Championing Primary Industry in Hawke’s Bay Since 1858
Awards contribute significantly to region’s primary industry T
he 2019 Napier Port Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Awards are organised by the Hawke’s Bay A & P Society. General Manager, Sally Jackson stated, “We are so proud of these awards. They are long established and contribute significantly to the primary industry across the region.” She added “This year marks the 47th year of the Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year award and entrants across all categories have represented some of the finest and most innovative, industrious primary producers in the country and produce some of the highest quality food and fibre to be found anywhere in the world.” Awards such as these articulate the story of excellence within rural New Zealand and celebrate success, business innovation and growth. Two new categories were introduced for the2019awardsandincludedtheHorticentre Trust Hawke’s Bay Horticulturalist of the Year and Rural Directions Hawke’s Bay Shepherd of the Year. “Year on year we also have a fantastic group of businesses, organisations and
volunteers who are all helping make these awards possible. “We are thrilled to have a host of new sponsors joining us including Unison as the naming sponsor for the Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Professional of the Year, along with Eastern Institute of Technology Hawke’s Bay, sponsoring the winning horticulturalists field day and the Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association Trust and New Zealand Apples & Pears,” she says. The 2019 category line up also included the Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Farm Forester of the Year, Hastings District Council Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Industry Leader, BWR Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Innovation Award; Laurie Dowling Memorial Award; and the Lawson Robinson Hawke’s Bay Scholarship. Other events organised by the Hawke’s Bay A & P Society include the BNZ National Horticulture Field Day in June, the Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayley’s Wine Awards in October and The Royal A & P Show also in October.
A&P Society staff; Di Roadley, Isabelle Crawshaw Event Manager & Sally Jackson General Manager of the A&P Society The Society is located at the historic and beautiful Showgrounds Hawke’s Bay Tomoana and the facilities on site are frequently hired out by the community and is the home base for
the national event; Landrover Horse of Year. For more information on the Hawke’s Bay A & P Society contact the General Manager, Sally Jackson.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL NAPIER PORT HAWKES BAY PRIMARY SECTOR AWARDS RECIPIENTS FOR 2019 .
Look no further than the Showgrounds Hawke's Bay Tomoana as your perfect venue.
ANZ is proud to support the following winners: Jason Daly & Louise Harvey – SFF Hawkes Bay Farmer of the Year Fountaine Family – Pan Pac Hawkes Bay Farm Forester of the Year Leon & Robyn Stallard – Horticentre Trust Horticulturalist of the Year Ren Apatu – HDC Industry Leader Award
If you’d like to find out how we can help you succeed with your agri business goals, contact Marcus Bousfield 027 498 9425 or Willie Lyons 027 285 0174.
A rus"c se!ng, large grounds and the beau"ful Waikoko Gardens lakeside se!ng. All located in the centre of Hawke’s Bay. Contact the team at the A & P Society to book a tour: admin@showgroundshb.co.nz - 06 878 3123
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Napier Port celebrates primary sector heroes The principal sponsor of the Napier Port Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Awards is passionate about our region’s primary industries, and is proud to support an event that recognises innovation, success and sustainability across the rural economy.
N
apier Port has a long association with our region’s growers, farmers and farm foresters. The port and its primary sector customers have been working together for more than 100 years, exporting locally-grown goods to markets across the world. Napier Port has been the principal sponsor of the award for four years, and Chief Executive Todd Dawson says that they were delighted to be back again this year. “At Napier Port, our purpose is to build a thriving region by connecting our customers to the world. The primary sector is integral to that goal, and we’re proud to partner with the Hawke’s Bay A & P Society to encourage innovation and celebrate those at the leading edge of the industry.” “This year, we were particularly excited to see the introduction of the
Horticulturalist of the Year Award, and the Shepherd of the Year Award.” As Hawke’s Bay’s gateway to world markets, Napier Port is connected into primary sector businesses right across the region. Dawson says that the nature of their work gives the team at the port an insight into hundreds of primary businesses across the region. “Our people are out there meeting customers every day, and we’re acutely aware of the wealth of talent and innovation in our primary sector.” “That was certainly borne out on the night and it was a real privilege to celebrate all the winners and finalists on the night. It’s not often that we get to stop, reflect, and honour the hard work and commitment of our farmers, horticulturalists, farm foresters and rural professionals, and it was great to get the chance to do that.”
Todd says the night was also a showcase of some of the positive change happening across the sector. “We’re seeing an increasing emphasis on looking after our people, our planet and our place. Our finalists are working hard in the sustainability space, and it’s heartening to see the sector start to speak openly about the challenges of mental health.” Napier Port has already signed on as principal sponsor for the next two years, and Dawson says his team are looking forward to the next awards.
Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson
napierport.co.nz
HELPING CENTRAL NEW ZEALAND SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES
Celebrating excellence in pastoral farming T
he Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of The Year Awards identify, promote and celebrate excellence in pastoral farming in Hawke’s Bay. We are proud of our association with the Hawke’s Bay Farmer of The Year Awards. Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Award Jason Daly and Louise Harvey. From Silver Fern Farms we wish to congratulate all competitors in the Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year Competition for setting high standards and achieving them. Sustainable, resilient regional communities are central to how we market our grass-fed 100% made of New Zealand natural and sustainable red meat. The work we do together gives us a foundation for a good story to tell when it comes to sustaining resilient communities in the Hawke’s Bay. Last year the jobs we created saw us contribute over $70 million in wages to some 1,000 people who work for us, and another $30m in goods and services to businesses in the region which support our Takapau and Pacific sites. We supported over 3,200 Hawke’s Bay farm businesses. We paid $418 million in livestock payments to farmers supplying our Hawke’s Bay plants in 2018. In this region we increased the number of farmers supplying Silver Fern Farms for the third year running. We support the wider economy. This region alone generated $535 million in export receipts last year. We feed people with high quality, safe and nutritious food – we exported the equivalent of 3,400 containers of food from the Hawke’s Bay. We can only make this contribution if we support each other and grow our resilience. The Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of The Year Awards identify, promote and celebrate excellence in pastoral farming in Hawke’s Bay. Silver Fern Farms is a proud supporter of the competition as it unearths talented farmers and recognises them for their
abilities to produce food consumers need and want. These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge farmers’ efforts. We hope they encourage other farmers to continue to think of the experience they deliver for the consumer, so they can make progress on their farms and help us show the world
the place, people and passion behind our natural, sustainable food. Stories of the places, people and passion on farms strike a chord with consumers. They are increasingly buying more than just our red meat – they are buying our story, which is the story of the communities that we support together.
CONTACT: For livestock enquiries contact your local Silver Fern Farms’ dedicated livestock representative or phone 0800 362 362. 100% MADE OF NEW ZEALAND www.silverfernfarms.com
Astonishing animal performance BY CHRYS AYLEY
J
ason Daly and Louise Harvey attended the awards evening quietly hopeful of a win but were aware that the award was hard to get on the mantelpiece and were happy knowing that they had learnt from entering the awards and being judged by industry leaders. It was a great pleasure and an honour for them to hear that they had been named as the Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year for 2019. The couple
own two properties, Te Onepu in Raukawa Road and Longridge which is about 7kms away. The farms are roughly located in between SH2 and SH50 with a journey to Havelock North and Hastings of about 30 minutes. The judges specifically mentioned “Outstanding monitoring, analysis, use of specific professionals, environmental management, planning, staff management, use of resource and astonishing animal performance,” which led to the ultimate decision about the winner.
Jason was born in the South Island, in Carew near Ashburton and raised by his parents Bev and Barry Daly on an irrigated farm mixed cropping, sheep and beef property and now is dairy support and mixed cropping. He has three siblings, two of whom are also farming in the South Island, in Horarata and Clinton and one who is working overseas but not in farming. Being raised on a farm helped instill knowledge and skills early as Jason started helping out from a young age. Keen to leave school his dad told Jason he could leave when he found a job. He left school at 17 and started farming. His first job was on a sheep and beef property in Alfred Forest. He gained his first management role at the age of 23 working at Horarata, a mixed livestock and cropping property. He then went on to complete a Diploma in Agriculture by correspondence. Jason keeps up to date on best farming practice with a combination of research, reading and valuable and in-depth conversations with his siblings and father. Jason continued his career working as a manager of the North Canterbury operation of Mount Linton and later Drumpeel Farms, a mixed cropping operation not far from Otane. Jason was livestock manager for Hugh Ritchie (SFF FOY winner with Sharon in 2014) at Drumpeel Farms for just over 11 years and left in December 2016 when they purchased the Longridge property.
Phone: (06) 857 8170
While working for Drumpeel Farms, Jason and Louise purchased Te Onepu in 2013. Jason was able to work on the two operations simultaneously with support from Drumpeel Farms and staff member, Mark Merry at Te Onepu. Purchasing your first farm is not an easy task and the couple have pushed the boundaries to reach the goal. The never give up attitude was applied. To reach the goal, they were fortunate to have the seed funding from Jason’s parents to purchase Te Onepu. However this was not a hand out mentality, instead a launching pad for the farming operation to strive to continue to develop and be successful with asset development and operational management. Bev and Barry have helped three of their four sons into farming. After consolidating the farming operation, they were able to purchase 240ha of a subdivision from Longridge in June 2016 from Joanne and Gary Chambers. At the end of last year, Jason and Louise moved to the house on Te Onepu farm, with their children, from Poukawa. Between Jason and Louise, they have four children (Charlie, Harry, Greta and William) aged from 5 to 16 years old and were keen for them to live on the farm. They have all enjoyed settling down and meeting their rural neighbours. Jason and Louise are a good team along with Mark Merry who has been working with them for six years and is seen as an invaluable staff member for the operation.
Proud to support the Silver Fern Farms Farmer of the year 2019 winners
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CONGRATULATIONS
Jason Daly & Louise Harvey The well-deserved TITLE of
SILVER FERN FARMS
“FARMERS OF THE YEAR 2019” Proudly Servicing Their Livestock Needs
The operation itself is entirely devoted to finishing Friesian bulls. Jason uses intensive cell finishing with an average of .6ha to 1ha cells. Approximately 80% of R2 bulls are purchased in spring with a 12-15 month trade and another 20% of R2 bulls are purchased in autumn with a 7-8 month trade with killing dates between early November to mid-December. Jason chose Friesian bulls because they have …“the good temperament and are best suited to the class of country. They are good converters of dry matter and I enjoy being able to systematise them.” A key driver in improving the quality of feed they grow is increasing the amount of clover percentage in their rye grass pastures. Currently there is 120ha with 50% clover and 50% rye grass with the goal to continue the percentage out across the farms. Other improvements since the purchase of the farms includes re-fencing into cells, installing and upgrading water schemes, introducing capital fertiliser and lime and re-grassing at Te Onepu. Attention to detail is quite impressive. “I set things up pretty simply then keep drilling down and improving,” Jason says. “One of the key goals has been to develop an economic farming business which we want to continue to grow and ultimately work towards the family succession and retirement plans. It is taking a lot of planning, management and a few sacrifices on the way.” The couple have experienced a great farming journey
WISH TO CONGRATULATE
Congratulations
Jason Daly and Louise Harvey 2019 Winners of Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year.
JASON AND LOUISE
ON THEIR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
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Field Day – Essential Information Silver Fern Farms Field Day 2nd May, registration at 10:00am Jason Daly & Louise Harvey, Te Onepu 2849 Raukawa Road, Hastings Please bring $10 cash for lunch which is a fundraiser for Argyll School. 4WD vehicles esential, ATV’s and Side by Sides required if wet weather. All are welcome to attend together and continue to strive to get the work and family life balance right. Short term a new grassing programme continues which will result in increased clover in grass and reducing applied nitrogen per ha and more meat per ha. Medium term they will look to expanding the size of the property. The couple look forward to sharing more details with visitors at the field day.
SNAPSHOT
Longridge 240ha effective fenced into 1ha cells All grass system 500 R2 bulls Target carcase weight 360kg per ha Target kill weight 340kg cw/per head
620 R2 bulls Target carcase weight 430kg per ha Target kill weight 340kg cw/per head
Te Onepu 300ha effective with 220ha fenced into 0.6ha cells and 80ha fenced into 1-1.5 cells All grass system
1000mm rain 300mm above sea level Limestone soils at Te Onepu g g Red metal soils at Longridge
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(06) 876 8442 526 Omahu Road, Hastings www.hastingshonda.co.nz *NZ Industry stats 2018 calendar year
(06) 858 9109 49-51 Takapau Road, Waipukurau www.millshonda.co.nz **for ts&cs go to www.hastingshonda.co.nz
Long term goal for both properties targeting 500kg cw/ per ha
Lon Anderson
L
on Anderson, recipient of this year’s Laurie Dowling Memorial Award, knew Laurie very well as they worked close to each other in Waipukurau. “I was very honoured I was chosen and very pleasantly surprised. Laurie was a good bloke.” Lon’s association with the rural sector began back in the mid-1960s when he started work with the National Mortgage and Agency Company in Dunedin. Over the years he was a stock agent in South and West Otago and later a stock manager for Wrightson in West Otago. In 1986 Lon moved to Waipukurau and spent 30 years in rural banking starting with Trust Bank Central and later joining Rabobank where he was branch manager by 1999. It was work Lon relished for over 50 years. He particularly enjoyed the variety
of work and watching farmers succeed with the support of the bank. He also found the work very collegial with plenty of support at all levels. Throughout the years, many of which involved travel and long hours, it was Lon’s wife Aylene who was particularly supportive, especially in the early years when he was a stock agent. The couple have four children and now 10 grandchildren. In his ‘spare’ time Lon is a JP, a marriage celebrant and a member of Rotary, all of which are community based activities. He also plays golf, enjoys e-cycling and in his younger days played rugby and cricket and represented Otago in both codes. In March 2017 when the time became right for Lon to retire he quickly stepped into the role as the Hawke’s Bay coordinator for the East Coast Rural Support Trust.
Laurie Dowling Memorial Award
T
his award recognises an outstanding contribution to agriculture in Hawke’s Bay by being presented to a person who largely goes unrecognised and who works or gives their time to the betterment of agriculture in Hawke’s Bay.
Mike Barham receiving the award on behalf of Lon Anderson at the Awards evening Thursday 28 March
He felt the role was a good way of giving back to the rural community. The judges said “It is in this largely voluntary role that Lon has sincerely made his mark on Hawke’s Bay agriculture.” The Rural Support Trust is a nationwide network helping rural communities and individual farmers in times of adverse events. It provides support services where there is general hardship and stress and where people have personal and financial difficulties. The East Coast has a team of five including two trustees, one of whom is Mike Barham who collected the award on Lon’s behalf as Lon himself was away on Rural Support Trust business. In the past two years, Lon has experienced most things that can happen to farmers and their families - rural adversity of all types happens on a regular basis but while most farmers can cope, some need help. “The work we do is confidential. The welfare side of things is important and when you get a call you never know what it’s going to be,” Lon says. The team have special skills in a range of areas and we
are fortunate enough to have a clinical psychologist in the team.” “The work is satisfying, interesting and rewarding.” When asked about retiring he replied “I’ll carry on for a little while more. It’s keeping me alert and busy!”
The Fountaine family
F
arm forestry is a family affair for the Fountaines of River Road, Waiwhare, west of Hastings. Graeme and Jane Fountaine and their son Neil and daughter-in-law Donna farm 540ha in two blocks 5km apart. They are this year’s winners of the Pan Pac Farm Forester of the year. The family was delighted to have won the award and proud of what they had achieved, he said. Their farms face west, open to the prevailing westerlies and hard winters. On the home farm, Pleasant Valley, the relief is jumbled with relatively short, but steep hill slopes and easy tops. The second property, recently sold to Neil, drops down to the Tutaekuri River across a series of terraces separated by steep scarps. These terrace flats can be cropped but the soils are highly erodible. Both farms are predominantly sheep and beef operations so much of the planting was to provide lambing ewes and calving cows with shelter at a critical time. Experience has resulted in placing shelter belts across the terraces and using only direct drilling. Most steep scarps and westerly facing steep lands have been planted with either closed canopy timber trees or spaceplanted poplars on pasture. Graeme has experimented with a variety of timber tree species, including pines, eucalyptus, macrocarpa and poplars. The first rotations of pines planted and silvicultured by the family are now being harvested. Graeme Fountaine was born and bred on the farm and his father bought the Dampney Rd block in 1968. “He cleared the farms of scrub so didn’t think about planting more trees.” Tree planting started seriously in 1980 with pines and macrocarpas. Because the farms are prone to erosion Graeme has always planted willows and poplars at the head of the gullies. The trees can also be stock feed during a drought. At present there are 50ha of plantation forestry. The rest is comprised of shelter
belts and amenity planting. Neil Fountaine has planted shelter belts and replaced harvested blocks of pines. One benefit of so many trees and an intense possumculling programme has been the birdlife. “It’s been transformed since the possums went. Native falcons, moreporks, tui and the occasional wood pigeon have all made a real comeback.” The family “is dabbling in” planting
totara and cabbage trees to attract the birds.” The Fountaines have had their challenges planting so many trees. The strong winds can topple bigger trees while drought will harm new plantings. The award judges said biodiversity was being encouraged through the permanent retirement of a 32ha gully and the native planting of gully heads in pastured areas.
“In summary, the properties are managed to minimise off site effects and to maximise stock health while providing as sustainable income. The close planting of the steep, unstable faces in timber trees has provided an on farm ‘bank’ to be drawn on whenever additional cash is needed. A truly enjoyable property to visit.”
Field Day – Essential Information Date: 9 May 98 River Road, Waiwhare 10am start Finish 3-4pm approx BYO picnic lunch Transport: bring a 4wd if you have one. Vehicles will be pooled for the farm tour Clothing: solid footwear, dress for the weather All are welcome to attend Photo by Getty (not taken on the property).
Pan Pac: Supporting the Hawke’s Bay Farm Forester of the Year
P
an Pac Forest Products (Pan Pac) is a Hawkes Bay based company, which owns 34,781 hectares of forest located in Hawkes Bay. Logs from these forests make up about 59% of the demand from Pan Pac’s Sawmill and pulpmill operations that are based on a single site a few kilometres north Of Napier. Pan Pac’s state-of-the-art sawmill is the biggest single site sawmill in New Zealand. It processes around 766,000 tonnes of large high quality pruned and unpruned sawlogs per year into lumber, which is exported to many countries worldwide. Extracting the value at low cost from these logs remains the main focus for our lumber operation. Pan Pac’s pulpmlll was originally established in 1973 to produce pulp for export to Japan for newsprint. It has recently undergone a major rebuild. With an investment of around $70 million to upgrade its processing capacity and technology to allow it to produce high quality pulp for the Asian packaging market. The pulpmill and a small amount of external woodchip sales utilises around 713,500 tonne of wood chips from sawmills and pulplog suppliers in Hawkes Bay and the surrounding districts. Pan Pac maximises the value of its forest investment through its own value-added processing of logs through its sawmill and pulpmill. Pan Pac also has many other domestic and export customers utilising logs from its forests to ensure the best overall value is achieved. Given that Pan Pac’s forests only produce 58% of the logs required by the sawmill and pulpmill operations, they also have very strong demand from other domestic and export log customers of which they are the key supplier. Due to consistent demand throughout the year Pan Pac purchase a significant volume in Hawke’s Bay from farmers and foresters and then utilise their harvest planning, engineering, harvesting, purchase and marketing staff to maximise the value of their forest while minimising costs. This contract workforce the same
workforce that Pan Pac utilises in its own forests to maximise value while operating cost efficient harvesting operations. Pan Pac prides itself on maintaining a high standard of safety and environmental management over all of its operations. Pan Pac’s forests are certified under the prestigious Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC-C017103) certification, and they apply the same standards when managing and harvesting private forests and woodlots. Pan Pac has a long history of working with and maintaining relationships with local Hawkes Bay farmers as well as supporting the Hawke’s Bay Farm Forestry Association and we look forward to continuing this relationship for many years to come. Proudly Supporting the Hawke’s Bay Farm Forester of the Year.
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Metris A
passion for weather measurement won Metris the BWR primary sector innovation award this year. Metris was established in Taradale about 25 years ago by Howard Staines as a specialised detailed weather forecaster and data collection service for fruit growers and croppers. In 2017 he was joined by the core of a new team with new technologies to move the operation into the cloud. Staines still works for Metris by doing most of their daily forecasts. Sales and service manager Paul Heaps said Metris provided historical, real-time and forecast data to individual orchards and growers. They install sophisticated wireless sensors and monitor them with services ranging from a simple frost alarm to a full weather station covering pest and disease risk, sunshine and winter chill hours and growing degree days. “We cover past, present and future weather. The data is collected over time to show patterns. We send out 7000 emails of forecasts and data every week during the growing season. “We maintain the equipment to ensure the best data is captured because growers are busy enough without having to finance and maintain a weather station.”
Metris began life in Hawke’s Bay but now covers the country “and we have aspirations to cover more of the world.” The company is growing in line with the rapid expansion of the fruit industry, especially in Hawke’s Bay, and adopting the latest in technology as they go.
FROST AND HORTICULTURAL WEATHER FORECASTING
Another direction is their work with scientists on fire blight disease of fruit trees. Their sophisticated technology provides scientists with real-time data to assess the likely risk. Fire blight appears only when conditions are right which is not regularly so growers can forget about it until it’s too late. The award judges said Metris captured the perfect combination of innovation through their hardware, software and service model. “Their impact on the industry
is evident and was clearly shown in their use and integrity of the data they are capturing.” Heaps is confident of the future and direction of the business. “We entered the awards because we believe in our product and our business and that we can foot it with the best of them in our industry. “Our logo means ‘ahead of the weather’ and that’s where we intend to be.”
BWR Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Innovation Award
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Frost alarms and weather stations Weather consulting for new developments
Phone 0800 372 433 www.metris.co.nz hello@metris.co.nz
he BWR Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Innovation Award. The BWR Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Innovation Award recognises outstanding individuals and businesses making a significant contribution through ideas, knowledge and application to improve the performance of the primary sector. As a longstanding supporter, BWR are excited to be championing an award that recognises and celebrates those looking to forge an innovative pathway forwards into the future. For New Zealand’s primary sector to remain a world leader
both in terms of its production and its processes, we must promote, champion and celebrate its innovators – we therefore extend a huge congratulations to Metris, this year’s inspirational innovative winner! BWR’s Tech Hub is another way we’re helping the primary sector adopt and embrace innovation. Our tech hub team are experienced software specialists – committed to helping and supporting those looking to establish competitive advantage through process efficiency, and greater insight through better access to superior information.
BWR are Proud Supporters off the 2019 Primary ry y Sector Awards and Congratulate all the Category ry y Winn ners Make your farming business - our business BWR has been supporting Hawke’s Bay farmers since 1907 and understands the hard work that goes into creating g a successful farming operation. Contact us today for your FREE CONSULTATION to see how your farming operation can realise its full potential with the support of our experienced team of farm tax, financial and information technology experts.
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Geoffrey Berntsen A
drive to develop a product aimed at Asian markets was a winner for Geoffrey Berntsen. Berntsen, 20, won the Lawson Robinson scholarship. He is Taradale born and bred and educated at Lindisfarne College, Hastings, where he was dux in 2016. The scholarship recognises outstanding leadership and academic qualities in a student enrolled in a landbased production industries programme. This year’s winner is now in his third and last year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce majoring in international
business and finance at Massey University. As part of a student exchange with a Hong Kong university he will head there later this year for a semester to finish his degree and to study finance and trade. The $3000 he received will go toward his course fees. He entered because the scholarship would help with the costs of his study. Berntsen was not born on a farm but developed his interest in the primary sector at school. He worked on a dairy farm at Reporoa and for the Hawke’s Bay
Regional Council. He is working for AgFirst as a technician with kiwifruit and apples as he continues his studies long distance. His long-term aspiration is to develop a primary product in New Zealand that is suitable for Asian countries. He is not sure what that product is yet but his trip to Hong Kong is to study what it might be. He is uncertain of his final career path but “I want to spend the next five years learning as much as I can.” He says his degree will open up jobs in banking or farm management. “There are a lot of big farms in New Zealand.”
The judges said he demonstrated a strong ambition to contribute to the primary sector in Hawke’s Bay and showed a striking level of thinking outside the box. “One thing that stood out about Geoffrey was his drive and determination to develop new technology and/or products for the primary sector and he has a structured plan to help him achieve his goals. “We have no doubt Geoffrey will achieve great things in his chosen career pathway.”
The Lawson Robinson Scholarship
T
he Lawson Robinson Scholarship aims to recognise outstanding academic and leadership qualities in a student currently enrolled in a full time primary industries programme at a New Zealand university. Recipients of the scholarship receive $3,000 payable towards their course fees. Recipients must be full time students enrolled in a programme related to land based production industries at Graduate or Post Graduate level. Preference is given
to applicants who are within one year of completing their studies. The recipient will have a familial association with Hawke’s Bay and is, or has been involved in the practical aspects of the primary sector. The criteria for selection is based on leadership potential and academic merit. It is hoped that the scholarship recipients will ultimately seek employment in Hawke’s Bay and pass on the benefits of their learning to the Hawke’s Bay community and its industries.
Congratulations Geoffrey Berntsen
Winner of the Lawson Robinson Scholarship
Lawson Robinson - supporting the future of farming in Hawke’s Bay
Promoting Business Excellence in Hawke’s Bay and the Primary Sector 73 Raffles Street, Napier 4110 PO Box 45, Napier 4140 P 06 833 5012 F 06 833 5014 www.lawsonrobinson.co.nz
Mark Harris
“I
t’s all about the people I’ve worked with over the years.” This was Mark Harris’s reaction to winning the Unison Primary Professional of the year. Harris had no idea who nominated him and said he was humbled to win the award. “It’s an acknowledgement of the work being done by the whole team.” This award recognises a person who provides professional services to the primary sector which improves the economic and social sustainability of the area. Harris is lead extension officer for Beef + Lamb NZ. He covers the east coast helping farmers in various ways to increase their production. His work in leading a team of support workers after the Kaikoura earthquakes in 2017 brought him special recognition. He went down to support the Beef + Lamb team as co-ordinator. “When I got there everyone was working massive hours but weren’t co-ordinated. I got the whiteboards out and set up daily plans to ensure everyone had at least one day off a week.” It’s back to earth now with another of his projects to plan: the Ahuwhenua Maori Farmer of the year held every two years. He coordinates the field days which this year
run from north of Gisborne to southern Hawke’s Bay. He has supported other groups such the Tairawhiti Women in Farming Group which is based in Poverty Bay and founded in 2014. The aim of this group is to facilitate education, events, personal development and networking among rural women in the region. “The group has been a game-changer up there and it’s good to have two heads in the business.” He said he had enjoyed his role in the industry and planned to continue encouraging young people up through it. The judges said “Mark has dedicated his career to supporting, growing and enabling farmers across Hawke’s Bay to reach their potential through establishing multiple programmes in his role as Eastern North Island extension manager for Beef + Lamb NZ.” He had given tirelessly back to the community above and beyond his job description including fostering Young Farmers’ clubs and running cadet training workshops, they said. To person who nominated him Harris has a message. “I will find out who you are.”
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The Unison Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Professional of the Year
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his award recognises an individual who provides professional services to the primary sector. Its purpose is to identify, acknowledge and celebrate those professionals within Hawke’s Bay who have made an outstanding contribution through their knowledge, skills and application to improve the performance of the primary industries. It is a peer nominated award which recognises exceptional professional services within the primary sector while
demonstrating a wider commitment to Hawke’s Bay The recipient of the award will have shown quantifiable achievements through the provision of professional services and would have displayed some or all of the following characteristics: determination and will to succeed, belief in achieving extraordinary things, a willingness to learn, a desire for constant improvement, initiative to purse and idea, working hard and having fun.
Proud to support the Napier Port Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Awards “Congratulations to all the winners”
Renata Apatu-one of life’s true gentlemen
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enata Apatu, or Ren as he was known, inherited his mother’s passion for wool, and a huge belief in the possibilities of wool as a fibre, in a world looking for a more natural way of life. Tragically, on 15 June 2018, as a result of an accident, Ren died, leaving behind his wife Sally and three children Angus, Olivia and Greta. On Thursday 28 March at The Napier Port Primary Sector Awards dinner Ren was honoured posthumously for his leadership, passion and commitment to the primary sector, in farming, and particularly in his work for wool. His wife Sally, accompanied by Ren’s brother Nathan Apatu and sister Kate Bates, accepted the prestigious award on Ren’s behalf. Ren, of Scottish and Maori heritage, farmed one of New Zealand’s most iconic farms - Ngamatea Station, in partnership with Nathan and Kate. The trio inherited the station from their parents Margaret and Wirihana (Terry) Apatu. Ren was actively involved in the management of Ngamatea from 1998. He gained a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce from Lincoln University in 1993, was a trained shearer and a registered wool classer with a certificate in Wool Technology, also from Lincoln University. Ren was the Chair of the New Zealand Campaign for Wool NZ Trust of whom HRH The Prince of Wales is the Patron.
In this role, Ren worked with farmers, architects, designers, students, political leaders and sector champions, leading work to inspire and influence young minds to again understand the possibilities for wool.
While Ren was a leader on the world stage he was a humble man often described as a true gentleman. He was a genuinely nice person, popular, fun and engaging and always willing to help others.
His contemporary leadership style of respectful inclusiveness was particularly fitting for today’s world but sadly Ren’s passion and work to promote wool as the fibre of the future was cut short before the full benefits of his work were realised.
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he Hastings District Council Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Industry Leader award recognises success and a leader who contributes to the overall excellence of Hawke’s Bay. It’s important we recognise leaders in the primary sector who excel at a national and international level, and it’s important to celebrate success with them. The personal contribution of these leaders is immense. The recipient of the industry leader award will have shown huge commitment to Hawke’s Bay and their leadership will have put Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand on the world map. They lead from the front with tenacity and innovation, have an extraordinary vision, and empower their team to achieve great things for Hawke’s Bay. We need people like these to show us what can be achieved, and that Hawke’s Bay can have the world at its feet.
February 2015: Renata Apatu dons the Fernie family tartan, from his mother’s side of the family, to mark a new wool supply contract formed with privately owned wool broker and processor Wright Wool. Photo Nicki Harper
Napier Port Primary Sector Awards 2019 Congratulations to all our winners!
Proud to celebrate Ren’s most deserved award
Lawrence Yule MP for Tukituki
Authorised by Lawrence Yule MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
Horticentre Trust Hawke’s Bay Horticulturist of the Year
Leon and Robyn Stallard
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t was an absolute honour and privilege, and a humbling experience, for Leon and Robyn Stallard to learn that they were his is the inaugural Horticentre Trust the first ever recipients of the Hawke’s Bay Horticulturalist of the Year award which recognises an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution to horticulture through their innovation, resilience and leadership along with their commitment to education, the environment and their social responsibility. This award is open to all fruit and vegetable growers including land owners, leasees and managers.
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Horticentre Trust Hawke’s Bay Horticulturist of the Year Award. At the awards night Leon was described as “One of the most highly respected orchardists in
Hawke’s Bay and a true champion for growers both young and old.” “But it was a commitment to continually passing on knowledge through leadership
and advocacy at both a local and national level, along with supporting the future of young orchardists in Hawke’s Bay that stood out.”
Field Day – Essential Information Thursday 26 September Hosts: Leon & Robyn Stallard 95 Crystall Road Hastings 10am registration Bring $10 for lunch as a fundraiser for a local community group
NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL FIELD DAYS The Hawke’s Bay A&P society invites you to be part of 3$4 2$/5/-%1* .,*) *!#-!0&/-) ",+)!&(5)(+/5 $'$-) showcasing innovation and advances in technology. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to grow your business, network, or attend an inspirational VIP function or debate. This industry-only event provides a unique platform for major announcements and launch of innovative and new-to-market products and services.
Horticenttre Charitable Trust is proud to H support the Horticulture Industry and Congratulates Leon and Robyn Stallard on their win.
26-27 JUNE 2019 SHOWGROUNDS HAWKE’S BAY TOMOANA, HASTINGS RSVP to events@showgroundshb.co.nz For more information contact Event Manager Di Roadley on 06 878 3123 or 027 4977303 2009-2019
CELEBRATING
YEARS
For All Your Business Requirements Baker Tilly Staples Rodway congratulate Leon and Robyn Stallard on their achievement of Hawkes Bay Horticulturalist of the Year Baker Tilly Staples Rodway 205 Hastings Street South, PO Box 46, Hastings 4156 Tel: +64 8787004 • www.bakertillysr.nz
It was a visit to an avocado orchard owned by Robyn’s parents that inspired a younger Leon to leave behind the corporate world and take up orcharding in Hawke’s Bay in 1994. Since then they have proudly shared their journey as a couple with both resilience and pride. They also raised three children but while they love the orcharding lifestyle they each followed their own passions: cars, advertising and fashion. A pioneer in many ways, Leon was one of the first to introduce Integrated Fruit Production into his Orchard which is now a well accepted method of growing while working with nature. “All we do is work around nature,” he says. “It’s a high risk industry. The risk is with you every day. If you can’t handle risk you can’t handle horticulture.” “Once you get into horticulture you’re stuffed, it gets in to your veins and it’s hard to leave,” he says. Leon takes great pride in growing apples especially knowing that his apples feed the world. It’s exciting to know that an apple might end up in China, the UK or Russia and he wonders who eventually consumes all that goodness. Currently a director of Horticulture NZ, Leon has freely given his time to a range of trusts and associations within the horticulture industry-Fruitgrowers, Primary Producers, Young Growers, TANK, Adverse Advents, NZ Fire and Emergency and the
National Horticulture Field Day to name but a few. Education and mentoring lie close to Leon’s heart and he’s played a significant role in lifting the perception of fruitgrowing and encouraging youngsters to consider horticulture as a career. Leon was inspired to start a local competition after a visit to Mystery Creek Field Days one year. What started as I.C.E. (Innovation, Celebration and
Education) in 2007 has now grown to the National Horticultural Field Day with many other regions following suit. Robyn played a significant part in attracting schools to visit the Field Day. Leon is still involved as a member of the Fruitgrowers executive committee. And when might Leon slow down? “I’d rather go when people want you to stay than stay when they want you to go.” It’s a
matter of knowing when to step aside.” He still enjoys mentoring the young fruitgrowers and openly says to them “if you don’t want me, tell me. I won’t be offended.” Where does all this passion and energy come from? “The busier you get the busier you become. You make it work. You’ve got to squeeze the essence out of life.”
WOOD’S Transport CARTAGE CONTRACTORS
Congratulations Leon and Robyn Stallard, CClaremont Orchard on taking out the Napier Port HB Primary Sector Award for 2019
PROUD TO PACK YOUR APPLES
Local Cartage Specialists Produce ● Timber Concrete Products
GRANT WOOD
● ●
Mobile: 0274 412717 Office: 06 8794688 Email: woodtransport@xtra.co.nz
Baleage ● Wool General Freight
Don’t miss the first game of the season in Hawke’s Bay at the Pettigrew Green Arena SATURDAY APRIL 13TH 7PM
HAWKS VS RANGERS
Entry Free $5 Adult $2 Child
Horticulture a significant part of the primary sector T
he value of New Zealand’s horticultural products continues to rise and now exceeds $8.8 billion. Products from right across New Zealand are exported to over 120 countries and Hawke’s Bay alone accounts for two thirds of all apple and pear outputs. As such a significant part of the Primary Sector, it was important for the Hawke’s Bay A & P Society to include the inaugural Horticentre Trust Hawke’s Bay Horticulturalist of the Year into the series of award categories celebrated.
Supported by Horticentre Trust, New Zealand Apples and Pears, Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association and EIT Hawke’s Bay, this award recognises the contribution made to horticulture in Hawke’s Bay through innovation, resilience and leadership along with a proven commitment to education, the environment and social responsibility. The judges reported that the inaugural Horticentre Trust Hawke’s Bay Horticulturalist of the Year attracted a high calibre of finalists in its first year.
Leon and Robyn Stallard of Hastings won the award with judges noting that the Stallards’ provided an outstanding contribution towards supporting the future of the Horticulture industry. Representing the judges, Anna Lorck noted that the winners had a complete package. She said, “They represent everything that’s great in a traditional grower, implementing a best practice and profitable sustainable orchard model”. Lorck noted that “It was their commitment to continually passing on knowledge
through leadership and advocacy, both at a local and national level, along with supporting the future of young orchardists in Hawke’s Bay, that stood out.” Leon Stallard has been instrumental in the establishment of and growing success of the Hawke’s Bay Young Orchardist of the Year Competition and the National Horticulture Field Day”. A date for the Stallards’ orchard Field Day will be announced shortly.
Active collaboration between EIT and the horticulture industry
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aul Keats, primary industries ‘Assistant Head of School, says the school of primary industries at EIT actively supports innovation and development within the primary sector. “The sponsorship of the horticulture field day at the Stallard’s property is a great opportunity to showcase innovation and
illustrate to others the future direction and opportunities within the sector to ensure the industry remains world class in New Zealand.” EIT plays a pivotal role in equipping students with relevant qualifications in order to contribute to Hawke’s Bay‘s thriving horticulture sector. Thanks to
EIT is Proud to Support the Horticulture Field Day 26 September 2019 One of EIT’s priorities is to work closely with local industry and communities within Hawke’s Bayy and EIT has alwayys playyed a pivotal role in equipping students with relevant qualifications in order to contribute to Hawke’s Bay‘s thriving industries.
active collaboration, EIT’s school of primary industries continues to develop an array of new programmes to ensure people who aspire to work in horticulture can be of value to their employer from the beginning, and provide further education to those wanting to advance their careers in the industry.
Brenda Chapman, EIT marketing director notes that EIT is committed to the celebration of success. “This sponsorship allows EIT to support the collaboration and knowledge sharing between the Horticulturist of the Year award winners and people working in the horticulture industry.”
Thanks to active collaboration, EIT’s School of Primary Industries continues to develop an array of new programmes to ensure the link between education and industry remains relevant.
THE EXPERIENCE YOU NEED & THE SUPPORT TO SUCCEED horticulture.eit.ac.nz | 0800 22 55 348 | James Cropper Horticentre Trust, winners Leon and Robyn Stallard and Brenda Chapman, Marketing Director EIT
Shepherd of the Year Finalists Daniel William Haugh Chris Hursthouse I
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work for R+C Buddo Trust in Poukawa. This is a finishing operation run across four different blocks with a total of 825 hectares. My goals for the next five years are focused on continuing to develop my skills and farming knowledge through study and experience. I’m keen to progress to a farm management role with ultimate goal of farm ownership. I am very involved in Tikokino Young Farmers Club, currently as Chairman and previously as Treasurer. It has been a great way to connect with the local community and with other farmers, as well as learning about club administration. I love working outdoors on the land and with animals and working with dogs that are
smarter than some people and producing a high end product for the consumer. Entering this award has been a great learning experience. I have reflected on my career and what I have learned to date. This has helped me be clearer about my goals.
Rural Directions Hawke’s Bay Shepherd of the Year
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n exciting new award joining the Primary Sector Awards to showcase the up and coming talent and future leaders of the food and fibre industry. This award will be presented to an individual that shows drive, leadership, community
involvement and a strong understanding of their on-farm systems and applications. Anyone working on farm within the Hawke’s Bay region that holds a Shepherding job title is eligible to enter. This year’s applicants were representative
Micheal Trott
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y name is Micheal Trott and I’m currently shepherding on Tarawera Station which is on the Napier Taupo Highway. My career goals over the next five years are to continue developing a good team of well broken in dogs, continue with my qualifications through primary ITO and work towards a role where I can be of some sort of influence within a farming business. As I’m a new comer to the Hawke’s Bay district I have been involved with the local young farmers and I’m enrolled in an ITO course. I’m still finding my feet and am really enjoying the district. As a shepherd I real enjoy the stock work I’m giving on a From the shepherd of the year daily basis and I reckon there is no better competition I hope to gain an insight to feeling then going to work and having a more activities such as this that I had no team of good dogs at your side. idea even existed.
work at Ngamatea Station on the NapierTaihape Road. In the next five years I see myself progressing through the ranks to managing a good sheep and beef breeding unit, running that with confidence and making a difference there before moving back to a large scale intensive farm. I’m not involved with any community projects asuch but I do help with local or close by, dog trials if need be! What I really enjoy about my job is the freedom to be outdoors working with my dogs and not being locked in an office. I also enjoy watching junior shepherds step up through the ranks knowing that I have helped them in one way or another.
By entering this award I hope to gain the experience of being in the competition. Adding an award to my CV will also hopefully open doors in all aspects of the sheep and beef farming industry.
of the very high calibre of shepherds in Hawke’s Bay and we will continue to build the profile of the award in the coming years to attract more of the same. The winner will be recognised as a future leader of our industry, who is also helping to raise the profile of shepherding in Hawke’s Bay as a great career option.
We want our shepherds to be proud and stand tall; because today’s shepherds are tomorrow’s managers. We look forward to joining you at the Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year Field Day next month, where we will announce the winner of the Rural Directions HB Shepherd of the Year Award.
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