The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced the finalists for the 2023 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards.
Now in their fourth year, the awards celebrate and recognise good employers who show genuine passion for ensuring the success of their people.
“We were blown away by the record number and high calibre of entries in this year’s Good Employer Awards,” says manager workforce at MPI, Beth Davie.
“We received entries from a range of different employers in the food and fibre sector including dairy, forestry, horticulture, meat processing, and food production.
“A clear theme in the entries was the respect and appreciation of the huge role employees play in the success of their businesses.”
Ms Davie says people have always been at the heart of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector businesses.
“Our Good Employer Awards help to shine the spotlight on employers in Aotearoa who put their people first,” she said.
“Providing a great work environment goes a long way towards boosting morale, attracting and retaining people, and contributing to the overall success of businesses.”
One of this year’s judges, Wini Geddes says the panel was impressed by the on-the-job training and support provided for rangatahi (young people) entering the workforce.
“Along with a mix of initiatives to boost knowledge, experience and wellbeing, pastoral care that provides tautoko and manaaki (support) for employees outside of the workplace ensured their success,” she said.
“E tū ngā whetū riki ka piki kei runga. Kōkiri. Kōkiri.” (Rising stars stand up. Go forth, go forth).
Ms Geddes and her husband, Simon, are Kaitohu (Directors) of Tāne Mahuta NZ Limited, kaupapa Māori industry training organisation, which received the Māori Agribusiness Award at the 2022 Primary Industries Good Employers Awards.
“We’d like to thank everyone who entered the awards this year,” says Ms Davie.
“The finalists in this year’s awards set the benchmark for providing productive, safe, supportive, and healthy work environments.”
Winners of the 2023 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Parliament on 21 August 2023.
Finalists
Employee Development Award
- Perrin Ag (Rotorua)
- Central Cherry Orchard Ltd Partnership (Central Otago)
- Hohepa Hawke’s Bay (Clive, Hawke’s Bay)
Safe and Healthy Work Environment Award
- Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) (Wellington)
- Tree Machine Services Ltd (New Plymouth)
- Valleyfield Pastoral Ltd (Bankside, Canterbury)
Inclusive and Diverse Workplace Award
- Hohepa Hawke’s Bay (Clive, Hawke’s Bay)
- Constellation Brands (Auckland office)
- ANZCO Foods (Christchurch)
Small Business Recognition Award
- Price Trusts Partnership (Hawera)
- Valleyfield Pastoral Ltd (Bankside, Canterbury)
- Tree Machine Services Ltd (New Plymouth)
Māori Agribusiness Award
- Ruru Sustainable Forest and Land Ltd (Rotorua)
- Tree Machine Services Ltd (New Plymouth)
- Stirling Logging Ltd (Gisborne/Tairāwhiti)
A Supreme Award will be presented to the overall winner by the Minister of Agriculture at the awards ceremony.
