Dedicated growers, researchers and employers recognised in 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards

Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.

Five awards were announced at the New Zealand Horticulture Conferences Industry Awards and Gala Dinner in Wellington on 27 August.

The awards are presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to commercial fruit and vegetable growing in New Zealand.

The Horticulture Bledisloe Cup, the premium industry award in the horticulture industry, was awarded to Andrew Fenton, current president and chair of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation and chair of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust, which he has served on since 2003.

The cup is awarded to a person who has made an outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.

For more than five decades, Mr Fenton has brought his passion for the industry, his experience, practical common-sense approach and constructive and positive team attitude to many aspects of the sector.

His deep interest in industry good matters, in kiwifruit and the wider horticulture industry has benefited all growers. He enjoys making a leadership contribution to industry progress and advocacy.

The President's Trophy, which recognises a person showing promise in a horticulture industry business and/or leadership, was presented to Daniel Kenna.

In a relatively short time in the sector, Mr Kenna, an orchard manager and researcher with Katikati-based KW KIWI, has made a significant contribution in the fields of research, community, innovation and sustainability.

He is co-chair of Future Farmers NZ and has established, in partnership with Zespri, the ION Impact Orchard Network programme, which is designed to develop, improve and demonstrate sustainable and effective orchard practices.

The Sustainable Innovation Award was presented to Gordon Skipage and Pranoy Pal of Te Puke-based Trevelyan Pack and Cool Ltd.

The award celebrates those who are developing, or have developed, technologies, an innovation or undertaken research that increased productivity, profitability, or environmental sustainability in the horticulture sector.

Mr Skipage, Trevelyan’s head of technical and Mr Pal, kiwifruit technical manager, are working with research partners conducting regenerative agriculture trials to provide evidence-based knowledge for the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.

This is laying the groundwork for further research that can help the industry move towards sustainable, low-carbon production and climate resilience.

The Manaaki Award was awarded to a cross-collaborative team comprising T&G Global, Hastings Health Centre and the OrbitProtect/nib NZ.

The award recognises a person, group or organisation that has risen beyond the call of duty to support employers and workers. It recognises the positive impact an act of service has had on employers, workers, the community and the whole RSE scheme.

Working together in 2024, the team established the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) satellite health clinic at T&G’s Whakatu packhouse in Hawke’s Bay - accessible to all RSE workers in the region.

The clinic, a first for New Zealand, proved so successful that a pilot programme was extended to May 2025 and the clinic will run again for the 2026 RSE season.

The Horticulture New Zealand Life Member award went to Stewart Burns, managing director of the Camelot Fresh Fruit Company in Hastings and a member of the Summerfruit NZ board of directors since 2014.

The award recognises distinguished and honourable service to horticulture.

Mr Burns is a strong supporter of broader sector development and grower representation and is known for sharing his knowledge and fostering collaboration among growers.

He has also introduced new orchard techniques, trialled emerging fruit varieties, and is always ready to engage with others in the industry to improve outcomes.

Horticulture New Zealand board chair Bernadine Guilleux said the award winners showed exceptional dedication to worker health and wellbeing, development of innovative and sustainable practices and growth of the sector.

“The horticulture sector is vital to our country, both by providing healthy affordable food for New Zealanders and contributing to the economy.

“Our winners sum up the spirit of the horticulture sector in New Zealand. From the growers and researchers to those supporting and supplying the industry, these are people who are committed to achieving the very best for their customers, our people and New Zealanders across the country.”