The former NZKGI president was an early leader in both organic and conventional kiwifruit production systems and made a significant contribution to the KiwiGreen Programme
The New Zealand kiwifruit industry’s Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal - which recognises outstanding contribution and leadership - has been awarded to Peter Ombler for his significant and lasting contribution to the kiwifruit industry over four decades.
Established in 2012, the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal honours individuals from across the industry - including growers, post-harvest professionals and researchers.
Kiwifruit Industry Advisory Committee chair and Zespri director Craig Thompson presented the medal to Peter Ombler at the industry’s Momentum 2026 Conference dinner on 25 February.
“The judging panel unanimously awarded Peter Ombler this year’s Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal. Peter’s association with the kiwifruit industry spans more than 40 years, with his contribution playing a key role in shaping the success of our industry,” said Thompson.
“As a grower, consultant and industry leader, Peter has consistently demonstrated innovation, strong leadership and a commitment to sharing knowledge for the benefit of others.”
“Peter was an early leader in both organic and conventional kiwifruit production systems, driven by a passion for trying new approaches and a willingness to share learnings with fellow growers to support delivering high-quality kiwifruit to customers and consumers around the world.
“He has also long been a strong supporter of innovation and made a significant contribution to the development and implementation of the KiwiGreen Programme in the 1990s.”
Developed in response to export restrictions into Italy, KiwiGreen required close collaboration between growers, scientists and consultants and delivered a fundamental shift in how pests and diseases were managed across the industry within a short timeframe. Peter continued this focus through his involvement in initiatives aimed at improving spraying practices and lifting industry standards.
In addition to his commitment to innovation, Peter has demonstrated strong leadership across the kiwifruit industry, including holding critical governance roles.
“During the 2010 Psa incursion, Peter was a founding member and the second chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH), providing strategic leadership and hands on support during a critical period for the industry. He also helped shape the future direction of KVH by recognising the need for a broader focus on biosecurity risks beyond Psa.
“Peter is also known as a strong supporter of the Single Point of Entry (SPE) structure, which was particularly evident during his leadership in his role as President of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI).”
Peter Ombler’s achievements as an industry leader were formally recognised in 2017 when he received the Horticulture Bledisloe Cup, awarded annually by Horticulture New Zealand for outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.
“Peter is also widely respected for his work behind the scenes, strong relationship building skills, and ability to bring people together during challenging times,” Thompson said.
“His passion, dedication, and service have helped make a lasting difference and we acknowledge the significant time commitment Peter has made for the benefit of the industry.
“We were delighted to receive such a great range of nominations for this year’s Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal and congratulate Peter on the outstanding contribution he has made to strengthen our industry.”
Previous recipients of the Hayward Medal include Ian Greaves in 2020 in recognition of the pastoral care he provided the industry during the Psa outbreak, with the 2012 inaugural award going to Plant & Food Research plant breeder Russell Lowe for developing and helping commercialise the gold variety Hort16A.
