Clyde Orchards general manager Kris Robb has been recognised for his leadership in New Zealand’s horticulture industry.

Kris won the President's Trophy, which was presented by Horticulture New Zealand at the annual industry conference gala dinner held in Tauranga last weekend. 

The President's Trophy recognises passion for working on behalf of the horticulture industry, as well as a commitment to developing as a business leader and successful grower.

Kris said he was a bit overwhelmed and honoured when he found out about the award.

“There are 4500 growers in the country. A lot of passionate, hardworking growers out there that do a lot.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything special . . . anything I’ve done is to try to benefit our business. If I can make our place better and if it flows on and benefits others, then that’s good.”

Kris has worked at Clyde Orchards for the past 12 years and has been in the role of general manager since 2020.

He is president of the Central Otago Fruit Growers Association and serves on a number of other industry committees.

During Covid-19, he worked to secure New Zealand labour for Central through his independent work on social media and contribution to other industry initiatives.

He has produced 60 videos to tell the story of life on the orchard, helping to lift the profile of horticulture in Central along with educating and entertaining the local community with the complexities of fruit production. 

Kris said good leaders enabled those around them, developed a well-rounded team and were not scared of getting their hands dirty.

“A good leader is leading from the front . . . they identify their own weaknesses and will bring people in to support them and strengthen these areas.”

Looking forward to the 2024/2025 season Kris said his and his team's focus was to make a “conscientious effort to do what we’re doing, [cherries and flat peaches], really well.”

“In the future there is really cool technology coming in and available and it will be exciting to see what this will bring.

“For the post-harvest area exciting technology and efficiencies are available to be implemented. A big question will be do we have the scale to justify this investment, partnerships and consolidation will need to be considered.”

Kris was a guest speaker at the conference sharing his experiences of improving recruitment and building strong relationships with recognised seasonal employees (RSE) to empower workers and build success.

“There were great presentations right through the RSE and horticulture conferences," he said.

“Government officials from the Pacific Islands were there and shared their perspectives of the programme and where it is going, which was valuable.”

Other major prize winners in 2024 were Dr Stuart Davis and John Dine.

Dr Davis, sustainability manager for LeaderBrand in Auckland, was presented with the organisation’s Bledisloe Cup for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the industry.

Hawke’s Bay industry consultant John Dine was presented with the Industry Service Award, which recognises long and dedicated service to a supplier or service role and working beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the industry. 

Last year’s winner of the Presidents Trophy was Colin Jenkins who was general manager of Ngai Tukairangi land trust who produce kiwifruit on the Matapihi peninsula, Tauranga.