New Zealand’s top environmental farmer to be named in Chch

25 June 2014

New Zealand’s top environmental farmer to be named in Christchurch

The winner of New Zealand’s premier award for sustainable farming, the Gordon Stephenson Trophy, will be named in Christchurch tomorrow night (26 June) at the sold-out 2014 Ballance Farm Environment Awards Sustainability Showcase.

“Being in Christchurch for the 2014 Showcase, I am eagerly looking forward to learn who, tomorrow night, will be named the winner of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President and 2014 Landcorp Agricultural Communicator of the Year.

“It will be a bittersweet occasion since the recent passing of Alistair Polson who chaired the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust. Alistair loved these awards and I am certain his positive spirit will be with us tomorrow evening.

“It is also right New Zealand’s foremost environmental award is named in honour of Gordon Stephenson ONZM. Gordon’s achievements are such that a few months ago he became, I believe, the only dual life member of both Forest & Bird and Federated Farmers.

“Gordon Stephenson’s example is embodied in real deeds and the Ballance Farm Environment Awards showcase how farmers are genuinely green.

“I know first-hand that you cannot farm successfully without a love of the land and a desire to leave your property better than when you found it.

“Federated Farmers enthusiastically backs the 2014 Ballance Farm Environment Awards because it tells the truth about farming and farmers. This is not rhetoric but inspiring on-the-land reality.

“Whoever walks away with the Gordon Stephenson Trophy every finalist is a farming ambassador and Federated Farmers is very proud of them all,” Mr Wills concluded.

Finalists for the 2014 Gordon Stephenson trophy being held at Rydges Hotel on 26 June:
• Roger and Jane Hutchings (Northland)
• Rick Burke and Jan Loney (Bay of Plenty)
• Mike and Sharon Barton (Waikato)
• Rob and Sandra Faulkner & Bruce and Jo Graham (East Coast)
• Gavin and Oliver Faull and Tony and Loie Penwarden (Taranaki)
• Justin and Mary Vennell (Horizons)
• Matt and Lynley Wyeth (Greater Wellington)
• Mark and Devon Slee (Canterbury)
• Wayne McIntosh (Otago)
• Andrew and Heather Tripp (Southland).

ENDS

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