Congratulations to the OrganicNZ Awards 2024 Winners!

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 OrganicNZ Awards. Your outstanding contributions to the organic movement, dedication and passion drive the future of Aotearoa’s Organic Sector.

The OrganicNZ Awards 2024 celebrates excellence in organic farming, food production, and community initiatives across Aotearoa, New Zealand. These awards, held during the annual Organic Week from May 1 to 7, recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses, and organisations in the organic sector. Here’s a summary of this year’s remarkable winners in the People’s Choice, Peer-Reviewed, and Te Waka Kai Ora Chair’s Award categories.

Sam Weaver of Kete Ora Trust (left) presented the OrganicNZ Community Garden of the Year Award to Urs Signer and Tuhi-Ao Bailey of Te Māra Hapori o Parihaka – Parihaka Community Garden, Taranaki.

People’s Choice Award Winners (above from clockwise): Urs Signer and Tuhi-Ao Bailey of Te Māra Hapori o Parihaka – Parihaka Community Garden, Taranaki. Avril Hilland of Daily Organics Kombucha. Brenda Harrington and Molly Callaghan of Roots Shoots and Fruits. Alex Morrissey won the OrganicNZ Emerging Leader of the Year Award. Corin Storkey (left) and Sally Huapaya (right) of Seleno Health. Jules van Costello (left) received the OrganicNZ Farmers’ Market of the Year Award on behalf of the Taranaki Farmers’ Market.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

Community Garden of the Year – Presented by Kete Ora Trust

Winner: Te Māra Hapori o Parihaka – Parihaka Community Garden, Taranaki

Sam Weaver of Kete Ora Trust proudly presented the award to Urs Signer and Tuhi-Ao Bailey of Te Māra Hapori o Parihaka. Te Māra Hapori ki Parihaka blends collective gardening, Te Reo Māori revitalisation, and regenerative agriculture in Taranaki.

Farmers’ Market of the Year – Presented by Soil & Health NZ

Winner: Taranaki Farmers’ Market

Jules van Costello accepted the award on behalf of the Taranaki Farmers’ Market, which was presented by Charles Hyland, co-chair of the Soil & Health Association of New Zealand. This market has become a cornerstone for local organic produce and community engagement.

Non-food Product of the Year – Presented by IncaFé Organic Coffee

Winner: Roots, Shoots & Fruits Rootella Mycorrhizal Fungi

Brenda Harrington and Molly Callaghan of Roots Shoots and Fruits received this accolade from Carmen Castro-Verbeek of IncaFé Organic Coffee. Their innovative product enhances soil health and plant growth, showcasing the power of organic solutions.

Beverage of the Year – Presented by Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ)

Winner: Daily Organics Kombucha

Tiffany Tompkins, CEO of OANZ, honoured Avril Hilland from Daily Organics Kombucha with this award. This delicious beverage has won the hearts of many organic enthusiasts.

Food of the Year – Presented by Woolworths New Zealand

Winner: Seleno Health Amaru Ceremonial Cacao Block

Corin Storkey and Sally Huapaya of Seleno Health were awarded for their exceptional cacao product by Ross Young from Woolworths New Zealand. Their ceremonial cacao block stands out for its quality and cultural significance.

Emerging Leader of the Year – Presented by TranzAlpine Honey

Winner: Alex Morrissey, Little Farms

Alex Morrissey was recognised as the Emerging Leader of the Year. Alex’s leadership and innovative approaches at Little Farms inspire the next generation of organic farmers.

Te Waka Kai Ora Chair’s Award

Winner: Cathy Tait-Jamieson, Biofarm

Geneva Hildreth presented this prestigious award to Cathy Tait-Jamieson, acknowledging her significant contributions to organic farming and her enduring legacy with Biofarm.

Leader of the Year Award – Presented by Our Land and Water

Winner: Charles Merfield

Annabel McAleer presented this award to Charles Merfield of the BHU’s Future Farming Centre. Charles’s visionary work and leadership in sustainable agriculture were duly recognized.

Special Commendation: Cleo Te Kiri, Pāmu New Zealand

Annabel McAleer presented Cleo Te Kiri of Pāmu with a special commendation for her outstanding leadership and dedication to organic practices.

Organic Regenerative Farmer of the Year – Presented by Ceres Organics

Winners: Russell and Charlotte Heald

Russell and Charlotte Heald were honoured as the 2024 Organic Regenerative Farmers of the Year. Their commitment to regenerative practices is setting new standards in organic farming.

Special Commendation: Vanessa Hayes, Tōrere Macadamias

Vanessa Hayes received a special commendation for her innovative work with Tōrere Macadamias, presented by Noel Josephson of Ceres Organics.

Organic Brand of the Year – Presented by BioGro

Winner: Ceres Organics

Noel Josephson accepted the award for Ceres Organics, presented by Donald Nordeng, CEO of BioGro. Ceres Organics continues to be a leader in the organic market, making organics accessible to more people.

Special Commendation: Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay

Laura Mackie, on behalf of Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay received a special commendation for their exceptional brand and life-changing work.

Organic Exporter of the Year – Presented by AsureQuality

Winner: TranzAlpine Honey

Victoria and Yuriy Soshnikov of TranzAlpine Honey were awarded the Organic Exporter of the Year award by Matt Gallagher of AsureQuality for their excellence in organic exports, contributing significantly to the global reach of New Zealand’s organic products.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Soil & Health NZ, Woolworths NZ, Ceres Organics and all of the Organic Week sponsors, and everyone involved in making this celebration a wonderful event. To the award nominees and winners your contributions have ensured a memorable and inspiring event that truly honours the excellence and innovation within New Zealand's organic community. Thank you for helping us celebrate the achievements of those committed to a sustainable and organic future.