Taupo woman wins NZ dairy trainee title

Ruth Hone

A Central Plateau woman has become the first female to win the dairy trainee title at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

Ruth Hone was named the 2014 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year at the awards, held in Auckland last night.

National convenor Chris Keeping said it was fabulous to have the first female winner in the trainee contest "which does prove girls can do anything".

Dairy trainee head judge Paul Davidson said the trainees, including Miss Hone, had been exposed to what was possible during this past week's study tour, which introduced them to successful farmers. He said the 24-year-old was excited about the dairy industry and the career pathway that it had. She won $18,400 in prizes.

Ms Hone is in her third season in the industry, working on a 250-cow farm for Michelle and Ross Davison near Taupo. She also completed her first marathon in last weekend's 50th Rotorua marathon.

"We think she will be a great ambassador for dairy trainees and the industry, and she can clearly see there is a pathway for her in the industry."

Mr Davidson said she had a "positive and bubbly vibe".