awards
RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURAL
JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATIONS
The New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators Awards recognise excellence, impact and leadership across rural journalism, communications, public relations and storytelling
The awards celebrate people and work that help inform, connect and strengthen New Zealand’s food and fibre sector - whether through journalism, broadcasting, digital media, public engagement, industry communications or advocacy.
As the Guild continues to strengthen and evolve its awards programme, categories, criteria and timing may vary from year to year.
If you would like to know more about the Guild Awards, including criteria, categories or future entry opportunities, please get in touch.
2026 Awards
Entries for the 2026 Guild Awards have now closed. The Guild will present two awards at the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards ceremony in Auckland on 23 June 2026:
AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award recognises an outstanding communicator in New Zealand’s primary sector.
The recipient will have made a significant and sustained contribution to communicating the issues, events, people and information that matter to rural audiences and the wider community.
This award celebrates excellence in communication, clarity and impact across areas such as media, events, digital platforms, public relations, advocacy and public engagement — helping to inform, connect and strengthen New Zealand’s agricultural sector.
This category is open to individuals, groups or organisations. Membership of the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators is encouraged.
EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM RONGO AWARD
The Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award recognises outstanding agricultural journalism by a New Zealand-based journalist, media team or outlet during the previous 12 months.
The recipient will have produced high-quality journalistic work that demonstrates strong storytelling, depth of research, accuracy and impact.
This award celebrates journalism that informs, engages and educates rural and wider audiences, strengthening public understanding of and connection to New Zealand agriculture.
2026 Finalists
Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award
Dom George, Rural Exchange
Jamie Mackay, The Country
Hamish Marr, Former Special Agricultural Trade Envoy
Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award
Riley Kennedy, BusinessDesk
Alexa Cook, RNZ
Richard Rennie and Neal Wallace, Farmers Weekly
PHILIP DUNCAN NAMED 2025 RAVENSDOWN
AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR
Well-known weather forecaster and founder of WeatherWatch, Philip Duncan, has been named the 2025 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
The award recognises individuals & groups who have made a significant contribution to New Zealand’s primary industries by effectively communicating key issues, events and information that matter to rural audiences.
Philip has become a well-known name in rural New Zealand for his accessible, engaging, & independent weather updates. With a broad reach across print, radio, digital & social media, he is known for his clear communication style and genuine passion for the subject.
Philip is a trusted voice farmers & growers turn to when making daily decisions that depend on the weather.
The judging panel praised his impact, noting:
“Philip has created a brand as the go-to forecaster for rural weather. He is trusted and well-known in the sector ... a deserving nominee.”
One judge added, “Philip goes beyond the ‘job’ and does it without institutional support. He stands up for what he believes in and contributes meaningfully to public debate.”
Hayley Cavan, President of the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators, said Philip’s recognition is well deserved.
“Philip has made a long-standing commitment to delivering relevant and timely information to New Zealand’s rural sector. His enthusiasm for weather and how it impacts on-farm decision-making is both obvious and contagious. He’s become an essential voice in the farming community.”
Now in its 39th year, the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year award continues to celebrate the professionals shaping the way rural New Zealand stays informed and connected.
Garry Clack, Ravensdown CEO said Philip’s win is testament to the power of personality.
“While the world is increasingly making the most of technology like deep learning and AI, audiences continue to be drawn to, and entertained by, experts who share their insights with passion and conviction.
“Ravensdown is proud to support the award and congratulates Philip for his achievement and recognition.”
The 2026 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year, which will be presented at the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards in Auckland on June 23.
2024 EXCELLENCE IN AGRICULTURAL JOURNALISM RONGO AWARD
The Farmers Weekly team, Richard Rennie, Bryan Gibson, Neal Wallace and Steve Wyn-Harris, won the 2024 Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award for a feature where they revisited Cyclone Gabrielle six months and one year on.
The team at Farmers Weekly were intent on not letting the damage and ongoing implications of Cyclone Gabrielle sink below the headlines, given the widespread and unforgiving level of damage it had inflicted on largely rural areas. A decision was made to review Gabrielle’s impact at 6 months, and again at one year. The feature drew on Farmers Weekly’s multi-platform approach, including a podcast feature conducted by Bryan Gibson, and a video interview with a kiwifruit farmer.
The Ministry for Primary Industries Rongo Award recognises excellence in agricultural journalism for its originality, exceptional storytelling, and depth of quality research. This was the 51st year of the Rongo Award being awarded.
Roll of honour
Agricultural Communicator of the Year and Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award
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