Open to all primary sector businesses and organisations and those that service them, both small and large, the awards are run by the MPI and the AGMARDT.
The Good Employer Awards highlight good employers and employment practices in the food and fibre sector. They aim to encourage good practice and recognise employers who put their staff at the heart of their businesses.
Cheyne Gillooly, MPI’s director investment, skills and performance, says the awards recognise and celebrate exceptional employers across the primary sector who may otherwise fly under the radar.
“The primary sector employs about 367,000 people, representing almost 14 percent of New Zealand's workforce,” says Gillooly.
“Since the Primary Industries Good Employer Awards were launched in 2018, 9 employers – ranging from transport companies, to environmental guardians and agritech innovators – have received accolades.
“Past finalists and winners include forestry companies, sheep and beef farmers, veterinarians, dairy farmers, horticulture and viticulture businesses.”
So, if your employer goes above and beyond to create a productive, safe and healthy work environment; you can nominate them here. Entries close at 5pm on April 8.
The award categories are:
- Employee development
- Safe and healthy environment
- Inclusive and diverse workplace
- Small business recognition
- Māori Agribusiness
- Supreme award
Rewi Haulage, a Māori-owned log transport company based in Rangitukia north of Gisborne, took out the Māori Agribusiness Award in 2021.
"We treat our employees and drivers as whānau and we’re supporting a lot of locals to be owner-operators and have businesses of their own," says Rewi Haulage director Chubb Rewi.
"In an increasingly competitive labour market, great employers are more important than ever to help attract and keep staff in the sector, and I’d encourage people to enter."
