Research, healthcare initiatives, leadership, and sector dedication were acknowledged at the 2025 New Zealand Horticulture Industry Awards, held in Wellington on August 27.
The Horticulture Bledisloe Cup, regarded as the industry's top award, was presented to Andrew Fenton, current president and chair of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation and chair of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust, where he has served since 2003. Fenton has contributed to the sector for more than five decades.
The President's Trophy, which recognises a person showing promise in the horticulture business or leadership, went to Daniel Kenna. Kenna is an orchard manager and researcher with Katikati-based KW KIWI and co-chair of Future Farmers NZ. He also partnered with Zespri to establish the ION Impact Orchard Network, which develops and demonstrates sustainable orchard practices.
The Sustainable Innovation Award was given to Gordon Skipage and Pranoy Pal of Te Puke-based Trevelyan Pack and Cool Ltd. Skipage, head of technical, and Pal, kiwifruit technical manager, are conducting regenerative agriculture trials with research partners to provide evidence-based knowledge for the New Zealand kiwifruit sector. The work supports sustainable, low-carbon production and climate resilience.
The Manaaki Award was awarded to T&G Global, Hastings Health Centre, and OrbitProtect/nib NZ for their joint efforts in establishing a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) satellite health clinic at T&G's Whakatu packhouse in Hawke's Bay. Open to all RSE workers in the region, the clinic began in 2024 and was extended to May 2025, with plans to operate again in 2026.
The Horticulture New Zealand Life Member award was presented to Stewart Burns, managing director of Camelot Fresh Fruit Company in Hastings, and a Summerfruit NZ board member since 2014. Burns has supported sector development and grower representation, introduced orchard techniques, trialled new fruit varieties, and shared knowledge to strengthen collaboration among growers.
Source: FarmersWeekly