Friday, 06 August 2021 08:44

Chapman bags Bledisloe Cup

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Mike Chapman, who won the Bledisloe Cup for horticulture, pictured with Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor (right) and HortNZ president Barry O'Neil (left). 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.

More like this

Horticulture hit badly in Nelson/Tasman

HortNZ's CEO, Kate Scott says they are starting to see the substantial cumulative effects on their members of the two disastrous flood events in the Nelson Tasman region.

NZ growers lead freshwater compliance

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that commercial fruit and vegetable growers are getting ahead of freshwater farm plan regulations through its Growing Change project.

Featured

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.

People-first philosophy pays off

The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Faking it

OPINION: Demand for red meat is booming, while it seems the heyday of plant-based protein is well past its 'best…

M.I.A.

OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter