They are: KPMG farm enterprise consultant Genevieve Steven, 26, Hauraki Plains-based Pouarua Farms chief executive Jenna Smith, 34, Masterton-based Baker Ag consultant Sam Vivian-Greer, 31, and VetEnt veterinarian and The Whole Store director Becks Smith, 33.
They will join four Australian finalists vying for Australasia’s agricultural badge of honour.
The award recognises talented and passionate young professionals working in agriculture and provides an impressive prize package.
The shortlist has been selected for their passion for the industry, strong leadership skills and the contributions they’re making in the primary sector.
Covid-19 restrictions have resulted in a change of format for this year’s award with two winners announced, one from each side of the Tasman.
The restrictions prevented award judges from being able to interview the usual shortlist of six together in one place to determine the overall winner for Australasia.
Award chair Richard Rains says the judges felt it was important to adapt the award to fit the current climate, since the interviews would need to take place separately in Australia and New Zealand.
He says to maintain the integrity of the award, judges wanted to continue interviewing the shortlist face-to-face if possible.
“So this year, our Kiwi judges will select a New Zealand winner, and our Aussie judges will select an Australian winner, through face-to-face interviews when domestic travel allows,” he said.
“It will provide the best outcome for our finalists, who can spend time with the judges during the interview process, and also means we can invest in the future of two winners, and help with their future career and personal development, for the wider benefit of the agriculture sector.”
The winners will each pick up a personal development package, including a fully personalised mentoring trip in Australia and NZ (when travel allows), up to $10,000 worth of tailored education or training, media coaching, and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2021 PPP Conference.
Interviews will take place over the coming months, and the winners will be announced in March 2021.
