Katrina honoured by industry nomination

Although Katrina Knowles married into the world of farming, it's well and truly in her blood.

She was recently a finalist in the first Dairy Woman of the Year and was honoured by both the nomination and

the surprise of being a finalist.

``I think being nominated is a real privilege but becoming a finalist was something I didn't expect,'' she says.

Katrina and her husband own two farms near Tariki, which two of their sons milk on.

Katrina is a DairyNZ consult officer and has written training programmes with AgITO and was nominated for her

involvement in the industry and helping others succeed in their line of work.

``There's a lot of amazing people in the industry and they are hungry for information so seeing people progress

and achieve is why I love what I do.''

Although this is the first year the awards have been held, Katrina says it was an extreme honour to be amongst

the other finalists.

``I think it's a really big thing. It's very prestigious and the calibre of the finalists . . . I was thinking `how did I get

here?'' she says.

Dairy Women's Network chair, Michelle Wilson,  said, ``When asked what leadership means to you, Katrina

told the judges:  `You need to take people on the leadership journey with you.'

``Not only has Katrina encouraged women to believe in themselves; but also mentors and supports sharemilkers and farmers. 

``This she has done during major challenges and changes throughout her dairying career.'' 

Katrina's tremendous warmth  and passion for people also impressed the judges.

Katrina has been involved in the industry for 27 years and doesn't plan on stopping any time soon.

``I love the challenge of it. Every day is a new adventure and a new challenge.''

New Plymouth's Barbara Kuriger won the award and Shona Glentworth, also from Taranaki, was a finalist.