“Queenstown is without a doubt one of New Zealand’s premium destinations for international and domestic travelers alike, boasting an exquisite setting with something for everyone, and we are thrilled to be able to host DWN17 there,” Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) chief executive Zelda de Villiers said.
“Given the amazing destination, we have purposefully planned the event for a Thursday and Friday so members can use the opportunity to extend their trip into a family weekend – or even a girls’ weekend away.”
The conference will be held at Rydges Lakeland Resort, which is on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and just five minutes’ walk from the centre of town.
There are a range of accommodation options available in and around the venue.
“Being a visitor destination, Queenstown is completely geared towards conference delegates meaning it’s easily accessible, has great public transport and when it comes to tourism activities there’s something for everyone,” Southland dairy farmer and conference committee member Katrina Thomas said.
“As a committee, we plan to capitalise on Queenstown’s primary industries – namely viticulture and fruit – as well as its breathtaking landscapes and world-class visitor attractions and activities.”
The DWN17 theme is Connect, which has many layers and is timely in the industry, DWN chief executive Zelda de Villiers said.
Conference committee chairwoman Alison Ferris of Te Kuiti said she was excited to be able to organise such a big event in the DWN calendar.
“It is the perfect venue and time of the year to connect with one another.
“The dairy season will be slowing down, providing a perfect opportunity to combine the conference with some time-out with family and-or a group of friends.
“There will be seven workshops held over the course of the two days – three onsite workshops per day as well as an exciting offsite one,” she said.
“In the coming weeks we will confirm keynote speakers, workshop topics and details around the Dairy Woman of the Year and Dairy Community Leadership awards dinner so keep an eye out in the media and on our website and our social media channels,” de Villiers said.
