Seven years since they were last held in the South Island, the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) National Finals will head to Invercargill next year.
It was announced at the Southland Otago Dairy Industry Awards that the 2018 awards evening will be held in Invercargill on May 12 at the ILT Stadium.
NZDIA general manager Chris Keeping said it had been a goal for a while to hold the nationals in the South Island.
''We have been keen to get it down to the South Island for years. However, the earthquake has ruled out Christchurch out until 2020, when the convention centre is due to be ready.''
''The Dairy Industry Awards are very strong in Southland and Otago and we are delighted to bring the nationals to a city with such passion.''
