After graduating Massey University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Horticultural Science, Hill started work as a Horticultural Advisory Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries in Nelson.
Here, Hill helped pioneer the implementation of the then new tree architecture known as “French Axis System” before moving back to what he believed was “the best place in the world to grow apples - Hawkes Bay”.
On his return to Hawkes Bay, Hill moved to the private sector, taking a role as CEO of Limnos Investments, a Brierley Investments Company. When sold to EEC Horticulture, he managed the expanded operation from the mid-1980s until 2001.
From a wider industry perspective, Hill served on a number of industry committees and representatives’ bodies which included being Chairman of the National Research Committee.
In 1996, Hill was elected as Grower director on the NZ Apple and Pear Marketing Board, serving through some of the more turbulent times in for industry.
In 2001, after deregulation, EEC merged with Grocorp to form Mr Apple, where he carried on playing a significant and key role in the development and success of the new group.
While with Mr Apple, he pioneered the development of orchard data and analytics tools which helped achieve a step change in orchard performance and profitability.
“Throughout his career, and more recently in his time with Mr Apple, he has been instrumental in fostering and developing the careers of many young and aspiring growers. Many of today’s orchard managers have him to thank for assisting in building their knowledge and capability. A legacy that will continue for many years to come,” said Common.
“On top of all this, anyone who has ever met him or had the privilege of working alongside him, will attest; he is someone you can always count on. He is someone who will always do the right thing. But most importantly, he is just a really really good bugger.”
The NZAPI Industry Contribution Award is awarded to a new recipient each year at the NZAPI annual conference.
