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Citrus NZ Industry Champion John MacPherson (centre) flanked by Tam Jex-Blake interim chair Citrus NZ and HortNZ chair Bernadine Guilleux.
Over 240 growers, industry leaders and guests from across the country gathered in Gisborne last month to attend the inaugural Citrus New Zealand Awards dinner celebrating excellence in the sector.
James Torrie received the Emerging Leader Award for his leadership potential, initiative and fresh thinking, while 73 Citrus was honoured with the Innovation Award for their creative and forward-thinking approach to citrus production.
Phil Evans was acknowledged with the Excellence in Orchard Sustainability and Practice Award, while John MacPherson was celebrated for his decades of leadership and service, earning the Industry Champion title and becoming only the fourth person to receive Life Membership.
Speaking to Hort News, 73 Citrus general manager James Crow said that the award for the company's vitamin C fortified sparkling citrus drink range served to highlight how the event was putting a spotlight on exciting opportunities in the citrus industry.
"For many of us, we're completely engrossed in our day-to-day business, keeping the lights on, supporting our communities, that we don't have a lot of marketing budget. We don't have a lot of time and maybe the skill to focus on getting our product out there further than word of mouth.
"Having this support from the awards allows us to do things like have a press release sent out to media that we maybe wouldn't be able to contact and make conversations about what's going on in an industry like citrus... there's innovation still in what you can grow on tress. You can have fresh whole foods inside innovative products and still enjoy them."
Citrus New Zealand executive manager Jo Pentreath said that with an estimated 27,600 tonnes of citrus produced annually by over 300 growers, the board felt that it was important to recognise and celebrate the 'dedication, skills and knowledge of our growers', and the Awards provided the perfect way to acknowledge their contribution to the sector.
Guests included National MP Dana Kirkpatrick, Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Horticulture New Zealand Chair Bernardine Guilleux who joined industry leaders and growers in congratulating the winners and celebrating the citrus sectors achievements.
The event followed a full-day orchard workshop on 2D trellising, spatial motion and spray optimisation, as well as the organisation's annual general meeting which confirmed the appointments of Hugh Ritchie as an independent chairperson and Murray Kendrew as a grower director.
Citrus New Zealand interim chair Tam Jex-Blake said the board appointments underscored the organisation's commitment to strong governance and grower-focused leadership.
"The evening was also about recognising the people and businesses driving citrus forward. It was inspiring to see growers, industry partners and supporters come together in Gisborne to applaud the incredible achievements of our industry peers."
Crow explained that in wider food and beverage award ceremonies, judging panels can have difficulty focusing amidst the broader range.
"Sometimes it's a good idea, like they've done here, to zero in a little bit more on what's happening within a corner of the industry, like horticulture or manufacturing."
On Friday, Gisborne played host to the inaugural Citrus New Zealand Awards dinner, where more than 140 growers, industry leaders and guests from across the country gathered to celebrate excellence in the sector.
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