Zanda McDonald Award Announces Finalists for 2026

The Zanda McDonald Award, one of the primary sector’s most respected trans-Tasman honours, has named its six finalists for 2026. Following interviews in Greytown and Brisbane on Monday, three standout young New Zealanders and three standout Australians have been selected as finalists.

Recognised as a gold-standard accolade in agribusiness, the Award is renowned for propelling careers and connecting emerging leaders with some of the sector’s most influential figures.

The six finalists for 2026 are:

• Chloe Butcher-Herries (32), Farm Manager Mathews Station sheep and beef farm, Central Hawkes Bay 

• Karn Dhaliwal (32), Founder/Owner of greenfield development cropping business Ohinewai Harvest Ltd & Dhaliwal Ag Ltd, Te Hoe, Waikato

• Lana Marshall (31), Client Director at NZAB, financial guidance and strategic planning for farmers, and 50:50 sharemilker, Invercargill

• Nicholas van den Berg (34), Livestock Agent, Platinum Livestock, Keith, South East South Australia

• Caitlin Crowe (27), Head of Department Agriculture, Technologies & Arts, St George State High School, St George, Queensland

• Bryce Neyland (35), Engineering & Development Manager, Rural Funds Management, Gol Gol, New South Wales

L to R: Chloe Butcher-Herries, Karn Dhaliwal, Lana Marshall

L to R: Nicholas van den Berg, Caitlin Crowe, Bryce Neyland

Julie McDonald, Award Patron and Australian lead judge says “The depth and diversity of applicants we’ve seen this year was outstanding. The five (shortlist) we interviewed were impressive, and selecting just three finalists was difficult. Each of these individuals has demonstrated leadership, innovation, and a clear passion for advancing agriculture in our region. They are exceptional representatives of the future of our industry.”

Shane McManaway, Award Chair and New Zealand's lead judge, says, “This year’s applicants were incredibly strong. It’s a real highlight for us to spend time with the candidates and narrowing it down has been tough. Our finalists demonstrate exceptional drive, leadership, and potential, and we’re excited to see where their careers go from here. We can’t wait to announce the winners in March.”

All finalists will attend the Award’s annual Impact Summit in Christchurch in March 2026. During the summit, one Australian and one New Zealand winner will be announced at a celebration attended by industry leaders and Award partners.

The winners will receive an impressive personal development package, including a tailored mentoring trip across both Australia and New Zealand, $10,000 towards further education or training, media coaching, and ongoing networking opportunities.