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Mike Chapman, who won the Bledisloe Cup for horticulture, pictured with Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor (right) and HortNZ president Barry O'Neil (left).
Former Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman last night won the Bledisloe Cup for services to the sector.
Chapman received the award from Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor at a gala dinner at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, where the two-day HortNZ conference ends today.
Chapman’s career in the horticulture industry has spanned more than 20 years.
Swapping his legal-focused work for kiwifruit, he took up the role of Kiwifruit New Zealand chief executive in 2002 and then, in 2005, he became New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated chief executive. Ten years later he picked up the reigns as Horticulture New Zealand chief executive, a position he held until June this year.
But after stepping down, Chapman has continued to work on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. He was instrumental in the Government’s decision in early August to permit RSE workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, to enter New Zealand without the need for managed isolation.
The Bledisloe Cup for horticulture was first presented in 1931 by the then Governor-General Lord Bledisloe, for a competition between orchardists for the best exhibit of New Zealand apples at the Imperial Fruit Show.
It is one of several cups Lord Bledisloe presented to New Zealand and is similar to rugby’s Bledisloe Cup, which was also donated in 1931.
HortNZ president Barry O’Neil says Chapman's advocacy for the horticultural industry has been untiring, forceful, and balanced.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining priorities to support the sector’s growth, resilience, and contribution to New Zealand’s food security and export revenue.
The 2026 New Zealand Horticulture Conference is set to see more than 900 growers, employers, service providers and industry stakeholders gather in Wellington in July.
Trainees in the horticulture industry studying towards a certificate or diploma can now apply for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 Industry Training Scholarships programme.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
Despite the ongoing bad news on the geopolitical front, New Zealand kiwifruit growers may be in for a good payout.
Under pressure wine growers say the appointment of a new chief executive will bring a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry.
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Average sheep and beef farm profit is forecast to double this year, and rural communities are set to reap the benefits.
While the District Field Days brought with it a welcome dose of sunshine, it also attracted a significant cohort of sitting members from the Beehive – as one might expect in an election year.
Irish Minister of State of Agriculture, Noel Grealish was in New Zealand recently for an official visit.
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