Fruitgrowers Federation president Andrew Fenton was awarded the Bledisloe Cup at the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards. Nominations are open for the 2026 awards.
Fruitgrowers Federation president Andrew Fenton was awarded the Bledisloe Cup at the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards. Nominations are open for the 2026 awards.
New Zealand growers and those across the wider sector, including Tairāwhiti, are being encouraged to recognise the people driving the industry forward by nominating them for the 2026 Horticulture Industry Awards.
The awards, comprising six categories, celebrate excellence, leadership, service and innovation across the sector.
Horticulture New Zealand board chairBernadine Guilleux said the awards were an opportunity to shine a light on the individuals and teams whose efforts often went 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.”
Bledisloe Cup: For outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.
President’s Trophy: Recognising persons showing promise in the horticulture industry business and/or leadership, no matter their experience.
Industry Service Award: For people, other than a grower, with long and dedicated service in a supplier or service role, who have worked beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the horticulture industry.
Sustainable Innovation Award: For a person or team who is developing, or has developed, technologies, an innovation or undertaken research that increases productivity, profitability or environmental sustainability in the sector.
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 scheme.
HortNZ 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,” Guilleux said.
Nominations close on Monday, June 15. For more details and to submit a nomination, go online to www.hortnz.co.nz.
The awards will be presented at the industry awards dinner on July 29 in Wellington as part of the New Zealand Horticulture Conference.
