Horticulture New Zealand honours industry stalwarts and community support

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has honoured the huge contribution to the sector of three industry leaders at its annual awards presentation.

Dr Stuart Davis, John Dine and Kris Robb were recognised for their services to growers at the organisation’s Annual Conference and gala dinner in Mount Maunganui on 29 August.

The organisation also presented 2024 Aotearoa Horticulture Manaaki Awards to two community groups, Nelson/Tasman Pasifika Community Trust and Aotearoa Tongan Health Workers Association, for their valuable support of Pacific workers taking part in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

Dr Davis, sustainability manager for LeaderBrand in Auckland, was presented with the organisation’s Bledisloe Cup for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the industry.

Dr Davis has played a significant role in the vegetable sector for more than 35 years, championing the introduction of science and innovation to enhance sustainable vegetable production.

He has chaired a number of industry groups and was instrumental in work that led to the creation of the A Lighter Touch programme, which is addressing the challenge of meeting consumer demands for safe food produced under sustainable pest management programmes whilst also caring for the environment.

Hawke’s Bay industry consultant John Dine was presented with the Industry Service Award, which recognises long and dedicated service to a supplier or service role and working beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the industry.

During four decades in the sector, Mr Dine has been at the forefront of fruit industry transformation.

That includes benchmarking and presenting results, the introduction of high-density dwarf rootstocks, whole-season consultancy contracts, corporate growing consultancy, the development of Integrated Fruit Production (IFP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes and a long involvement in the maturity monitoring programme.

Kris Robb, the general manager of Clyde Orchards in Earnscleugh, Central Otago, was awarded the President’s Trophy, which celebrates inspiring leadership within the sector.

Mr Robb is president of the Central Otago Fruit Growers Association and serves on a number of other industry committees.

During COVID-19, he worked to secure New Zealand labour for the wider Central Otago region through his independent work on social media and contribution to other industry initiatives.

Mr Robb has also produced over 60 videos that collectively tell the story of life on the orchard, helping to lift the profile of horticulture in Central Otago – along with educating and entertaining the local community with the complexities of fruit production.

“We are immensely proud to honour Dr Stuart Davis, John Dine, and Kris Robb for their exceptional contributions to our industry,” says Barry O’Neil, Chair of HortNZ.

“Their dedication and innovative approaches have not only advanced horticulture but also set a standard of excellence for others to follow.

“These awards highlight the incredible work being done across our sector and inspire us all to strive for greater achievements.”

The Manaaki Award acknowledges community groups that go out of their way to support the RSE community while in New Zealand working under the RSE scheme.

Nelson/Tasman Pasifika Community Trust was recognised for its work over the past four years, extending its education and health support services in support of the RSE community. General manager Rob Blake received the award on behalf of the organisation.

Aotearoa Tongan Health Workers Association CEO Makahokovalu Pailate accepted the award for the organisation’s support of 270 Tonga RSE workers, mainly in the Hawke’s Bay region, who were impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Nurturing our workers from the Pacific is not only the responsibility of RSE employers but a community effort,” says O’Neil. “It is an approach that enables unity and understanding amongst the RSE stakeholders.”