ASB Alumni of the Year Award
The ASB Alumni of the Year Award recognises previous NZDIA award winners and entrants who are no longer eligible to enter SFOTY. They may have progressed to farm ownership or more than 50% equity in a farm business.
The Alumni of the Year winner will receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% per annum for three years. ASB's lending criteria, terms and fees apply.
How to Enter
Check Eligibility
Past NZDIA winners and entrants who are no longer eligible for SFOTY and ones who are in the first 3 years to farm ownership (see full conditions of entry below).
Download & Submit Entry Form
Entries open 09 Jan 2026
Download, complete the entry form and email it to admin@nzdia.org.nz to receive further details on what to include. Submission to be received no later than 09 March 2026.
What Next?
On receipt of your entry form, you will be emailed instructions detailing what to do next. Submissions will be in two parts, one for shortlisting and a second for final judging if successful. Part one to be sent to the NZDIA by 30 March 2025. Entrants will be judged on paper and a shortlist of 3 entrants will selected who will then provide further information. Shortlisted entrants must be available for Nationals Week (7 - 10 May 2026). Final interviews will be held Thursday afternoon.
Who's the award for?
See full conditions of entry - a snap shot:
NZDIA SFOTY regional finalists who are no longer eligible to enter that category.
Also past entrants that now have more than 50% equity,
Past entrants who have progressed to farm ownership within 3 years of entering (from the close of the publicised SFOTY category closing date – 05 Dec 2025).
Regional winners/entrants of the DMOTY category no longer eligible to enter the SFOTY category
Max of 7 years since last entry into DMOTY or SFOTY
What are the other requirements of entry?
Finalists must be available to attend Nationals week (7 - 10 May 2026)
Finalists are required to attend an ASB Alumni function at Mystery Creek Fieldays 10 June 2026
Winners will be required to move their business account to ASB
What is the entry process?
Entries open 9 January - 9 March 2026
You will be emailed a submissions instructions
Submissions will be in two parts
Submit your completed entry form
Submissions to be reviewed by the NZDIA
A shortlist of entrants will be announced in April
Finalists will then be required to provide part two of the submission due 17 April 2026.
Finalists will be invited to attend a final judging interview Thursday 07 May PM
The winner will be announced at the National Awards ceremony 09 May 2026. Accomodation and two dinner tickets provided and travel depending on location.
What sort of information do entrants need to provide?
Cover letter & CV acknowledging your industry and community involvement.
3 year’s financial statements
Business plan outlining performance towards farm ownership / business expansion
Equity – prize to be secured on Rural Land & livestock
Dairy base financial report if available
Evidence of Milk Quality History for last 3 years
Proof of compliance
Terms and Conditions of Prize Eligibility
ASB Bank Limited’s lending eligibility and terms and conditions will apply (including regarding Anti-Money Laundering). The rate, offer and any applicable fees may be subject to change. At the end of the fixed rate period, standard lending fees and rates will apply. An early repayment adjustment fee may apply if you break a fixed rate term. Three year’s financial statements will be required. Lending to be secured on Rural Land & livestock.
Alumni of the Year Selection Process
Opening & Closing Dates
Entries open 09 January and close 09 March 2026
Judging and Awarding
Finalists may be contacted by the judging panel and/or ASB Bank for more details. Finalists will be acknowledged as part of the National Awards programme.
Announcement
The shortlisted entrants will be invited to Nationals Week where we will announce the recipient at the National Dairy Industry Awards Dinner in May.
Access tailored help
For further information, please contact Robin Congdon at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
