Dakins Ambassador of the Year Awards



In recognition of the considerable contribution made by all Exhibitors, the Canterbury A&P Association with the generous sponsorship of Dakins Group of Companies present this prestigious award. The Judging Panel announced the 2011 winner at a presentation in front of the Members Marquee on Thursday 10 November at the Show. 

Chairmen of the principal sections of the Show were invited to forward nominations to the Show Secretary (nominations open mid July and close late October). The Judges take into account the nominees continued loyalty to the A&P movement over a number of years, the support extended by the nominee to the Canterbury A&P Association, the potential benefits to the Canterbury A&P Association should the nominee receive the Award and the standard of the nominees current exhibits. The winner of the Award will be required to furnish a written report or present to a Canterbury A&P Association Meeting on his or her visit to an overseas Show, highlighting items that may be of future benefit to the Canterbury A&P Association.

The Panel of Judges was:
Mr R R Anderson - Convenor  
Mr J M Grigg- Past President Canterbury A&P Association
Mr R H Lemon - Senior Vice President Canterbury A&P Association
Mr M R Fleming- Junior Vice President Canterbury A&P Association
Mrs R Dakin - Dakins Group of Companies

First Prize, made possible by the generous contribution of the Dakins Group of Companies, is travel to the value of $3000 to allow the recipient to visit an international A&P Show or agricultural event and a Silver Salver for perpetual competition.

The 2011 Dakins Ambassador of the Year is Kit and Sheryl Johnson.

Kit and Sheryl have embraced the alpaca industry with enthusiastic commitment that has rewarded their hard work with a well-earned and honest reputation within New Zealand and overseas as successful breeders and exhibitors. Kit actively assists with the setting up and dismantling working bees at the Canterbury A&P Show as well as supplying the penning gates for use as holding pens in the alpaca assembly areas on the National Bank Lawn. They are a popular couple amongst their fellow exhibitors and have always displayed impeccable sportsmanship.  

Other past winners of the Dakins Ambassador of the Year Award have been:
2010 Graham & Beverley Black (Sheep)      
2009 Dean & Jo Geddes (Dairy Cattle)
2008 Jeanette & Robert Brown (Horse)
2007 Tony & Lorraine Partridge (Cattle)
2006 John & Ann Sidey (Sheep)
2005 Noel & Merlyn Handley (Shearing)
2004 Bill & Francis Gibson (Sheep)
2003 Selwyn & Adrienne Boon (Sheep) 
2002 Alisdair & Paula Mclraith (Sheep)
2001 Bill & Judy Austin, Albury (Beef Cattle)
2000 David & Sarah Wyllie, Ashburton (Sheep)
1999 Libby & Neil Judson, Woodend (Horse)
1998  John & Christine Anderson, Darfield (Sheep)
1997  Bruce & Maureen Fisher, Greenpark (Beef Cattle)
1996 Roger & Estelle James, Springfield (Beef Cattle)
1995 Mrs Alison Sampson, Darfield (Ponies)
1994  Graeme & Alison Stevenson, Flaxton (Sheep)
1993  Peter & Eleanor Fleming, Irwell (Beef Cattle)
1992  Donna & Mike Smith, Dipton (Horse)
1991  Judith & Jim Geddes, Tai Tapu (Dairy Cattle)
1990  Bruce & Sandra Miller, Motukarara (Pig)
1989  David & Janice Sidey, Hawarden (Sheep, Horse)

The Ambassador of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by the Dakins Group of Companies.