awards

More than 500 people gathered in Auckland this week to celebrate Aotearoa’s leading rural storytellers, with the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators presenting two of our flagship awards at the Primary Industries Awards.

Radio New Zealand journalist Alexa Cook won the Ministry for Primary Industries Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award, while Jamie Mackay, host of The Country, was named the 2026 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.

These awards are an important part of the Guild’s work to recognise, support and celebrate excellence in rural journalism and communication. They also help shine a light on the value of skilled, trusted storytelling across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

Alexa wins Rongo Award

Alexa received the Rongo Award for her reporting on forestry and the expansion of Ikea’s pine tree plantations into Central Hawke’s Bay. Her entry featured an in-depth video report filmed from the air, alongside a farmer and firefighting pilot, exploring concerns about the impact of large-scale pine planting on local communities.

Judges described her work as an “outstanding feature that brought new perspective to the issue of carbon forestry and land use change impacts”. They also praised Alexa’s balanced and thoughtful approach, noting the way she brought multiple viewpoints together while taking the issue to a wider audience.

Alexa previously won the award in 2017 for her story on a week-long cattle muster at Muzzle Station, following the Kaikōura earthquake.

The other finalists for the Rongo Award were Riley Kennedy, of BusinessDesk, and Richard Rennie and Neal Wallace, of Farmers Weekly.

Jamie named Agricultural Communicator of the Year

The Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award marked its 40th anniversary at the ceremony, a special milestone for both the Guild and rural communication in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Jamie was recognised for his outstanding contribution to rural broadcasting and agricultural communication. Founder and host of The Country, he has been one of New Zealand’s most recognisable rural voices for more than three decades.

Judges described Jamie as a pioneer of rural radio who has achieved national reach through his work. This is the second time he has received the award, having previously won in 2006.

The other finalists for the award were Dom George, of Rural Exchange, and former Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Hamish Marr.

Celebrating the value of rural communication

Tim said both winners show why strong rural journalism and communication matters.

“Alexa and Jamie have both made a real contribution to the sector through their ability to tell stories, ask good questions, explain complex issues and connect with rural audiences,” he said. “Our sector needs trusted voices, strong reporting and clear communication. It is fantastic to see Alexa and Jamie recognised for the work they do.”

Tim also thanked the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ravensdown for their ongoing support of the two Guild awards.

“Their support helps the Guild continue to celebrate excellence, lift the profile of rural journalism and communication, and recognise the people who help connect our primary industries with the wider public,” he said.

Thanks also to Federated Farmers, Brightstar and Rabobank for the opportunity to bring both Guild awards into the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards programme for the first time.

For Guild members, the evening was also a great reminder of why the Guild matters. Through these awards, networking opportunities and our ongoing work to support rural journalists and communicators, the Guild provides a platform for connection, recognition and advocacy across the sector.

Congratulations again to Alexa, Jamie and all finalists.