The Zanda McDonald Award, a prestigious trans-Tasman honour that recognises and nurtures distinctive expertise in agriculture, has revealed the ultimate three New Zealand finalists for 2025.
Following interviews in Wairarapa on Tuesday, these excellent younger professionals be part of the three Australian finalists introduced final week. Collectively, they characterize the subsequent era of leaders within the main sector.
The Zanda McDonald Award presents an unparalleled prize bundle that features tailor-made mentoring academic alternatives, and a platform for future development. The New Zealand finalists had been chosen for his or her management, ardour, and impactful contributions to the agricultural trade.
Devoted to inspiring and empowering tomorrow’s leaders, the Award presents distinctive alternatives for private {and professional} growth, mentorship, and entry to world-class schooling.
The New Zealand finalists for 2025 are:
- Hamish Finest (34), Sheep and Beef Farmer & Founding father of purple meat model Acutely aware Valley, Wellington
- Maegen Blom (24), Operations Supervisor of household enterprise Mills Bay Mussels, Marlborough
- Sarah How (33), Co-founder & Basic Supervisor of Landify Ltd, South Canterbury
Award Chair Shane McManaway MNZM expressed his admiration for the distinctive expertise from either side of the Tasman.
“The interview course of is at all times an thrilling expertise for us as judges. It’s inspiring to see the eagerness and drive of the subsequent era of ag leaders. Selecting the finalists from such a aggressive pool was a difficult process, but it surely was a privilege to listen to about their exceptional achievements and thrilling futures. We’re delighted to welcome them into the fold as a part of our Award Alumni.”
The three New Zealand finalists sit alongside Australian finalists, Will Creek (35), Basic Supervisor – Properties Livestock for vertically built-in beef and cattle firm Stanbroke, Queensland; Jack O’Connor (32), Supervisor of Oxton Park (household cropping, wool and prime lamb farm), based mostly in Harden, Southern NSW; and Felicity Taylor (29), Space Supervisor at Rabobank, Moree, Nation NSW.
As a part of the Zanda McDonald Award Alumni, all six finalists will achieve entry to ongoing mentoring, networking alternatives, and assist. All six finalists will attend the Awards’ annual Affect Summit on the Gold Coast in March 2025. Through the summit, one Australian and one New Zealand winner might be named at a celebratory night with trade leaders and award companions.
The winners will obtain a formidable private growth bundle, together with a tailor-made mentoring journey to each Australia and New Zealand, $10,000 for additional schooling or coaching, media teaching, and ongoing networking alternatives.
Earlier article: 2025 Australian finalists revealed
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