Throughout the year, the initiative encourages public nominations of individuals who exemplify values like dedication, leadership and community spirit, in the face of challenging conditions in the rural sector.

Finalists are highlighted in a dedicated publication, and the winners are honoured as shining examples of positivity and community leadership.

We have crowned our 2024 Rural Champion winners. 

Judge Kate Scott, chief executive of Horticulture New Zealand, was again ‘‘truly inspired’’ by the remarkable stories of the Rural Champions and the profound impact they had on their communities.

‘‘This year’s finalists are exceptional, making the judging process incredibly tough. However, this year’s winners have distinguished themselves not only through their unwavering commitment and perseverance in their fields but also by the exemplary leadership they have each shown,” she said.

Fellow judge Blake Holgate, from Rabobank, was struck not only by the extraordinary efforts of the finalists but the fact there were so many stories in rural communities of rural people doing amazing things for others — ‘‘to the point these stories aren’t actually the exception’’.

‘‘In lots of ways they are simply how rural communities operate which is really what makes rural communities so special,’’ Mr Holgate said.

Read the full story here. 

Discover the 2024 Rural Champions below.

These Southland dairy farmers prefer to "keep it real", using their own social media platform to share the realities and learning curves of their busy dairy farming enterprise Legendairies.

The couple were nominated for Rural Champions for their "positive and informative social media platform Legendairies". They showcase the great qualities that make someone a rural legend on their farm and in their community. 

Steve and Tracy have won a $10,000 prize pack and will have a community shout hosted at their farm, thanks to Speights and Silver Fern Farms.

Read their story

Bronwyn is manager of Silver Fern Farms’ Finegand plant, just out of Balclutha, where she is responsible for a workforce of about 1200 people.

Her nomination said she had made a significant contribution to Southland communities over an involvement in the red meat industry which spanned more than 40 years. 

Bronwyn has won a $5,000 prize pack.

Read their story

Known as Kiwi Farmer,  Alistair set up a YouTube channel to promote everything good about farming.

He and his wife, Genna film and edit videos weekly in between running a soon-to-expand agri-tourism accommodation venture and their dryland sheep and beef farm, The Grange, between Oxford and Ashley Gorge.

Alistair has won $3,000 of Farmlands vouchers.

Read their story

Farmers and Growers