Nominations invited for 2026 Horticulture Industry Awards

New Zealand growers and those across the wider horticulture sector are being encouraged to recognise the people driving the industry forward, with nominations now open for the 2026 Horticulture Industry Awards.

The awards span six categories and celebrate excellence, leadership, service and innovation across the breadth of the sector.

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board chair Bernadine Guilleux says the awards are an opportunity to shine a light on the individuals and teams whose efforts often go unrecognised.

“These awards are about celebrating the people who make a real difference - those who lead, innovate, support others and consistently go the extra mile.

“Our industry plays a vital role in producing healthy food for New Zealanders and the world. Behind that success are people who are committed to what they do.

“Nominating someone is a simple but powerful way to acknowledge that contribution and share their story with the wider sector and New Zealand.”

Nominations are invited for six awards categories:

• The Horticulture Bledisloe Cup, for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.
• The Horticulture New Zealand President’s Trophy recognising persons showing promise in the horticulture industry business and/or leadership, no matter their experience.
• The Industry Service Award, for people, other than a grower, with long and dedicated service in a supplier or service role, that have worked beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the horticulture industry.
• The Sustainable Innovation Award, for a person or team who are developing, or have developed, technologies, an innovation or undertaken research that increases productivity, profitability or environmental sustainability in the sector.
• The Manaaki Award, for 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 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
• The Horticulture New Zealand Life Member Award, for growers with long and dedicated service as office holders of HortNZ and/or an affiliated product group or grower association. 

“I expect most people in the sector will know someone who deserves to be nominated,” says Guilleux.

“These awards are about recognising those contributions and celebrating the strength of our industry.”

To make a nomination, you must be either an active grower member of HortNZ, an affiliated product group or affiliated association.

Nominations close on Monday 15 June 2026. For more details and to submit a nomination, please visit www.hortnz.co.nz.

The awards will be presented at the Industry Awards dinner, part of the New Zealand Horticulture Conference, on 29 July at Tākina, Wellington.