This year’s winner of the Bledisloe Cup is Murray McPhail.
Never one to take the conventional route, Murray left school at 16 without a School Certificate. While ‘green fingered’ and very practical, Murray has always been passionate about growing and machinery, working on the family farm before travelling and working overseas.
It was his experience in the USA working for Agricultural Contractors that opened Murray’s eyes to the potential of industrialised agriculture. Large scale farming operations using specialist equipment and machinery played to Murray’s greatest passions, and sowed the seeds for what would later become LeaderBrand.
Acumen, tenacity, charisma, and clear vision have all been vital to Murray’s success. However, it is his boundless energy and drive that has led to his ongoing success.
From small beginnings in 1975 Murray has grown LeaderBrand to be one of the New Zealand’s leading horticulture businesses. Now farming over 3000 hectares annually, with operations in Gisborne, Pukekohe and Rakaia, employing 200 permanent staff and a further 300 seasonal staff during the growing season.
Other winnners are:
- Industry Service Award: Chris Hale
- Life Membership: Andrew Fenton
- Life Membership: Geoff Lewis
- President’s Trophy: Andrew Kinnimonth