Judges praised the operation as a standout example of modern horticulture.
“The team at Wiroa exemplify outstanding horticultural practice. The passion and pride behind every step of this greenfield to a highly productive orchard in just six years is inspiring.”
They also highlighted the strength of leadership and team culture.
“Alan’s genuine respect, appreciation and commitment to professional development for their team define their leadership approach.”
A strong focus on innovation and precision underpins the orchard’s success.
Advanced irrigation systems use soil moisture probes to optimise water use, while fertiliser is applied monthly with precision to minimise leaching and protect waterways.
Judges noted the wider environmental impact of the business.
“Environmental stewardship not only lifts their orchard but also contributes to regional ecological resilience.”
At the heart of the operation is a clear philosophy around people and purpose.
Judges said: “Alan’s comment - ‘we grow people to grow food’ - sits at the heart of this business. Wiroa shows that you can operate at scale without losing touch with the things that make farming special.”
For Dobbie, the journey has been about more than production.
“What we have built here is very positive not only for the shareholders and Craigmore, but for the whole community - including all the people we employ,” he said.
“We want to showcase the legacy we’ve created.
“Driving past, you can’t always see what’s been achieved.”
He said continuous improvement remained central to the business.
“We must keep moving forward, continually questioning whether we can do things better - and the answer is almost always yes.”
Dobbie will join fellow regional winners from across the country in being considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust’s National Showcase in Christchurch in July.
The recipient will become the 2026 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing.
Other awards for Wiroa Horticulture
- Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award
- Norwood Farming Efficiency Award
- Ministry for the Environment Biodiversity Award
- Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement Award
Other Northland Ballance Farm Environment Award winners
Mervyn Evans – Burnage Road Orchards - Pukenui
- Hill Labs Agri-Science Award NZFET Innovation Award
Murray Child and Dean Child – MJ & KE Child & Sons - Maungakaramea
- Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Farm Award
Luke & Sunny Oud – Oud Agri - Ruawai
- DairyNZ Sustainability and Stewardship Award
James & Krista Franklin – Ā Mua Ltd - Dargaville
- Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award
- Rabobank Agri-Business Management Award
- FMG Risk Management Award
Catchment group showcase
The awards highlighted Hokianga Harbour Care – Tiaki Nga Wai O Hokianga.
This is a community-led initiative working to restore the health of the Hokianga Harbour by improving the waterways and catchments that flow into it.
Since forming in 2017, the group has grown from a small native plant nursery into a large-scale restoration movement, establishing more than 100 sites across 90 properties.
Their work includes planting nearly 400,000 native plants, fencing 72km of waterways and delivering restoration across 90ha of land.
Through strong community engagement, employment opportunities and ongoing projects such as Taonga Wai Ora, the group builds long-term ecological resilience while strengthening connections across the region.
– New Zealand Farm Environment Trust
