increase font size
Horticulture’s Bledisloe Cup for 2019 winner Bill Thorpe and wife his Margaret.
Horticulture's Bledisloe Cup for 2019 was won by Gisborne horticulture leader Bill Thorpe.
The cup goes to an outstanding contributor to horticulture, this year Thorpe, who received it at the Horticulture Conference 2019.
The award citation noted Thorpe has been in horticulture for 50 years, including planting the first commercial kiwifruit in 1969. By 1975 he had developed Gisborne’s first, seamless kiwifruit packhouse and export facility.
In 1988 he became a founding member of the New Zealand Persimmon Industry Council, of which he remains an active member. As an exporter he helped push into China and the US.
His colleagues say he is a “commercially mature and unfailingly courteous gentleman and statesman of the industry” and known to be “relentless in representing the growers of the Gisborne region”.
Thorpe says it is an honour to receive the award and particularly satisfying since he has spent most of his working life in this dynamic and forward looking industry.
“In the twilight of my career I am particularly honoured to join the impressive list of people who have their names engraved on this magnificent trophy,” he said.
The Bledisloe Cup for horticulture was first presented in 1931 by Governor-general Lord Bledisloe, going to the orchardist who mounted the best exhibit of NZ apples at the Imperial Fruit Show. It is one of several cups Lord Bledisloe presented to NZ and resembles rugby’s Bledisloe Cup.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
There is an appeal to New Zealanders to buy local citrus fruit.
Avocado growers are reporting a successful season, but some are struggling to keep their operations afloat following years of bad weather.
Horticulture and commercial vegetable growers in particular stand to be major beneficiaries of radical proposals by government to make sweeping changes to RMA regulations.
Lydia Goodman has been crowned the Central Otago 2025 Young Grower of the Year regional winner.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…
