Good Employer Awards celebrate sector

“Award winners were selected from an extraordinary group of finalists across the food and fibre sector, including wine, dairy, horticulture, apiculture, and fisheries,” she says.

“They know the success of their business is a direct result of their people, and if their people thrive, so to do their businesses.”

She says the importance of caring and supporting employees has come to the fore throughout the pandemic.

“The pandemic has emphasised the importance of caring for our people and ensuring the right support is in place.

“Our food and fibre sector is leading Aotearoa’s economic recovery from Covid-19, with export revenue expected to hit a record $52.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2022.

“Fostering and maintaining an engaged and capable workforce is crucial to this success,” she says.

Forestry Minister Stuart Nash says the awards were an opportunity to recognise and celebrate exemplary employers throughout New Zealand.

“I’d like to congratulate the Awards recipients, the finalists, and all of the entrants in this year’s awards,” he says.

“They continue to provide workplaces that support and nurture their people, and the right environments and conditions to drive their success.

“The employers recognised are role models for the 367,000 people who work in our food and fibre sector. They should be incredibly proud,” Nash says.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, currently in Europe for EU free trade negotiations, says the employers at the Good Employer Awards showcased New Zealand’s food and fibre sector as a vibrant and inclusive area, where people can thrive, nurture their skills and build life-long careers.

“I’d like to thank all of our entrants, finalists and awards recipients for the crucial role they play in leading and championing exemplary and progressive employment practices, and healthy workplaces.”

Now in their third year, the Awards are run by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT) to celebrate employers who put their people at the heart of their businesses.

Good Employer Award Winners

• Supreme Award: Raglan Food Co
• Employee Development Award: Raglan Food Co
• Safe and Healthy Work Environment Award: Align Farms Limited
• Inclusive and Diverse Workplace Award: Sealord Group Limited
• Small Business Recognition Award: Stefan and Annalize of Mosa Farming Ltd
• Māori Agribusiness Award: Wini and Simon Geddes of Tāne Mahuta NZ Ltd