Horticulture New Zealand is calling for nominations for its 2026 industry awards, which recognise excellence, leadership, service and innovation across the sector.

The awards span six categories and aim to highlight the often‑unseen contributions of individuals and teams driving the success of New Zealand horticulture.

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board chair Bernadine Guilleux said the awards are an opportunity to shine a light on the individuals and teams whose efforts often go unrecognised.

“These awards are about celebrating the people who make a real difference – those who lead, innovate, support others and consistently go the extra mile.

“Our industry plays a vital role in producing healthy food for New Zealanders and the world. Behind that success are people who are committed to what they do.

“Nominating someone is a simple but powerful way to acknowledge that contribution and share their story with the wider sector and New Zealand.”

Nominations are invited for six awards categories:

– The Bledisloe Cup, for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.

– The President’s Trophy recognising persons showing promise in the horticulture industry business and/or leadership, no matter their experience.

- The Industry Service Award, for people, other than a grower, with long and dedicated service in a supplier or service role, that have worked beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the horticulture industry.

- The Sustainable Innovation Award, for a person or team who are developing, or have developed, technologies, an innovation or undertaken research that increases productivity, profitability or environmental sustainability in the sector.

- The Manaaki Award, for 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 Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

- The HortNZ Life Member Award, for growers with long and dedicated service as office holders of HortNZ and/or an affiliated product group or grower association.

“I expect most people in the sector will know someone who deserves to be nominated,” Guilleux said.

“These awards are about recognising those contributions and celebrating the strength of our industry.”

To make a nomination, you must be either an active grower member of HortNZ, an affiliated product group or an affiliated association.

Nominations close on Monday, June 15. For more details and to submit a nomination, visit www.hortnz.co.nz.

The awards will be presented at the Industry Awards dinner, part of the New Zealand Horticulture Conference, on July 29 at Tākina, Wellington.

– Content supplied by Horticulture New Zealand