The primary sector awards finalists have been announced

Reading time: < 1 minute

The finalists for the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards 2024 have been announced.

The awards are open to individuals, teams and companies from any producer group operating in or supporting the primary sector.

The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize innovation, excellence, collaboration and success across key industries.

The winners will be announced on July 2 at a ceremony in Tākina Wellington.

Finalists:

Emerging Leader Award

Claire Williamson, Velma and Beverley; Jordi Hoult, Ministry of Primary Industries; Sam Waugh, Donald’s Farm.

Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand Primary Industries Award

Julian Raine, dairy farmer/horticulturalist; Jamie Mackay, presenter of The Country, NZME; Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary of Trade and Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Champion’s Award

Warren Parker (posthumously), Pāmu Farms of New Zealand; Dr. Stuart Davis, brand leader, producer; Cameron Taylor, Taylor Corporation.

Team reward and cooperation

Ashna Khan, Agrisea; Tanya Pouwhare, New Zealand Ethical Employers; Organizations involved in the response to CRA3 lobster biotoxin (Ministry of Primary Industries, Seafood Standards Board, New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council, Crayfish Area Management Committee, Licensed Fish Collector).

Science and Research Award

ESR and DairyNZ Groundwater Team; Dr. Gale Brightwell, AgResearch – on behalf of the Food Integrity Team; Paul Dalziel, Agricultural and Economics Research Unit, University of Lincoln.

Technological Innovation Award

Liam Beattie, bidder; Samantha Tennent, WelFarm; John Schol, Farm 4 life center.

Award for the Food, Beverage and Fiber Producer

New international image; Repost; Southern Pastures/Lewis Road Creamery.

Care and Protection Award (Kaitiakitanga Award)

Dr Adrian Cookson, AgResearch for the eDNA Water Quality Team; Damien and Jane Roper, farm owners; Anna Benny, Otago South River Care for the Catchment Collective Team

Celebrating the rural hero of the year

Alastair Macgregor of the Agricultural Army; Craig Hickman, Dairyman New Zealand; Cara and John Gregan, supporters of Meat the Need.