HortNZ celebrates accolade for former president Julian Raine

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has congratulated the organisation’s former president Julian Raine on his success in the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards 2024.

Fruit grower and dairy farmer Mr Raine, HortNZ president from 2013 to 2019, took out the Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industry title at the awards presentation on 2 July.

The accolade recognised his many years of strong leadership in the primary industry, both in the horticulture and dairy sectors, and his commitment to giving back, both nationally and in the Nelson community.

Meanwhile, Dr Stuart Davis, LeaderBrand Produce, and Cameron Taylor, Taylor Corporation, were also finalists in the Champion category.

Chief executive Nadine Tunley said HortNZ was delighted to see Mr Raine’s decades of tireless work recognised.

“Julian is a very humble person who is so well-liked and respected as a leader, innovator and entrepreneur.

“Alongside his many contributions, he has championed the need to embrace technology and address climate change and sustainability.

“He has advocated for ongoing professional development and the importance of conversations about farmer and grower wellbeing and worked very hard to increase consumer understanding about primary sector production. He is dedicated to supporting and inspiring others.

“We’re also really pleased to see Stuart and Cameron’s efforts in the industry recognised too.”

Mr Raine farms dairy, dairy support and finishing dairy beef at his family farm between Stoke and Richmond. The business also has a second dairy farm and 10 apple, berry and kiwifruit orchards spanning 300ha on the Waimea Plains.

To help consumers to understand food production better, the farm also hosts around 750 visitors annually, including pre-schools, secondary and tertiary education visits.

He has been involved with the development of the Waimea Community Dam for over 20 years.

His many governance roles have also included serving on the boards of the Cawthron Institute – New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation – the New Zealand Boysenberry Council, Berryfruit Export NZ and the New Zealand Hops co-operative.

He chaired the Apple Futures Programme and New Zealand Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust, has been a member of the Primary Sector Council, a trustee of the Massey Lincoln Agricultural Industry Trust and co-chaired the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, which designed a strategy for urgent action on climate change.