Primary ITO learners shine at NZDIA regional finals

More than 30 current or former learners picked up regional awards including Dairy Trainee of the Year (first, second or third place), Dairy Manager of the Year, and other merit awards recognising leadership, livestock management, pasture and feed management, and emerging talent. 

Their success highlights the value of Primary ITO training alongside their hard work and willingness to put themselves forward, with the support of their Training Advisers, employers, whānau and friends. 

Hawke's Bay Share Farmers of the Year, Rachel and Tony Hudson

Ross Harnden-Taylor, Delivery Manager (North Island) says, “it is always really cool to see Primary ITO learners and former learners win at the Dairy Industry awards across the regions, including, in some cases first, second and third in a category.

Jo Syme, Delivery Manager (South Island) says, “It was fantastic to celebrate the success within our industry, where the dedication and hard work is recognised - not only of the competitors, but also of those who have supported, nurtured, and contributed to their growth and achievements. The event honours the collective effort behind the awards.  It was fantastic to have so many of our team there to join the celebrations.” 

The National Awards event takes place on Saturday 9 May, in Rotorua. 

2026 NZDIA Regional Winners / Primary ITO learners

Northland  

• Hayden Lupton – Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Pip Howard) 
• Brittany Overy – Runner-up, Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Pip Howard) 
• Sarah Thorne – Runner-up, Dairy Manager of the Year (TA Pip Howard) 
• Karla Frost (Primary ITO Tutor) – Runner-up, Share Farmer of the Year  

Auckland/Hauraki 

• Olivia Sutton – Share Farmer of the Year (former learner) 
• Owen Clifford – Dairy Manager of the Year (former learner) 

Bay of Plenty 

• Breiton Tuwairua – Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Elri Levin) 
• Adam Manners  – Runner-up, Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Elri Levin) 
• Conor O’Toole – Third place, Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Elri Levin) 
• Reno Moses – Dairy Manager of the Year (TA Elri Levin)

Waikato 

• Levi Wesford – Dairy Trainee of the Year (former learner) 
• Georgie & Glenn Van Heuven – Share Farmers of the Year (former learner) 
• Annie Gill – Dairy Manager of the Year (former learner) 

Central Plateau 

• Claire Swindells – Dairy Trainee of the Year (former learner) 
• Terry Gielen – Third place, Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Shontelle Budd) 
• Abhishek Sharma – Dairy Manager of the Year (former learner) 
• Navdeep Singh & Jobanpreet Kaur – Share Farmers of the Year (employers who support staff through our training) 

Taranaki 

• Shicaela Kane – Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Kelsey Brooks) 
• Molly Yarrall – Runner-up, Dairy Trainee of the Year (former learner) 
• Samantha & Tom Lumsden – Share Farmers of the Year (current employer, former learner) 
• Miriam Lauridsen – Dairy Manager of the Year (former learner) 
• Kate Logan – Runner-up, Dairy Manager of the Year (former learner) 
• Laura Portroz – Third Place, Dairy Manager of the Year (TA Kelsey Brooks) 
• Sarah Tulloch – Emerging Talent Award (former learner) 

Manawatu 

• Jack Foster – Dairy Trainee of the Year (former learner) 
• Karl & Jess Wood – Share Farmers of the Year (former learners) 
• Adrian Waugh – Dairy Manager of the Year (TA Dani Donovan) 

Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa 

• Rachel Jones and Tony Hudson – Share Farmers of the Year (TA Loretta Smyth) 

West Coast/Top of the South 

• Mark Ready – Dairy Trainee of the Year (former learner)   
• Trent Bruhn – Runner-Up, Dairy Trainee of the Year (former learner) 
• Jorja Ayers – Third Place, Dairy Trainee of the Year (TA Kirstie Dodds) 
• Abbi Ayre and Frikkie Terblanche – Share Farmers of the Year (former learner) 

Canterbury/North Otago 

• Marc Lalich – Share Farmer of the Year (former learner) 
• Lauren McConnachie – Dairy Manager of The Year (former learner) 

Find all of the regional results on the NZ Dairy Industry Awards website here.