24-25 June 2025 | Te Pae, Christchurch
primary industries new zealand summit & awards 2025
Federated Farmers and Brightstar proudly present the
Primary Industries New Zealand Summit & Awards
The Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards brings together influential stakeholders and leaders from across of the primary sectors of New Zealand. Delivering strategic insights around future challenges and opportunities and celebrating our most successful and innovative primary industry producers and businesses.
Key Summit themes for 2024 were
- Delivering leadership to enhance primary sector resilience
- Fostering producer confidence through challenging conditions and addressing sector profitability
- Connecting with markets established and new
- Harnessing science, innovation and technology for a productive future
- Weaving a sustainable future for New Zealand’s primary sector
- Developing the policies to enable rural communities to thrive and progress
- Bringing together rural and urban communities behind the primary industries
Connect & Network
Join senior decision-makers and influencers from:
Agri-Tech, Telecommunication & Technology | Associations | Farmers and Producers | Primary Industry equipment and services | Corporate Farm holdings | Aquaculture & Fisheries | Forestry | Horticulture | Viticulture | Co-operatives and Producer Boards | Government Utilities | Insurance, Advisors, Chartered Accountants | Iwi | Co-operatives and Producer Boards | Rural Media | Wholesalers, Retails and Exporters | Science & Research | Investors
An impactful two-day event uniting key stakeholders
to address future challenges and opportunities
Join industry leaders, policymakers, and experts for insightful discussions.
The Summit culminates in a prestigious gala dinner honoring excellence in the sector and showcasing top-notch NZ Cuisine.
Don’t miss this vital gathering of primary industry professionals from food and fibre production, government, science, and business.
Primary Industries
New Zealand Awards
Ceremony Dinner
The Primary Industries New Zealand Awards provides
a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and recognise innovation,
excellence, collaboration and success across the primary industries.
Speakers to be announced
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Upholding Workplace Safety: Driving Governance Changes
Read bio
Enhancing Healthcare Access & Equity in New Zealand
Read bio
Tired of being ‘on mute’? Give your career a boost
Read bio
Beyond the Click: The Power of In-Person Event Sponsorship
Read bio
25% GST, low marginal tax: Would it benefit New Zealand
Read bio
Cyber Security concerns for CIOs a global challenge
Read bio
Remote work revolution: Is It good for your mental health & the economy?
Read bio
Electrifying Lessons from China: Powering Decarbonisation Locally and Globally
Read bio
AI-powered diagnosis: A game-changer for NZ health, but who bears the liability?
Read bio
Apathy in a Tight Economy: Why emotional connection matters more than ever
Read bio
Engaging your Customers in Today’s Landscape: Can you hear them clearly?
Read bio
The Primary Industries New Zealand Awards
Federated Farmers & Brightstar proudly present the Primary Industries Awards Ceremony on 24 June at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.
The Primary Industries NZ Summit Awards are open to individuals, teams and companies from any producer groups working within the primary sector or in support of the primary sector. The Awards Ceremony on provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and recognise innovation, excellence, collaboration and success across the primary industries.
Awards Timeline
Awards open
30 January 2025
Nominations close
24 March 2025
Finalists announced
13 May 2025
Finalist Interviews
20 May 2025
Awards Ceremony
24 June 2025
2025 Categories
Are you interested in sponsoring an Award for 2025? Contact the team for this showcasing opportunity.
Email: sponsorship@brightstar.co.nz
Rural Professional of the Year Award
This is a new award for 2025 and recognises a professional operating in the Rural Sector who has demonstrated leadership, embracing innovation and technology to create a substantive difference, creating advantage for New Zealand producers and the Primary Sector. The finalists and winners will have gone above and beyond their RP role to bring their talents and hard work to create change and advantage.
Nominations must address the following:
- The person and their role as a rural professional
- How they have demonstrated leadership, utilising innovation and technology
- The substantive advantage to the sector as a result
Emerging Leader Award
This award recognises an emerging leader who is new (started in the industry within the last 2 -5 years) to the New Zealand primary sector. The recipient must be an individual who demonstrates commitment, passion and leadership in their chosen career within the primary industries. Nominations should demonstrate leadership the individual has shown and their impact on the industry. Those nominated should also demonstrate their commitment to the primary industries and how they have made and can make, develop and progress the sector.
Nominations must address the following:
- Why is this person nominated for the award?
- Show proven evidence of their commitment and passion for their organisation and the wider sector
- What is it about this person’s commitment to business and their community that proves they deserve this award?
- Explain the leadership qualities this individual has displayed and the impact this has on the primary sector
Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award
The award enables the primary industries community to recognize and appreciate the efforts of one of its own. This award will go to a long-standing hero who has continuously supported both their rural community and their given rural industry with commitment and dedicated service. The winner of this award consistently supports their local community and goes above and beyond for others in times of extreme and challenging times.
Nominations must address the following:
- What makes this person a longstanding “hero” of the primary industry?
- How are the primary industries community affected by the efforts of this person?
- What evidence do you have showcasing this person’s longstanding commitment and dedication to the primary industries?
- What evidence do you have regarding this person’ understanding of the needs of others in the rural community and their given industry?
Champion Award
This award recognises a New Zealand-based individual’s unwavering commitment to the rural sector on a specific area or cause. This will be someone who has spearheaded a project, initiative and/or event which has had a significant and positive impact on the Primary Sector. This person is known to overcome challenges and attain a high level of success in educating others about the importance of rural New Zealand.
Nominations must address the following:
- Why have you nominated this person?
- What initiative/s did this individual “champion” “front foot” and what were the positive impacts and benefits on the primary sector and rural communities?
- What challenges did this individual face and how did educating others play a part in the ability to succeed?
- What specifically makes their contribution to the Primary industries significant
Team & Collaboration Award
This award recognises a team of New Zealand-based agricultural professionals who have actively participated in collaborative problem solving and worked together to overcome obstacles. The team have collaborated and advocated for New Zealand’s primary industries and achieved successful outcomes on an issue or problem facing the wider agricultural community. The team can consist of people from multiple organisations and must have a minimum of three people.
Nominations must address the following:
- Why was this team/collaboration nominated?
- What was the issue/problem/obstacles facing the agricultural community?
- How did the team come together to collaborate and set out to resolve the issue?
- Show evidence of how the team has collaborated to achieve the desired outcome and what was measure of successle.
Science & Research Award
This award recognises scientist(s) and/or researcher(s) based in New Zealand who have developed new processes/initiatives or made discoveries that add value to New Zealand’s primary industries.
Nominations must address the following:
- Why was this group of people/person nominated?
- Why is this new development in science and research important to the primary sector?
- Explain how the team developed a pathway to succuss or achieved a successful outcome
- What will be/is the positive impact for New Zealand’s Primary Industries
Technology Innovation Award
The Technology Innovation Award aims to recognise and celebrate professionals working on primary sector projects that focus on supporting rural communities – including producers, scientists, investors, industry bodies, external providers and sector leaders. This award recognises people who have worked on an innovative technology project /projects designed to make New Zealand agriculture more efficient and effective.
Nominations must address the following:
- Why was this project nominated?
- Explain the detail of the project and its potential positive impact on New Zealand Primary Industries
- Explain how this technology innovation will support New Zealand Agriculture to be more effective and efficient, whilst adding value.
- Show evidence of how this technological innovation has been instrumental in satisfying the rural/farming sector.
Food, Beverage and Fibre Producer Award
The award recognises and celebrates a standout producer in the New Zealand Primary sector. The food, beverage or fibre producer can be an individual, team or company which has shown success and or considerable growth in either product sales or consumer engagement within the last 12 months – 18 months. The producer must demonstrate a sustainable approach to their production processes show evidence of working closely with those in and across the primary sector.
Nominations must address the following:
- Why have you nominated this producer?
- Provide evidence of considerable growth in either product sales or consumer engagement within the last 12 to 18 months
- How is the business model sustainable and how does this benefit the production of their product?
- What are the reputable business practices and how does the brand story contribute to New Zealand’s marketing image as a producer?
Guardianship & Conservation Award (Kaitiakitanga Award)
This award recognises an exceptional primary industry conservation project/initiative. The winner will be emblematic of the true spirit of guardianship over natural resources and native ecosystems for the ongoing and continued benefit of future generations, while demonstrating leadership and commitment to the primary industries.
Nominations must address the following:
- Why has this person/people been nominated?
- What is the conservation project/body of work that is emblematic of and supports natural resources, native ecosystems? Does this influence climate change mitigation?
- How was leadership and commitment to the primary industries demonstrated?
- How will this project/body of work benefit future generations?
Plus! Celebrating a 'Rural Hero of the Year'
An industry acknowledgement will also be made, announcing a ‘Rural Hero of the Year’ for their commitment and impactful contributions to New Zealand’s rural communities.
Recognizing an individual who has sparked action at the grassroots level, through selfless serving of their community whether through innovative farming, conservation, or community education. They’ve overcome challenges and inspired change, strengthening the fabric of our rural sector and making a lasting impact from the ground up.
Finalists come from those who have been granted the Rural Hero of the Week award on SENZ The Rural Roundup in the previous 12 months.
spacer line
The 2025 Judges
Claire Williamson
Claire is a passionate advocate for rural businesses and communities. She launched Velma & Beverley, a fashion brand using strong-wool fibre from a Wairarapa farm. Claire co-hosts the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels podcast and has served on the Rural Women NZ Board. She is also a trustee of the Rural Communities Trust and was awarded the PINZ 2024 Emerging Leader Award. Claire lives on a Waikato beef farm.
Corrigan Sowman
Corrigan is a 3rd generation dairy farmer and Chairman of the breeding cooperative LIC. He farms in partnership with his wider family in Golden Bay on a 450ha dairy farm. He is a past Kellogg and Nuffield Scholar, former member of Fonterra’s Sustainability Advisory Panel, past Deputy Chair of DairyNZ Environment Leaders program and past Chair of the SIDE and SIDDC.
Alan Emerson
Alan Emerson began his career in agricultural journalism in 1973, working in television and radio. He co-founded Communications Trumps in 1984, where he led campaigns for Federated Farmers. After selling the agency in 2003, he purchased a farm and became a columnist for Farmers Weekly. Alan has also edited three agriculture books and speaks regularly at industry events. In 2024, he was awarded Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
Emma Boase
Emma (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe) transitioned from city life to the primary industries, drawn to its global opportunities. She holds a degree in Agribusiness and Food Marketing from Lincoln University and a Master’s in Ag Economics from the University of Missouri. Emma now works at PwC, supporting clients in the Food and Fibre sector, leveraging her expertise in the global food system.
Tangaroa Walker
Tangaroa is the much-loved face of social media channels Farm4Life and education platform The Hub that delivers NZQA qualifications. Tangaroa contract milks a 650 cow dairy farm in Southland. He milked his first cow when he was 13 and won the inaugural Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer Award and Southland Primary ITO Trainee of the Year Award. He is also passionate about making memories with his 2 sons, fiancée Courtney, and whanau!
Vera Power
Dr Vera Power is the Chief Executive at The Fertiliser Association. She has worked internationally in agricultural research, assessment of environmental impacts and regulation of intensive agriculture. She has government policy experience on both water and climate.
Dean Williamson
Dean & Cushla Williamson own AgriHQ, the Feilding-based home of their flagship national newspaper, Farmers Weekly and agribusiness news, insights and analysis. Dean also farms a 45ha sheep, beef and forestry block near Feilding. When not publishing or farming, Dean is likely to be fishing, diving, hunting or sailing, most often with one or more of his and Cushla’s three adult sons.
Justin Courtney
Justin Courtney is the Chair of weather data provider Metris. He is also the founder of Dawn Chorus Consulting which provides advice to companies in the food & fibre sector. His 25-year career started with the Victorian Farmers Federation and has spanned work in the UK, EU and Middle Eastern markets. On returning to NZ he worked in the dairy industry before leading Silver Fern Farms communications and sustainability efforts.
2024 Finalists & Winners
Emerging Leader Award
Sponsored by: Lincoln University
WINNER: Claire Williamson, Velma & Beverley
Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand’s Primary Industries Award
Sponsored by: AgResearch
Julian Raine, Dairy & Horticulture Farmer/Grower
Jamie Mackay, Presenter, The Country, NZME
Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary of Trade and Economic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
WINNER: Julian Raine, Dairy & Horticulture Farmer/Grower
Champion Award
Sponsored by: Farmers Weekly
Dr Warren Parker (Posthumous), Pāmu Farms of New Zealand
Dr Stuart Davis, LeaderBrand Produce
Cameron Taylor, Taylor Corporation
WINNER: Dr Warren Parker (Posthumous), Pāmu Farms of New Zealand
Team & Collaboration Award
Sponsored by: BASF
Agrisea – Rere ki uta rere ki tai : Sea soil to society. A collaborative project funded by Our Land and Water National Science Challenge under the Revitalising te Taio research program, hosted by AgriSea.
Tanya Pouwhare, New Zealand Ethical Employers
The organisations for the CRA3 Lobster Biotoxin Response: Ministry for Primary Industries; Seafood Standards Council;
New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council; Crayfish Area Management Committee; Licensed Fish Receivers
WINNER: Tanya Pouwhare, New Zealand Ethical Employers
Science & Research Award
Sponsored by: Beef + Lamb
ESR Groundwater Team and DairyNZ
Dr Gale Brightwell, AgResearch – for the Food Integrity Team
Paul Dalziel, Agribusiness & Economics Research Unit, Lincoln University
WINNER: ESR Groundwater Team and DairyNZ
Technology Innovation Award
Sponsored by: AsureQuality Kaitiaki Kai
Liam Beattie, bidr
Samantha Tennent, WelFarm
John Schol, Farm 4 Life HUB
WINNER: John Schol, Farm 4 Life HUB
Food, Beverage and Fibre Producer Award
Sponsored by: Kotahi
New Image International
Repost
Southern Pastures/Lewis Road Creamery
WINNER: Southern Pastures/Lewis Road Creamery
Guardianship & Conservation Award (Kaitiakitanga Award)
Sponsored by: Rabobank
Dr Adrian Cookson, AgResearch for the eDNA Water Quality Team
Jane & Damian Roper, Farm Owners
Otago South River Care for the Catchment Collective Team
WINNER: Jane & Damian Roper, Farm Owners
Plus! Celebrating a 'Rural Hero of the Year'
Sponsored by: Overseer
Alastair Macgregor, Farmy Army
Craig Hickman, DairymanNZ
Cara & John Gregan, supporters to Meat the Need
WINNER: Alastair Macgregor, Farmy Army
2025 sponsors
Diamond Sponsor
Rabobank
Silver Sponsor
Dairy NZ
Awards Sponsors
Kotahi
AsureQuality
Fern Energy
Lincoln University
Exhibitors
Map of AG
Quest
Tickets
Individual Tickets
Independent Farmer & Producer - Individual Tickets
Super Saver
-
Must be a full-time independent farmer or producer – registrations subject to verification. For valid ticket, payment by 2 May, 2025.
Full Price
-
Must be a full-time independent farmer or producer – registrations subject to verification. For valid ticket, payment by 24 June, 2025.
Gala Dinner
Individual Ticket - Function Pass
-
For valid ticket, payment by 24 June, 2025.
Dinner Tickets - Table of 10
-
For valid group booking, payment by 24 June, 2025. Tables sales are for 10 people per table.
