The people driving innovation, performance and leadership across Hawke’s Bay’s primary sector were recognised at the 2026 Napier Port Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Awards.

The event, held at Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre on Thursday, brought together 400 farmers, growers, agribusiness professionals and industry leaders to celebrate excellence across the region’s food and fibre sector.

From emerging talent to lifetime contributors, this year’s winners reflected the depth, capability and future of Hawke’s Bay’s primary industries.

Charles and Mandy Yule of Whakamarumaru Station were named the Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmers of the Year.

They were recognised for building a high-performing sheep and beef operation grounded in strong strategy, disciplined execution and consistent results.

The pair follow in the footsteps of 2025 recipients Central Hawke’s Bay farmers Simon and Lou White.

Primary Sector Awards chairman Grant Charteris said the calibre of this year’s winners highlighted the strength of the sector.

“What stands out is not just performance, but the mindset behind it – a willingness to improve, to lead and to back the future of the sector.

“These are people making a real difference, both within their own businesses and across the wider industry.”

The Hastings District Council Primary Sector Industry Leader Award was presented to John Bostock, whose leadership helped shape New Zealand’s organic horticulture industry and position Hawke’s Bay on the global stage.

The Laurie Dowling Memorial Award went to Pete Tod for his decades of service to agriculture, governance and the rural community, a contribution defined by quiet leadership and long-term impact.

Innovation in the sector was recognised through the Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Innovation Award, awarded to HEX-LOC Erosion Protection for its practical and scalable solution to infrastructure and erosion challenges.

The Unison Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Professional of the Year was awarded to Chris Herries, whose career has delivered significant technical leadership and support to growers across the region.

Emerging leadership was a strong theme throughout the evening.

The Craigs Investment Partners Emerging Leader Award went to Emma Ractliffe, recognised for her leadership within the red meat sector and her impact in growing and strengthening Young Farmers networks across Hawke’s Bay.

The Gifford Devine Hawke’s Bay Scholarship was awarded to Cameron Brans, a Lincoln University student whose academic excellence, leadership and sector insight signal strong future potential for the industry.

Hawke’s Bay A&P Society general manager Hannah Morrah said supporting the next generation remained the focus.

“These awards help uncover emerging talent who will steer the sector forward.

“It’s inspiring to see the energy and passion coming through; we are in safe hands.”

The Horticentre Hawke’s Bay Horticulturalist of the Year was awarded to Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development, recognised for building a high-performing and forward-thinking horticultural business with strong commercial, environmental and community outcomes.

The Pan Pac Forest Products Hawke’s Bay Farm Forester of the Year was awarded to the Humphries family of Humphries Farming, whose integrated approach to forestry, environmental stewardship and on-farm value creation reflects best practice in land use.

The Rural Directions Hawke’s Bay Shepherd of the Year will be announced at the Silver Fern Farms Hawke’s Bay Farmer of the Year Field Day.

Finalists include Conor Thorman, Matthew Maxwell and Cole Price.