The ability to combine commercial and legal expertise with the ethos of public service has seen Sir Brian Elwood awarded the 2015 Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal.
Elwood was presented with the award, which celebrates the service of leaders within the New Zealand kiwifruit industry, at a gala dinner in Mount Maunganui on Thursday night (29 October).
Paul Jones, chairman of the Hayward Medal judging panel, said Elwood’s work as chairman of industry regulator Kiwifruit New Zealand (KNZ) over the last 10 years had left a significant legacy that would bring long-term benefits for growers and suppliers.
“Brian has a very fine legal mind,” Jones explained. “The Kiwifruit Regulations call on KNZ to exercise extensive judgement and discretion in their administration and Brian’s thorough, meticulous analysis and vast experience has served the industry well.”
Under Elwood’s leadership, significant changes were made within KNZ to strengthen the decision-making process and make the regulator more accountable and transparent to growers and the industry.
“Brian has been a key leader and influencer in the kiwifruit industry, which has doubled in value over the decade of his industry involvement. His skills have contributed directly to increasing the wealth of our industry,” Jones added.
In his acceptance speech, Elwood said the New Zealand kiwifruit industry had overcome adversity to position itself as a world leader in kiwifruit production and marketing.
“It has survived good times and not-so good times, been innovative and generally financially successful for participants and the New Zealand economy. An absolutely enviable achievement,” Elwood said.
During Elwood’s tenure, KNZ has considered over 300 collaborative marketing applications, with a 93 per cent approval rate over the past five years, up from 87 per cent over the previous five-year period (2005–2010).
