RCNZ has opened registrations for four regional roadshow workshops in June which members can attend for free. At the same time it has announced in conjunction with premium partner Nufarm, the “2025 RCNZ Zone – Nufarm Agrichemical Applicator Award.”
While previously a national award with winner and runner-up, this will now see agrichemical operators from each of RCNZ’s four zones awarded. They will receive a hosted Crop Protection Stewardship day and evening with Nufarm & Croplands, focusing on innovation and application opportunities and the future of the industry. RCNZ CEO Andrew Olsen says the organisation first ran regional roadshows in 2022. “These are complementary to our conferences. We bring in a wider range of members, some of who we don’t see at an annual event. It also provides some of our premium partners the opportunity to engage with members and provide technical and product updates and information.”
The four roadshows are taking place at the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton on Tuesday June 17, with another the following day at Palmerston North’s Distinction Hotel. The following week sees roadshows at the Croydon Lodge in Gore on Tuesday June 24 and the following day at the Commodore Hotel in Christchurch.
Andrew Olsen says the events are able to be funded by RCNZ’s strong balance sheet and premium partner support. Attendance, which includes drinks and food at the end of the afternoon sessions is complimentary for full RCNZ members and life members. “They can register up to four delegates each. There’s a separate session at the start for agri-spray members before our harvesting companies join the afternoon.” He says WorkSafe’s CEO has confirmed her organisation will provide staff to give a keynote address and continue RCNZ’s emphasis on health and safety which saw it deliver its own recent campaign on the dangers of fatigue.
Nufarm’s New Zealand Country Manager, Gavin Kerr, says now is a great time to be developing the future industry leaders within the agri-chemical sector, particularly those individuals’ supporting innovation and promoting the sustainable use of crop protection solutions. “Nufarm fully backs every solution we provide, is investing in innovation and is very focused on how our solutions are applied. “The release of our Grassmanship application has been a great example of this, we have continued developing and adding new tools to this tool as well as supporting compliance needs through the RCNZ website. This year we are backing the Regional Roadshows and recognising local leaders within each of zone.”
Award application details are on the RCNZ Facebook site. While previously open nationally and to trainees, Andrew Olsen says the awards now provide a wider experience window (10 years, previously five). Applications close May 16 with two shortlisted Zone applicants announced May 30. Winners will be announced at the corresponding zone roadshow. Get in touch with Andrew Olsen if you have any questions – [email protected] .