Exceptional Achievements Honoured In 2026 Horticulture Industry Awards
30 July 2026, NZ: Sustainable growing practices, scientific innovation, decarbonisation and exceptional support of the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme are among achievements recognised in the 2026 Horticulture Industry Awards.
Five awards were announced at the New Zealand Horticulture Conference Industry Awards and Gala Dinner in Wellington on 29 July.
The awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to commercial fruit and vegetable growing in New Zealand.
The Horticulture Bledisloe Cup, the premium industry award in the horticulture industry, was awarded to Pukekohe-based grower Peter Reynolds of TA Reynolds Ltd.
The cup is awarded to a person who has made an outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.
Peter has made a significant and lasting contribution to New Zealand horticulture through decades of leadership in vegetable growing.
He has championed sustainable farming practices, improving soil health, reducing environmental impact and strengthening grower capability.
He is widely respected for openly sharing knowledge, for his leadership, following regional challenges and for his commitment to future generations, including support of young grower programmes.
The President’s Trophy, which aims to celebrate and develop inspiring leadership within the horticulture industry, was presented to Ben Smith, General Manager at T&G Global.
A former Young Grower of the Year and Young Horticulturist of the Year, Ben’s career reflects the full pathway from emerging talent to industry leader, driving excellence in growing systems and sustainable production.
Over more than two decades, he has progressed from technical roles to General Manager, driving excellence in growing systems and sustainable production.
He continues to give back through his involvement in Tomatoes NZ and wider sector initiatives, sharing knowledge and supporting collaboration and making a lasting contribution to strengthening New Zealand horticulture and its future resilience.
The FMG Sustainable Innovation Award was presented to the steering group for the Kiwifruit Postharvest Industry Refrigerant Decarbonisation project, which tackles the challenge of transitioning away from high global warming refrigerants and ageing infrastructure.
The collaborative initiative between Bay of Plenty postharvest operators was launched in 2024, with the steering group comprising Lloyd Franks (Seeka), Ollie Hoare (HumePack), Sarah Lei (Trevelyan’s) and Les Dimond (G4 Kiwi Supply).
Supported by $1.75 million in combined government and industry funding, the project has already delivered pilot upgrades across 29 systems, cutting potential emissions by over 17,000 tCO2e.
The Manaaki Award sponsored by Mr Apple was awarded to Dr Richard Bedford in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme since its inception.
The award recognises a person, group or organisation that has risen beyond the call of duty to support employers and workers. It recognises the positive impact an act of service has had on employers, workers, the community and the whole RSE scheme.
For nearly 20 years, Dr Bedford has played a pivotal role, providing independent, objective and data-driven insights that have helped shape the RSE scheme’s direction and success.
Through his research, leadership and advocacy and ability to translate complex data into practical insights, he has supported informed decision-making, continuous improvement and strengthened outcomes for workers, businesses and communities.
His work has also articulated the “triple win” model, highlighting the benefits of the scheme for employers, Pacific workers and communities and New Zealand’s economy.
The Industry Service Award went to Dr Mike Currie, who leads the stage 2 new cultivar programme at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre.
The award recognises people with long and dedicated service to a supplier or service role (not a grower) that have worked beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the horticulture industry.
Dr Currie has made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry over more than 30 years. His applied science has consistently improved orchard productivity, fruit quality and grower profitability, with innovations widely adopted across New Zealand and international growing systems.
He has played a key role in developing practical tools such as girdling, as well as advancing new cultivars and supporting programmes like Taste Zespri.
A collaborative leader and committed mentor, his innovation, and grower-focused approach is highly respected for bridging science and on-orchard practice, ensuring research delivers real value for growers.
Horticulture New Zealand board chair Bernadine Guilleux said the award winners all show absolute dedication to the horticulture industry, making valuable contributions to its position as one of New Zealand’s fastest growing and most valuable primary sectors.
“The breadth of our award winners’ contributions from growing, science and research to innovation and sustainable production encompass the great and varied work being done across the horticulture sector to provide healthy affordable produce for New Zealand and for the world, contributing significantly to the economy at regional and national levels.”
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