Mel Ewers Wins NZAPI Outstanding Contribution Award

For a career where she has built a reputation as a trusted advisor and mentor, Ewers picked up the New Zealand Apples & Pears (NZAPI) Outstanding Contribution Award in Queenstown last month.

Ewers was one of the 260 people at the NZAPI dinner, unaware that she was picking up the prestigious award.

"Humbled and Overwhelmed"

Horticulture consultant Andrew Kinninmonth, who was sitting next to Ewers, had the task of introducing the awardee.

"It was very unsuspecting and it wasn't until Andrew repeated something I just told him 10 minutes ago and the colour rose," she told Rural News.

"I'm humbled and overwhelmed: I give out awards, but I'm not great in accepting awards."

From Customs Ambitions to a Compliance Career

Ewers had always eyed the job of a customs officer. After working in orchards and packhouses in the South Island, she got a break.

With too many packhouses, MAF decided to handover fruit inspection to the Apple and Pear Marketing Board.

Ewers was offered to join the board's inspection team.

"They presented me with a four-car garage sitting on stilts with a hole cut in each end, and I walked inside and there was nothing there.

"And, they said this is your inspection depot: you set it up and run it, and that's how it started.

"So, my customs offer plan didn't originate, but my compliance did and I still do compliance today."

A Career Built on Mentoring

Ewers is the compliance and logistics manager at Hoddy's Fruit Company in Nelson.

She also helps New Zealand Apples and Pears and exporters especially around training young staff.

NZAPI board chair Andrew Gibbs said Ewers' contribution to the industry extended far beyond her formal roles.

"Mel is one of those rare people whose influence can be felt right across our industry. For decades she has quietly supported growers, businesses and industry initiatives, sharing her knowledge freely and helping others achieve high standards.

"She has never sought recognition or the spotlight, but her integrity, leadership and willingness to help others have earned her enormous respect and multiple nominations for this award. The New Zealand apple and pear industry is stronger because of Mel's contribution, and we are delighted to recognise her contribution."

He says that throughout her career, Ewers has built a reputation as a trusted advisor and mentor, generously sharing her knowledge without hesitation and helping others in the sector navigate increasingly complex industry requirements.

Colleagues describe her as practical, authentic, and deeply committed to helping others succeed.