vests.
"Centrus platforms are 80% lighter and five times stronger than traditional concrete alternatives. This extreme strength and lightness translates, on farm – to reduced wear and tear, lower maintenance costs and longer life than any other dairy platform in the world.
"Today, the Centrus Composite platform – in a variety of sizes – is our flagship product, unique to Waikato Milking Systems and receiving growing international demand.
"We also design and manufacture a large range of herringbone dairies and an extensive and sophisticated range of dairy technology and provide this, backed by extraordinary service, to farmers in dairy nations around the world.
"All of this innovation and design and manufacturing excellence is achieved by a team of extraordinarily talented Kiwis who ARE the Waikato Milking Systems brand."
Dean Bell says he is proud to "represent that team because, to a person, we share a commitment to be the best in a fiercely competitive global dairy technology market, producing innovative, superbly designed and built products which transform the milking environment and add new levels of ease and efficiency to the lives of farmers around the world".
A Hawke's Bay apple orchardist supports the Government's objective of doubling exports but says this won't happen in the horticulture sector unless there's a change in the process for bringing new plant material into the country.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says a new report projects strong export growth for New Zealand's horticulture sector highlights the industry's increasing contribution to the national economy.
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
A new Indonesian school milk programme is expected to significantly increase the country's total dairy consumption, creating opportunities for New Zealand and other global dairy players.
Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.
The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) has released its latest rural property report, providing a detailed view of New Zealand’s rural real estate market for the 12 months ending December 2025.
Rural retailer Farmlands has released it's latest round of half-year results, labeling it as evidence that its five-year strategy is delivering on financial performance and better value for members.
OPINION: "We are back to where we were a year ago," according to a leading banking analyst in the UK, referring to US president Donald Trump's latest imposition of a global 10% tariff on all exports into the US.
DairyNZ says the Government’s proposed Resource Management Act reform needs further work to ensure it delivers on its intent.
Overseas Trade Minister Todd McClay says he's working constructively with the Labour Party in the hope they will endorse the free trade agreement (FTA) with India when the agreement comes before Parliament for ratification.
Donald Trump's latest tariff tantrum has again thrown the world of trade into a new round of turmoil and uncertainty, and NZ is caught up in it.
OPINION: Expect the Indian free trade deal to feature strongly in the election campaign.
OPINION: One of the world's largest ice cream makers, Nestlé, is going cold on the viability of making the dessert.
