Hort industry dishes out awards
Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.
In being awarded the Manaaki Award, sponsored by Mr Apple, the social scientist was recognised for playing a "pivotal" role in the RSE scheme for nearly 20 years, providing independent, objective and data-driven insights that have helped shape the scheme's direction and sucess.
His work has articulated the "triple win" model, highlighting the benefits of the scheme for employers, Pacific workers and communities, and New Zealand's economy.
Richard says the award was a great surprise, "and the research would not have been possible without the support of growers and contractors in the wine and horticulture industries".
Hortus won Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Employer of the Year for 2026 at the event, where it was congratulated for "consistently demonstrating excellence in worker wellbeing, pastoral care, cultural inclusion, leadership, and community impact through the RSE scheme."
Judges said that since joining the RSE scheme in 2008, Hortus had built an environment where workers from across the Pacific were not only employed, but valued and supported.
"Through employment opportunities, workers have been able to support their families, strengthen their villages, contribute to schools and community projects, and invest in the future of their communities across the Pacific."
