Expressions of Interest: register here now to be alerted when 2024 entries open.  

ASB Alumni of the Year Award

The ASB Alumni of the Year Award recognises previous NZDIA award winners and entrants who are no longer eligible to enter SFOTY. They may have progressed to farm ownership or more than 50% equity in a farm business.

The Alumni of the Year winner will receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% per annum for three years. ASB's lending criteria, terms and fees apply

How to Enter

Check Eligibility

Past NZDIA winners and entrants who are no longer eligible for SFOTY and ones who are in the first 3 years to farm ownership (see full conditions of entry below).

Download & Submit Entry Form

Download, complete the entry form and email it to admin@nzdia.org.nz to receive further details on what to include.  Submission to be received no later than 30 March 2025.

What Next?

On receipt of your entry form, you will be emailed instructions detailing what to do next. Submissions to be sent to the NZDIA by 30 March 2025. Entrants will be judged on paper and a shortlist of 3 entrants will selected. Shortlisted entrants must be available for Nationals Week (8 - 11 May 2025). Final interviews will be held Thursday afternoon.

Who's the award for?

See full conditions of entry - a snap shot:

  1. NZDIA SFOTY regional finalists who are no longer eligible to enter that category.

  2. Past entrants that have more than 50% equity,

  3. Past entrants who have progressed to farm ownership within 3 years of entering (from the close of the publicised SFOTY category closing date – 8 Dec 2024).

  4. Regional winners/entrants of the DMOTY category no longer eligible to enter the SFOTY category

  5. Max of 7 years since last entry into DMOTY or SFOTY

What are the other requirements of entry?

  1. Finalists must be available to attend Nationals week (8 - 11 May 2025)

  2. Finalists are required to attend an ASB Alumni function at Mystery Creek Fieldays Wednesday 11 June 2025

  3. Winners will be required to move their business account to ASB

What is the entry process?

  1. Submit your completed entry form

  2. You will be emailed a submissions instructions

  3. Entries open 1 March - 30 March 2025

  4. Submissions to be reviewed by the NZDIA

  5. A shortlist of entrants will be announced in April 

  6. Finalists will be invited to attend a final judging interview Thursday 08 May PM

  7. The winner will be announced at the National Awards ceremony 10 May 2025. Accomodation and two dinner tickets provided and travel depending on location.

 

What sort of information do entrants need to provide? 

  1. Cover letter & CV acknowledging your industry and community involvement.

  2. 3 year’s financial statements

  3. Business plan outlining performance towards farm ownership / business expansion

  4. Equity – prize to be secured on Rural Land & livestock

  5. Dairy base financial report if available

  6. Evidence of Milk Quality History for last 3 years

  7. Proof of compliance

Terms and Conditions of Prize Eligibility 

ASB Bank Limited’s lending eligibility and terms and conditions will apply (including regarding Anti-Money Laundering). The rate, offer and any applicable fees may be subject to change. At the end of the fixed rate period, standard lending fees and rates will apply. An early repayment adjustment fee may apply if you break a fixed rate term. Three year’s financial statements will be required. Lending to be secured on Rural Land & livestock.

Alumni of the Year Selection Process

  Opening & Closing Dates

Entries open 1st March and close 30th March

Judging and Awarding

Finalists may be contacted by the judging panel and/or ASB Bank for more details. Finalists will be acknowledged as part of the National Awards programme.

  Announcement

The shortlisted entrants will be invited to Nationals Week where we will announce the recipient at the National Dairy Industry Awards Dinner in May.

Access tailored help

For further information, please contact Robin Congdon at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

 

Are you an up-and-coming dairy farmer aged 18-30 currently employed on a dairy farm full-time? The Dairy Trainee of the Year is a great way to learn and grow.

Learn more

 

If you're currently employed on a dairy farm full-time and looking to boost your career, you could be eligible for the Dairy Manager of the Year.

Learn more

 

Are you a self-employed, passionate farmer looking to improve your business and create future opportunities?

Learn more

 

The Responsible Dairying award recognises leadership and innovation. Please nominate farmers or farm businesses doing great work in the space so they can be recognised for their contribution.

Learn more

 

The ASB Alumni of the Year Award recognises previous NZDIA award winners and entrants who have progressed to farm ownership or more than 50% equity in a farm business.

Learn more

 

An exciting new initiative for first-time farm buyers, the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award aims to remove barriers to farm ownership by offering financial backing, mentorship, and industry support.

Learn more

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

INDUSTRY PARTNERS