National convenor Chris Keeping said organisers made the decision to merge the Southland and Otago regions to create a better competition for entrants.
“The executive committee has deliberated on the future of the regions for some time and came to its decision on the basis that it is most important that entrants are guaranteed a competition and the opportunity to compete in the national finals,” Keeping said.
Disappointing entries forced the Otago region to revamp its contest this year with only Otago’s Dairy Trainee of the Year winner progressing to the national final. Organisers wanted to prevent recurrence.
New Southland/Otago regional committee chairwoman Helen Hartshorne said the committee is happy to be organising an awards that will be successful.
“It is going to be very satisfying convening these awards as we know we will convene a great competition and have a great event at the end of it.”
