We’re proud to support an event that shines a light on excellence across our primary sector. These awards celebrate the people who lead by example on farm, in orchards, and throughout the wider industry and who help drive Hawke’s Bay forward. Many past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable things locally and across Aotearoa.
If you know someone making a real impact, or if one of the categories speaks to your own work, now’s the time to enter or nominate. The experience itself has helped shape many of today’s leaders in our region.
Key dates:
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Entries & nominations close: 28 February 2026
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Awards Dinner: Thursday 2 April 2026
There are ten award categories open for 2026. Entry and nomination forms can be downloaded via the website
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Silver Fern Farms Farmer of the Year
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Rural Directions Shepherd of the Year
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Bayleys Primary Sector Innovation
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Unison Professional of the Year
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Pan Pac Farm Forester of the Year
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Gifford Devine Scholarship
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Laurie Dowling Memorial
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Horticentre Horticulturalist of the Year
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Heretaunga Hastings District Council Industry Leader
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Craigs Investment Partners Emerging Leader
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