A Waikerikeri Valley cherry orchard has won a national employee development award from the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). 

The award was part of the MPI Good Employer Awards, recognising employers who have implemented an effective employee development programme.

Central Cherry Orchard Limited Partnership (CCOLP) orchard manager Hayden Taylor said despite missing out on the supreme prize, the team was “stoked” with the trophy and the recognition.

“It was a pleasant shock to win. I’ve promised a smoko shout for the team to celebrate.”

Hayden said they made good connections at the awards, sitting with Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, Young Farmer of 2022 Tim Dangen, and MPI director general Ray Smith. 

“Hopefully [our success] opens the eyes of other people in Central’s primary industries such as forestry, horticulture and agriculture to look at what they are doing and take the time to enter next year.”

CCOLP was successful over two other finalists for the award, Perrin Ag (Rotorua based agribusiness and farm advisory company), and Hohepa Hawke’s Bay (residential and day programmes for intellectually disabled people including work and ongoing learning opportunities).

Now in its fourth year, the MPI Good Employer Awards (GEA) celebrate and recognise good employers who show genuine passion for ensuring the success of their people.

New Plymouth business Tree Machine Services Ltd received the overall Supreme Award at an event hosted at the Beehive on August 21.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said there were a record number of entries this year and their quality shows the positive shift happening. 

“I would like to congratulate all of tonight’s winners who were selected from an impressive group of finalists.

“Our food and fibre sector continues to be a great place to work, where people can build successful, rewarding and life-long careers. 

“The government and sector continue to work together to explore ways to boost working standards and wellbeing, and provide training opportunities, scholarships, and leadership programmes. 

“All of the finalists and winners in this year’s Good Employer Awards should be incredibly proud. They set the benchmark for providing productive, safe, supportive, and healthy work environments,” Damien said.

Read more: Central Cherry Orchard finalist in good employer awards.