Nominations are open for the 2013 Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal, which honours the dedication, knowledge, excellence and passion of leaders in the kiwifruit industry.

The judging panel is calling for nominations from industry bodies, including Kiwifruit New Zealand, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc, research partners, suppliers and pack houses.

The first recipient of the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal was kiwifruit plant breeder
Russell Lowe.

The award is named after the Hayward cultivar, which remains the cornerstone of the New Zealand and international kiwifruit industry and refers to horticulturalist Hayward Wright, whose innovation and contribution set up the industry as we know it today. The winner will be announced and presented with the award at the Hayward Medal dinner on November 21.
A judging panel has been set up as a subcommittee of the Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Council with representation from IAC, growers, and the post-harvest sector, as well as an independent member. The judging panel will oversee the development, selection and presentation of the award, which will be facilitated by Zespri. The award is funded by Fresh Carriers in 2013. Nominees must have made an outstanding contribution to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry through: innovation that has contributed to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry's world-class performance; industry contribution involving voluntarism and selflessness that helps lift performance and/or unrivalled leadership or governance of the industry. Nominations can be made through the Zespri website: www.zespri.com