Guild celebrates Alexa Cook and Jamie Mackay at Primary Industries New Zealand Awards
Jamie Mackay (left) and Alexa Cook
Two of New Zealand’s leading rural storytellers have been recognised by the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators at the 2026 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards in Auckland this evening.
Radio NZ journalist Alexa Cook has won the Ministry for Primary Industries Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award, while Jamie Mackay, host of The Country, has been named the 2026 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
The Ministry for Primary Industries 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.
Alexa won this year’s Rongo Award for her reporting on forestry and the expansion of IKEA’s pine tree plantations into Central Hawke’s Bay. Her entry included a feature-length video report filmed from the air with a farmer and fire-fighting pilot, exploring concerns about the impact of large-scale pine planting on local communities.
Alexa has previously won a Rongo Award, taking out the honour in 2017 for her week-long cattle muster story at Muzzle Station following the Kaikōura earthquake.
The other finalists for the 2026 Ministry for Primary Industries Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Rongo Award were Riley Kennedy of BusinessDesk, and Richard Rennie and Neal Wallace of Farmers Weekly.
New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators Chair Tim Fulton congratulated Alexa on behalf of the Guild.
“Alexa has a real talent for telling rural stories in a way that is clear, thoughtful and easy to connect with,” Tim says. “She takes people into the story, helps explain why it matters, and brings a strong understanding of the communities and issues behind it.”
The Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award is the Guild’s premier award for agricultural communicators and celebrates people who have made a meaningful and sustained contribution to New Zealand’s primary industries through clear, effective and engaging communication.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the award, a significant milestone for the Guild and for rural communication in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Jamie has been named the 2026 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year in recognition of his long-standing contribution to rural broadcasting and agricultural communication. It is the second time Jamie has received the award, having previously won it in 2006.
As host of The Country, Jamie has been one of New Zealand’s most recognisable rural voices for many years, covering rural news, agribusiness, politics, sport and the issues affecting farmers and growers.
The other finalists for the 2026 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award were Dom George of Rural Exchange and former Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Hamish Marr.
Tim congratulated Jamie and acknowledged his significant contribution to rural communication.
“Jamie has made an outstanding contribution to agricultural communication over many years,” Tim says. “He has a rare ability to combine industry knowledge, sharp questioning, humour and plain-English communication in a way that connects with farmers, growers, industry leaders and the wider public.”
Tim says both winners reflect the important role skilled journalists and communicators play in New Zealand’s primary industries.
“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 says.
“Our sector needs trusted voices, strong reporting and clear communication. It is fantastic to see Alexa and Jamie recognised for the work they do. Our congratulations to them both”
Tim says the Guild is grateful to the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ravensdown for their support of the two awards.
“MPI’s support of the Rongo Award helps recognise the important role agricultural journalism plays in informing rural communities and the wider public,” Tim says.
“We also thank Ravensdown for its ongoing support of the Agricultural Communicator of the Year Award, especially in its 40th year. Their support helps celebrate the trusted voices who connect, inform and champion New Zealand’s primary industries.”
The Guild also thanks Federated Farmers, Brightstar and the Primary Industries Summit and Awards diamond sponsor Rabobank for the opportunity to bring both awards into the programme for the first time.
“This is a positive step for rural journalism and communication,” he says. “It is fantastic to see agricultural journalism and communication recognised alongside the wider primary industries.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Shawn McAvinue, New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators
022 438 7664 shawnmcavinue@gmail.com