The 2025 Potato Industry Awards, held during the Potatoes NZ conference in Christchurch, recognised individuals and organisations for contributions to New Zealand's potato sector in areas such as leadership, research, innovation, and industry service.
The Shining Star Award went to Jamie Wells, an agronomist acknowledged for leadership potential and sector engagement. Wells serves on the inaugural Potatoes NZ Youth Council and was its first chair. In 2024, he won the Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year competition, the National Young Vegetable Grower of the Year title, and was runner-up in the Young Grower of the Year competition.
Matt and Heidi Hart received the Sustainability Award. Managing Pye Group's Longlane Farm in Canterbury since 2003, the Harts have converted the 890-hectare property into a mixed cropping and lamb finishing operation. About 25% of the farm is dedicated to vegetables, including potatoes, juicing carrots, and peas. They use soil moisture probes, variable rate fertilisation, cover crops, minimal tillage, and nature strips for integrated pest management.
The Potato Seed Co-operative was presented with the Innovation Award for applying new technology and farming methods in their operations.
Andy and Tracey McKay won the Community Award for their role in supporting local initiatives. Operating Alps Seed in South Canterbury, they produce seed potatoes from tissue culture plantlets to G4 seed. Over three years, they have supported Woodbury School's fundraising for a bike track, helping raise US$18,000 through community partnerships.
Life Member Awards recognised longstanding service. John Jackson has more than 50 years in horticulture, 35 in potatoes, and has been a Potatoes NZ board director since its inception. He led the Canterbury Potato Liberibacter Initiative in response to the Tomato Potato Psyllid incursion.
Harsad "Harry" Bhula, a Pukekohe vegetable grower and community leader, was acknowledged for mentorship and high production standards. Bhula expanded his family business, B Das & Sons, founded in 1994, into a major vegetable operation.
Peter Reynolds, representing TA Reynolds Ltd in Pukekohe and Tuakau, has been recognised for leadership in environmental protection and climate resilience. The multi-generational farm produces potatoes, onions, pumpkins, kiwifruit, and cattle, and often hosts visits to demonstrate sustainable farming practices such as reduced tillage and soil management improvements.
Potatoes NZ chair Paul Olsen said the awards highlight those who have "gone above and beyond for the benefit of the entire sector" and that "their work strengthens our industry and sets a standard for excellence."
Source: FarmersWeekly
