L-R: Vice-Chancellor Professor Piere Venter, Minister of Agriculture Hon Todd McClay, Melissa Jones, Michaela O'Shea, Aodhan Wildbore, Vetekina Pau'u, Head of School of Agriculture and Environment Professor Paul Kenyon.
More than 250 students, staff and industry representatives gathered at the Palmerston North Convention Centre to celebrate excellence across agriculture, horticulture, earth and environmental science, showcasing the talent set to drive the future of the sector.
A new addition to this year’s programme was the Sponsors’ Careers Expo, which gave students the opportunity to connect with industry organisations, explore career pathways and build professional networks before the awards ceremony.
After giving the opening address for the evening, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay encouraged students to be proud of their achievements and to embrace the opportunities ahead.
“You have chosen a path to be part of a sector that is exceptional, and you get to go on and make it even better.”
He went on to say the passion and dedication demonstrated by the students gives him confidence in the future of New Zealand agriculture.
“It’s exciting because they are passionate and dedicated, and you can just see a sparkle in their eye. New Zealand agriculture is in a wonderful place at that moment and as I look around the room at all these young people studying hard, it just lets me know that in the coming years, it’s going to be just as good as what got us here.”
Attending the awards for the first time, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Pierre Venter reminded students of the far-reaching impact of the sector.
“You’re entering an industry with real impact. Somewhere in the world, someone is benefitting from the work being done here in New Zealand’s food and fibre industry.”
Industry support was evident throughout the evening, with representatives from 30 organisations across the primary industries in attendance. Guests also included Minister of Land Information and Associate Minister of Agriculture Hon Mike Butterick, Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety and Associate Minister of Agriculture Hon Andrew Hoggard, Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere, Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne and Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith.
Minister of Agriculture Hon Todd McClay, William Gerrish Memorial Award recipient Vetekina Pau'u and Professor Nicola Shadbolt.
The big winner of the night was third-year agriculture student Vetekina Pau’u, who was awarded the William Gerrish Memorial Award in its last year. An international student from Tonga, Vetekina hopes to take what she’s learned in New Zealand back home to help strengthen farming communities.
“I have learned a lot here, most of all how farmers work together and share knowledge. When I go back to Tonga, this award will remind me to continue building on the associated values and not let it be an end, but motivation to keep learning and moving forward.”
Read the fully story on Vetekina Pau’u’s win and journey at Massey.
A journey back to horticulture
Kate Simpson with President of NZIAHS Dr John Caradus.
The New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science Leading Student Award recognises the third-year student with the highest overall academic performance across their degree.
This year’s award went to Horticulture Society President Kate Simpson, who reflected during the student address on her unexpected journey into horticulture. After exploring several different career paths, she found herself inspired by her older sister and ultimately followed in her footsteps.
“My big sister did a similar degree a few years ago and I saw how she’s been able to work in the industry in different capacities, so she was a huge inspiration. I didn’t think I was going to win, but it means so much because it’s nice to see the hard work paying off over the last three years.”
Kate says horticulture is one of the most interesting places to be part of and is excited to kickstart her career next year.
“I’ve got a job with Mr Apple in their graduate programme, doing rotations through pre- and post-harvest operations. It’s going to be really interesting to get a broad view of the apple industry.”
Chasing a new passion pays off
Horizons Regional Council's Ian McNab with Melissa Jones.
The Excellence in Earth and Environment Science Third Year Award, sponsored by Horizons, was awarded to Auckland-based Melissa Jones, who says one of the highlights of her degree has been spending time in the field across Manawatū alongside passionate lecturers.
Melissa says Massey’s location and strong industry connections provide students with unique opportunities to explore real-world environmental challenges.
“When you think environment, Massey is surrounded by farmland and has a river running right through it. You can explore issues that are relevant across the country, while learning from the people and organisations leading research in the field."
“Going out into the field with lecturers who genuinely love what they do motivates us and makes us excited about what we’re learning.”
Melissa credits her husband Phillip’s support for giving her the confidence to pursue her passion for earth science.
“I’ve got three young boys between ten and 12, so it takes a lot of support to step away from your responsibilities and try something new. Phillip encouraged me to find something I’m passionate about, and I’m now enrolled to do a full-time Master in Earth Science next year.”
Following an internship with Auckland Council in November 2025, Melissa has continued working with its Fluvial Geomorphology team and hopes to continue as she progresses her qualifications.
Taking a whole-farm approach
Aodhan Wildbore with Farmlands Co-operative CEO Tanya Houghton.
The Excellence in Agriculture Third Year Award, sponsored by Farmlands Co-operative, went to Aodhan Wildbore, a practising large animal veterinarian who began his career as a dairy farmer before completing a veterinary science degree at Massey and later pursuing his interest in agricultural science.
“Being at Massey, it was a natural choice to continue studying, this time in agriculture. Massey’s distance-learning capability meant I was able to complete the two degrees back-to-back and finish this one while working.”
Mr Wildbore says combining agricultural science with veterinary expertise will allow him to have a greater impact on farm performance and animal wellbeing.
“I want to be involved further upstream, working with farmers on nutrition, management and farm systems that keep animals healthy and performing at their best.”
Young Farmers leading from the front
James Guerrin with Associate Minister of Agriculture Hon Mike Butterick.
Current chair of Massey’s Young Farmers Club, veterinary science student James Guerin, received the Young Farmers Club Sally Hobson Award, presented by Associate Minister of Agriculture Hon Mike Butterick. The award recognises outstanding service to the club, which is currently the largest Young Farmers Club in the country.
Raised on a sheep and beef farm, James hopes to work in rural communities after graduating. He joined the club in his first year and recently stepped into the role of Chair.
He says the club has been one of the defining parts of his university experience, helping him build lifelong friendships and leadership skills. He also credits the wider committee and club community for the award.
“It’s cool to be recognised for all the work that goes into Young Farmers Club, but it’s a big team effort. We’ve got a big committee, so it’s not just me behind the scenes, I’m lucky to have that support.”
Patrick Coogan with AgFirst's Louis Batley.
Former Young Farmers Club Chair Patrick Coogan, who led the club for the past two years, was also recognised, receiving the School of Agriculture and Environment Student Leadership and Service Award, sponsored by AgFirst. The award acknowledged his proactive attitude in both his studies and leadership role, including organising tree-planting initiatives, fundraisers and promotional activities for the university.
Now in his final year of agribusiness, Patrick is looking forward to spending the summer working on his family farm, where he represents the sixth generation of farmers, while pursuing a stock agent role for next year.
Patrick says his time at Massey has introduced him to lifelong friends and opportunities.
“It’s all about balancing learning with the social side of things. Playing rugby and being part of the Young Farmers Club has been the highlight of my Massey journey, alongside taking on the club leadership role over the past couple of years.”
Connecting for a stronger future
Head of School of Agriculture and Environment Professor Paul Kenyon says these awards are special because they not only recognise academic excellence, but celebrate the connections, partnerships and shared commitment that underpin New Zealand’s food and fibre industries.
“These awards are an opportunity to recognise the students who will help advance the primary industries and shape our future. The number and calibre of student talent coming through our programmes is incredibly encouraging, and we’re proud to acknowledge their achievements alongside our industry partners.
“The evening highlights the strong relationship between Massey and the sector we serve, and the important role collaboration plays in developing the future leaders, innovators and problem-solvers our industries need.”
The School of Agriculture and Environment thanks industry for their support. The award sponsors include AgFirst, Aviagen, Farmlands Co-operative, FarmSource, Horizons Regional Council, LIC, New Zealand Institute of Agricultural & Horticultural Science, Perrin Ag, Ravensdown, Taranaki Regional Council, and Zespri.
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