Westpac withdraws from dairy awards

A NZ Sairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) statement says Westpac NZ has decided to not continue as a national sponsor after a 10-year association. NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon says Westpac NZ leaving is a bit like losing a family member.

"The NZDIA is a family of volunteers and sponsors with a deep, connected history," he said.

"Westpac have worked closely on regional committees as treasurers or judges, and are part of the National judging teams, which has created long-lasting deep relationships with the rising stars of the dairy industry.

"We would like to sincerely thank Westpac for their dedication and support over the years and will be sad to see them go at the end of June."

Westpac NZ sponsorship lead Todd Johnstone thanked the Awards organisers for their 15 years of support and wished them all the best for the future.

"New Zealand has the best dairy farmers in the world. These awards play an important role in showcasing the hard graft, leadership and innovation of those farmers and we're proud to have played a part in their ongoing success," Johnstone said.

"We're always looking for ways to support rural communities and will continue our strong presence through our sponsorship of the rescue helicopters and the NZ Rural Games."

The Awards are comprised of 11 regional programmes which consist of several regional events and two rounds of judging, each culminating in a regional awards dinner. Winners from each region then go on to the National Awards.