The award was presented to McPhail by the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. Nathan Guy, at the New Zealand Horticulture Conference dinner in Nelson.

McPhail left school at just sixteen, and worked on the family farm before travelling and working overseas. It was his experience contracting in the USA that opened Murray’s eyes to the potential of industrialised agriculture.

Large scale farming operations using specialist equipment and machinery played to McPhail’s greatest passions, and sowed the seeds for what would later become LeaderBrand.

From small beginnings in 1975, he has grown LeaderBrand to be one of the New Zealand’s leading horticulture businesses. It now farms over 3000 hectares annually, with operations in Gisborne, Pukekohe and Rakaia, and employs 200 permanent staff and a further 300 seasonal staff during the growing season.

“Acumen, tenacity, charisma, and clear vision have all been vital to Murray’s success,” said Julian Raine, President of Horticulture New Zealand. “However, it is his boundless energy and drive that has led to his ongoing success, and what has earned him this honour.”

Other awards presented were the President’s Trophy to Nelson’s Andrew Kinnimonth, a pioneer of the Young Grower initiative, Industry Service award to summerfruit scientist Dr. Chris Hale, for his long service to the industry and especially against Psa.

Life Membership with HortNZ was awarded to former HortNZ President, Andrew Fenton, and Registered Seasonal Employment scheme pioneer, Geoff Lewis.