MEDIA RELEASE
13 February 2012

Dairy Women’s Network partners with training leader, AgITO

Dairy Women’s Network has announced its partnership with one of New Zealand’s largest and most respected industry training organisations, AgITO. The partnership was formed in an effort to open up further education possibilities for New Zealand dairying women.

“We are very excited about this partnership,” said Kevin Bryant, Chief Executive for AgITO. “It gives us the opportunity to further support and help upskill women who are such an important group in making the daily business management decisions within the dairy industry.”

According to Mr Bryant, AgITO has a number of qualification options suitable for dairy women who are looking to further develop their careers or gain skills and knowledge in specific key areas from improving milk quality to business management and planning.

“The alliance is one that has been in the making for many years,” said Mr Bryant. “At least 70% of our staff are women , some of whom are already members of the Network, we have developed a strong connection.”

Headed in the direction of using technology as part of its offerings, AgITO sees the partnership with Dairy Women’s Network as a way to move into action mode with this new training method. “Our training already offers the flexibility for people to study while they work and we’re looking forward to expanding that flexibility in the future through use of technology. We know women juggle multiple roles so this should be of particular benefit to the Networks members."

Dairy Women’s Network CEO, Sarah Speight said of the partnership, “AgITO is an excellent strategic partner for Dairy Women’s Network. Both of our organisations are focused on professional development in the agricultural industry, so it’s a great fit.”

According to Ms Speight, Dairy Women’s Network plans to work with the training organisation to develop a number of innovative ways to deliver training to dairying women on the farm.

The Dairy Women's Network was established in 1998. The Network's purpose is to expand the potential of dairy women in a changing environment by providing inspiration, learning and connection. Dairy Women’s Network already provides educational opportunities to its members through Dairy Days workshops, regional groups, conferences and other events.

“This new partnership with AgITO means our members will get exposure to further opportunities to expand their knowledge of how to build successful dairying businesses,“ Ms Speight said.

AgITO has been developing training for the agriculture industry since the 1970s. They train over 12,000 people every year and over 20% are women AgITO works with employers and others in the agricultural industry, like DairyNZ, to develop up-to-date national qualifications and maintain national standards for agriculture.

“The partnership with Dairy Women’s Network is just one of the ways we aim to help build stronger visibility and raise the profile of industry training in agriculture,” said Mr Bryant.

-ENDS-

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