After spending close to 50 years helping shape New Zealand's apple and pear industry from behind the scenes, Tasman's Mel Ewers has received one of the sector's highest honours.
Mel was presented with the New Zealand Apples & Pears Incorporated (NZAPI) Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of decades of service, leadership and support for growers, packhouses, exporters and industry organisations.
Known throughout the industry for her expertise in compliance, logistics, quality assurance, market access, training and biosecurity, Mel has built a reputation as a trusted adviser and mentor willing to share her knowledge with others.
Colleagues describe her as practical, authentic and deeply committed to helping people succeed.
Mel began her career with ENZA supporting growers in the Nelson region before spending more than 20 years as compliance and logistics manager at Hoddys Fruit Co.
