Dr Stuart Davis, Sustainability Manager at LeaderBrand, has been awarded Life Membership by Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ), recognising his longstanding service and leadership within the horticultural sector. The presentation took place last week in a special ceremony attended by HortNZ Chair Bernadine Guilleux and Mike Arnold, General Manager of LeaderBrand South Island. The award was given ahead of the usual annual industry event in August due to health considerations, ensuring public recognition of his contributions.
The HortNZ Life Membership is reserved for individuals who have shown sustained service as office holders within the organisation and affiliated grower groups. Dr Davis has been active in the horticultural sector for over 35 years, playing a key role in the advancement of New Zealand's vegetable industry.
© Leaderbrand
In his role at LeaderBrand, Dr Davis has focused on applying science and innovation to vegetable production systems. Beginning in the 1980s, he collaborated with Crop & Food Research and NIWA to pioneer the commercial use of mathematical crop prediction models, particularly for sweetcorn, contributing to closer cooperation between research institutions and the vegetable industry.
Dr Davis has also served as a Director of Vegetables NZ for over a decade and chaired the Vegetable Research & Innovation Board, overseeing research investment across various product groups. His involvement in environmental sustainability includes work on A Lighter Touch, a seven-year, $27 million programme co-funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries and industry partners. The initiative aims to support more sustainable pest management practices in horticulture.
In 2024, Dr Davis was also named the recipient of the Bledisloe Cup by HortNZ, an award presented for outstanding contribution to the industry.
© LeaderbrandFor more information:
Katherine Klouwens
LeaderBrand
Tel: +64 21 484 026
Email: [email protected]
www.leaderbrand.co.nz
