Featuring the Premier Prize: ‘The Elworthy Environmental Award’
Principally funded by Deer Industry New Zealand. Initiated by the New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association in 2001 as part of the Landcare Manual Project supported by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's (MAF) Sustainable Farming Fund.
Primary Goals:
- To recognise innovative deer farmers for implementing and practicing sustainable and profitable deer farming practices in land and deer systems management.
- To promote the adoption of sustainable deer farming practices on all deer farms.
- To encourage sharing of experiences and proven best management practices and innovation through the resource of the Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice.
We know from talks with those that run similar awards, that the most common excuse for not entering is that “I’m not quite ready yet”. This generally means that people feel they need to finish or tidy something up before committing to enter. It is not a critical feature to have everything finished or perfectly presented, as the awards recognise that sustainability is a work in progress. The judges view future plans and projects in progress positively.
Past entrants report the experience as an enjoyable and constructive process for all.
It is very easy to enter, as there are virtually no formal entry requirements and a few special conditions, allowing almost all New Zealand deer farmers to enter. The entry form link is below. Please complete it and we will contact you for more details about the farm and to set up a convenient time for the judging round.
Judging is informal, based on a simple farm tour and related discussions. Typically, the visit will conclude with a Q & A session around the farm table, following the tour in which you can present the important areas of environmental risk management and special features of your farming operation, plantings, water quality enhancement and the other issues that you think are important. Judges will also be interested to hear your Industry views and review any projects and your innovation on farm.
Enter now! Entries for nominations close 4pm, Friday 28th February 2025
Thanks to our sponsors:
Ministry for Primary Industries, Gallagher, NZDFA, Duncan NZ, NZ Landcare Trust and Streamlands Export NZ
Awards
The Premier Award: The Elworthy Environmental Award
The Elworthy family founded the Premier Award in 2001, recognising the importance of the industry’s environmental critical image and responsibility. Its promotion and awareness since then has been critical in encouraging deer farmers to lead adoption of sustainable farming systems and raise awareness of the challenges and innovation resulting in many areas.
The Premier Award involves a cash prize of $2,500 to the premier winner, as well as a commemorative plaque and native tree. Premier winners also receive complimentary awards dinner tickets at the 2025 DINZ conference (i.e. a total prize value of ~$3,000).
The Premier Award recognises leadership in environmental sustainability and excellence in land management as an industry priority and an incentive to all.
It will be won by a deer farmer whose overall methods and practices enhance deer farming in harmony with their farming environment and the wider farming community.
Category (Merit) Award Prizes
The industry is proud to offer special recognition through category prizes from committed sponsors for entrants who deserve credit for unique environmental management programmes, sustainability or innovative farming practises, customer focus and financial performance.
