Applications Open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award

The search is on again for the brightest young leaders in the primary sector, with applications now open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award. Recognised as a trans-Tasman benchmark of excellence in agribusiness, the Award is renowned for fast-tracking careers and building powerful industry networks. More than a trophy, the Zanda McDonald Award opens the door to exceptional mentoring, influential connections and career-defining experiences across Australia and New Zealand.  Each year, two winners are selected: one from New Zealand and one from Australia.  

2026 Australian winner Bryce Neyland has just completed a tailored mentoring trip around both Australia and New Zealand as part of his prize package. The civil engineer from Gol Gol, NSW credits the Award to expanding his thinking, and providing opportunities well beyond his expectations.

“This Award has been great for me and my career already, challenging my thinking around what I want to do next, and giving me the ability to bounce my ideas, strengths and weaknesses off the very best. It really is an incredible experience.”

2026 NZ winner Karn Dhaliwal, from the Waikato, has just returned from tailored mentoring trips around Australia and New Zealand as part of his prize package. Founder of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd, he describes the Award as life changing.

“The Zanda McDonald Award is unique. There is nothing out there like it, and it’s changed my life. The biggest thing is the connections I’ve made and the people I’ve been fortunate to have around me. It’s already opened up areas I hadn’t even thought about, and I’ve only just started on my journey.”

Shane McManaway MNZM, Chair of the Zanda McDonald Award, believes what makes the Award stand out from the pack are two key things, the trans-Tasman focus, and the ability to create a truly bespoke experience that supports the winners both personally and professionally. 

“We’re excited to discover the next generation of passionate young Kiwis and Aussies who are poised to make a difference in agriculture. This Award is designed to develop their skills and broaden their horizons. Winners will engage with some of the top trans-Tasman agricultural operators, gaining invaluable insights and leadership skills that are truly transformative.”

The Zanda McDonald Award is open to Australian and New Zealand residents aged 21–35 who are actively engaged in the primary sector. Recipients receive a $10,000 education package, and a bespoke programme of mentoring, and professional development, including access to influential leaders across farming, agribusiness, and beyond. 

All travel and accommodation costs are covered in the mentoring trips, with flights often taken by private plane to reach diverse and remote locations. Finalists also become part of the Zanda Alumni, a network providing ongoing support and learning opportunities. 

The Award has built a reputation not just for honouring talent, but for accelerating it. Previous winners and finalists have described the experience as career-defining, enlightening, and personally transformative.

Young people looking for the next step in their career development are encouraged to apply. Applications for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award are open from 1–31 October 2026, closing at 9pm AEST/11.59pm NZT.