Mr Murray McPhail, of Gisborne, CNZM for services to horticulture
Murray McPhail founded the diverse horticulture business LeaderBrand in 1975, introducing broccoli and bagged salad to New Zealand, leading post-harvest cooling technology, and supporting the East Coast region economically. LeaderBrand is the largest private sector employer in Tairāwhiti, and Mr McPhail continues to support investment in Gisborne, with LeaderBrand undertaking construction of an 11-hectare undercover growing facility and state-of-the-art post-harvest and processing facilities. He supports his team with opportunities for higher education or visiting other successful farms internationally. He has worked the land sustainably, maintaining the soil and working closely with mana whenua. He has sponsored numerous events, charities and community organisations. Mr McPhail has been a member of industry boards including the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority and founding Chairperson of the Buttercup Squash Council.