Property Brokers joins Trans-Tasman leaders at Zanda McDonald Awards
Last week, Property Brokers attended the Zanda McDonald Awards and Impact Summit on the Gold Coast, Australia, which had been rescheduled for this August due to Cyclone Alfred back in March. With an impressive family of Trans-Tasman industry leaders, innovators, and Award Alumni, this conference was quite exceptional. Since its inception in 2014, the Award has been dedicated to recognising and celebrating emerging young leaders in Australia and New Zealand’s agricultural industries, providing them with opportunities and support to learn, network, experience, and grow.
Property Brokers, as a sponsoring partner, wishes to recognise the positive impact the Award continues to have on the sector, and the Trans-Tasman nature is a significant element in the success of the programme. The future of our sector is tied to the development of the next generation of agribusiness leaders and their drive to be the best possible stewards of the land and, in some cases, the ocean!
We continue to see past recipients of this Award showing up on the rural property ladder too, as they stake their claim on the future. The 2025 Zanda McDonald Award winners, Maegen Blom from New Zealand and Jack O’Connor from Australia, both stood out for innovative work in their fields. Notably, Maegen Blom is the first winner from the aquaculture industry.
The Zanda McDonald Award provides a vital platform for individuals like Maegen and Jack to accelerate their careers significantly. The Award offers bespoke educational and mentoring opportunities that cater to their personal and professional growth.
“By supporting the Zanda McDonald Award, we at Property Brokers are investing in the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation in agriculture,” says Property Brokers General Manager Rural, Conrad Wilkshire. “Maegen’s groundbreaking work in aquaculture and Jack’s sustainable practices showcase the dynamic future of our agricultural sectors in both New Zealand and Australia,” he says.
The winners were selected from a strong pool of finalists, each of whom has contributed notably to their fields:
• Hamish Best, 34, Sheep and Beef Farmer & Founder of Conscious Valley, Wellington
• Sarah How, 33, Co-founder & General Manager of Landify Ltd, South Canterbury
• Will Creek, 35, General Manager – Primary Production at Arubial, Condamine, Queensland
• Felicity Taylor, 29, Area Manager at Rabobank, Moree, Country NSW
Shane McManaway, Chairman of the Zanda McDonald Award, commended both winners for their impressive achievements. “Their commitment and vision distinguish them as remarkable talents, and we’re excited to have them as part of the growing Zanda family,” McManaway commented.
