John Paynter's contribution to pipfruit industry recognised

John Paynter is an innovator who has given much to the horticulture industry.

After planting 1400ha of fruit trees across Hastings' Heretaunga plains, John Paynter has been awarded the Pipfruit industry's top honour - the New Zealand Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Pipfruit Industry.

Mr Paynter says he's as excited about the industry today as when he planted his first tree in 1965.

"No other industry puts more back into the local economy of my region than horticulture - in terms of the thousands of jobs it has created, revenue returns, ongoing investment, along with science, innovation and education opportunities," the 75-year-old said.

Pipfruit New Zealand's chief executive Alan Pollard said no one came close to Mr Paynter's achievements.

"John's vision, leadership and thirst for innovation has made one of the greatest impacts in shaping Hastings' landscape and the economy of Hawke's Bay, along with the ongoing success of New Zealand's horticultural industry," he said.

"John has always been at the cutting edge of developing new varieties and marketing strategy and orchard innovation. He was the first grower to individually brand fruit in 1975, introduce wind machines to New Zealand and limestone tracks in orchards."

Along with export business Johnny Appleseed Holdings, the company's Yummy brand leads the New Zealand domestic market.

Mr Paynter was a director of the New Zealand Apple and Pear Marketing Board, Napier Port, NZ Post, Plant and Food Research, New Zealand Kiwifruit Authority, a Kiwifruit Marketing Board and founding chairman of Zespri.

Receiving the award in Nelson, at the Horticultural Conference and Awards dinner, had special significance, he said.

The Paynter family first grew fruit in Nelson in 1862 and moved to Hawke's Bay in the early 1900s, where they still grow fruit in Havelock North.