"Often these women are driven by their own perceptions of success and don't realise what they're doing is exceptional. These awards are about celebrating that success and giving others in the industry something to aspire to."
Cathy says 2018's winner will be someone who is passionate about the industry, leads by example, and makes contributions at a leadership or governance level.
The 2018 Dairy Woman of the Year will be in good company with the other previous winners: Jessie Chan-Dorman, Rebecca Keoghan, Katie Milne, Charmaine O'Shea, Justine Kidd and Barbara Kuriger.
The Dairy Community Leadership Award recognises a dairying woman who is making a significant contribution in her local rural community through leadership and support.
Dairy Women's Network CEO Zelda de Villiers says this award is for the type of woman who keeps the wheels of groups and initiatives turning, often while continuing to help run a farm and raise a family.
"In any rural community you have those great people who, often unseen, organise events, coordinate initiatives, and offer help and advice to those who need it," she says.
"They are the unsung heroes of New Zealand." Zelda says no task is too small or challenge too big for these women, and that's what the Dairy Community Leadership Award aims to celebrate and recognise.
"The winner will be someone who embodies our values, is active within the Network, and is engaged in community activities and showing leadership," says Zelda.
* It's easy to make a nomination — visit dwn.co.nz to find out more about the awards or to nominate. Nominations close Friday, February 9.
