New award targets innovation, leadership

HDC councillor Tania Kerr

Hastings District Council are the sponsors of a new award recognising creativity in the local primary sector.

It will be handed out during the wider Napier Port Hawke's Bay Primary Sector Awards, which recognise those using natural resources to build some of the country's leading businesses.

HDC councillor Tania Kerr has supported the awards for many years and will sit on a judging panel for the latest accolade.

The Hawke's Bay Primary Sector Industry Leader of the Year Award winner will recognise an individual who displays innovation and leadership at the highest level, representing the region on a national if not international stage.

"Our economic development-focussed platform [Great Things Grow Here] highlights the competitive advantage which enables [us] to be innovative in our approach to all industry and especially the primary sector," she said.

"It's not just our fertile soils and temperate climate but also imaginative and creative people which contribute to this region being a great place to grow business."

The Great Things Grow Here campaign showcases a range of successful companies such as Silver Fern Farms, Te Mata Mushrooms, Napier Port and Pan Pac who demonstrate the kind of inventive thinking these awards seek to celebrate.

Hawke's Bay A&P Society general manager Brent Linn said the event was not only about business but people.

- Nominations for the inaugural award close on February 13, 2015. For more information phone Hillary Riches on 027 2588784 or see napierporthbpsawards.co.nz