YOUR LEVY AT WORK
The horticulture sector opens up exciting career pathways for our young people
Hastings’ mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst, said the awards were a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate industry excellence
Future leaders shine at industry awards The future of Hawke’s Bay’s horticulture industry was on display at the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Industry Awards night in June. Supplied The awards night recognised the achievements of Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) and Primary ITO graduates, scholarships recipients and contributions to the horticulture sector. The inaugural Emerging Achiever Award was presented to Emma Sherwood from NZ Apples & Pears Inc. for her demonstrable ability to positively impact horticulture through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and for her leadership skills that have strengthened industry relationships. “Emma has developed strong relationships with senior government officials and has become a trusted colleague to many within the horticulture sector and central government,” says HBFA president, Brydon Nisbet. “Her considered and enthusiastic approach has been pivotal to the successes that growers have seen over recent times 12
The ORCHARDIST : JULY 2022
with access to RSE workers from the Islands.” The H2ortigator innovation, developed by Brendan Hamilton, earned the Fourneau Trophy for innovation in horticulture. H2ortigator is a tool for plant water management that provides young plants with specific irrigation, whilst providing physical protection and reducing or eliminating competitive weed growth. The innovation has been trialled for the past two years on a number of orchards and vineyards such as T&G Global, Freshco, Mr Apple, Rockit, Te Mata Estate, Villa Maria and more. “Results to date have been extremely exciting with significant growth gains on those blocks H2ortigator has been trialled on,” says Brendan. “We are excited to offer
