Two new awards will help New Zealand dairy farmers overcome financial barriers and progress towards farm ownership, strengthening the industry's future.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme has introduced two new awards aimed at supporting farmers on their journey to ownership.

The Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award (FFA) and the ASB Alumni of the Year Award (AAOTY) will provide financial and mentoring support to aspiring farm owners and industry contributors.

The FFA, developed through a partnership between ASB, Fonterra, and the NZDIA Trust, seeks to remove obstacles to farm ownership and ensure sustainable succession in the dairy sector.

Baypark, Tauranga, will host the announcement of three FFA winners at the NZDIA National Gala Dinner on 10 May 2025. Each winner will receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending at 1% interest for three years, a Fonterra launch package including $20,000 of Farm Source credit, mentoring, and additional support.

Anne Douglas, Group Director Farm Source, said securing the future of Fonterra was essential for ensuring a strong and sustainable dairy industry.

“By supporting first-time farm buyers, the First Farm Award is an exciting opportunity that will help our shareholders of tomorrow to thrive. We’re proud to be partnering with ASB and NZDIA to offer these awards,” Douglas said.

Aidan Gent, ASB General Manager Rural Banking, said the prosperity and growth of the food and fibre sector were crucial to New Zealand’s success.

“Supporting the next generation of farm owners is a critical part of this, and something ASB is determined to help support. We are proud to partner with Fonterra and NZDIA to deliver this very special award to the lucky recipients,” Gent said.

The AAOTY, a collaboration between ASB and NZDIA, recognises alumni who have contributed significantly to the industry. Open to NZDIA entrants from the past seven years who are no longer eligible for other categories, the award winner will receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending at 1% interest for three years.

Robin Congdon, NZDIA General Manager, said the awards represented an important step in removing financial barriers and accelerating farm ownership.

“These awards strengthen our ability to recognise excellence at all stages of the dairy career journey while supporting long-term industry growth and sustainability,” Congdon said.

Entries open on 1 March, with full details available at dairyindustryawards.co.nz