Pedersens join Horowhenua Business Hall of Fame

Horowhenua's Business Hall of Fame has two new names: Charlie and Chrissy Pedersen. Here they're pictured with Horowhenua Mayor Bernie Wanden (centre).

Horowhenua businesses received several accolades in this year’s Electra Business and Innovation Awards, such as those for retail and innovation.

Horowhenua’s Business Hall of Fame has two new names on the roll of honour: Charlie and Chrissy Pedersen from Foxton. They were inducted by Mayor Bernie Wanden on Thursday during the gala evening for the annual
awards.

Charlie trained as a special needs teacher, but early on ventured into timber and farming, and from 2005-2009 his passion for farming meant he became president of Federated Farmers. He helped facilitate a 65,000-signature petition, drove a tractor and led a cow up the steps to Parliament in protest against plans to tax animal emissions. He was also vice-president of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers.

Image 1 of 7: Riwa Wawatai from Art by Riwa received the Innovation Award at the Electra Business and Innovation Awards 2023. The award was sponsored by JB's.

Chrissy trained as a radiographer, operating the first MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system in Palmerston North Hospital and her involvement with the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) led to the setting up of the Himatangi clinic. Together they owned several farms, converting some from beef and sheep into dairy and even venturing into poultry.

Both are involved in local clubs and both were president of the Foxton Rotary Club, while Chrissy helped organise the lighting of the Foxton water tower. Charlie is president of te Waiora Trust. They have invested in local business, plus restored the family homestead and several Foxton buildings, such as the old BNZ bank, turning the latter into a home.

The Manakau Market was Horowhenua’s Top Shop this year, while Taper Eatery took home a spot prize.

The Greenery was awarded the retail award, while Caci Clinic Levin received the award for emerging/new business. The small business award, sponsored by NZME (Horowhenua Chronicle and Kāpiti News), went to Kāpiti interior designer Dress My Nest.

Foxton Beach’s Beauty and the Beach received a highly commended award, while Riwa Wawatai from Art by Riwa took home the innovation award.