Ōpōtiki grower wins 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
The presentation to Sir Brian was made at a special dinner in Tauranga this week at the conclusion of Zespri's inaugural Kiwifruit Innovation Symposium.
The award to Sir Brian was made in recognition of his contribution to the industry as chairman of Kiwifruit New Zealand – the body which administers the laws relating to the industry.
Sir Brian served in this role for 10 years, only recently stepping down. The citation for his award stated he has a "fine legal mind which had served the industry well".
It noted his great integrity and the gracious manner in which he dealt all those in the industry and that when he spoke, the industry listened.
Sir Brian, a lawyer, has served in a number of public roles including chief ombudsman, overseeing the local government reforms in 1989 and mayor of Palmerston North.
He was presented with the Haywards medal by John Malyon, managing director of Oceanic Navigation Ltd.
