“As a grower, consultant and industry leader, Peter has consistently demonstrated innovation, strong leadership and a commitment to sharing knowledge for the benefit of others.”
Thompson said Ombler was an early leader in organic and conventional kiwifruit production systems, driven by a passion for trying new approaches and a willingness to share his knowledge with fellow growers to help deliver high-quality kiwifruit to consumers around the world.
“He has also long been a strong supporter of innovation and made a significant contribution to the development and implementation of the KiwiGreen Programme in the 1990s.”
Developed in response to export restrictions into Italy, KiwiGreen required close collaboration between growers, scientists and consultants and delivered a fundamental shift in how pests and diseases were managed across the industry within a short timeframe.
Ombler continued this focus through his involvement in initiatives to improve spraying practices and lift industry standards.
Thompson said that, in addition to his commitment to innovation, Ombler demonstrated strong leadership across the kiwifruit industry, including holding critical governance roles.
“During the 2010 Psa incursion, Peter was a founding member and the second chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH), providing strategic leadership and hands-on support during a critical period for the industry.
“He also helped shape the future direction of KVH by recognising the need for a broader focus on biosecurity risks beyond Psa.
Thompson said Ombler was also known as a strong supporter of the Single Point of Entry (SPE) structure, particularly evident during his leadership as president of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI).
Ombler’s achievements as an industry leader were formally recognised in 2017 when he received the Horticulture Bledisloe Cup, awarded annually by Horticulture New Zealand for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.
“Peter is also widely respected for his work behind the scenes, strong relationship-building skills, and ability to bring people together during challenging times,” Thompson said.
“His passion, dedication, and service have helped make a lasting difference, and we acknowledge the significant time commitment Peter has made for the benefit of the industry.”
“We were delighted to receive such a great range of nominations for this year’s Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal and congratulate Peter on the outstanding contribution he has made to strengthen our industry.”
Previous recipients of the Hayward Medal include Ian Greaves, in 2020, in recognition of the pastoral care he provided the industry during the Psa outbreak.
The 2012 inaugural award went to Plant & Food Research plant breeder Dr Russell Lowe for developing and helping commercialise the gold variety Hort16A.
- Supplied by Zespri
