Monday, 25 May 2026
The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao celebrated a strong result at the 2026 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards, held in Christchurch last week, with its people and partners recognised across several major categories.
The annual awards highlighted excellence, innovation and leadership across New Zealand’s red meat sector, and this year’s results underscored the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s significant contribution to science-led progress within the industry.
Among the headline winners, Principal Scientist Dr Gale Brightwell and the Food Integrity Team from the AgResearch Group received the Alliance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award, recognising their applied research supporting food integrity, market access and consumer confidence.
iGenomNZ was awarded the Datamars Livestock Technology Award, acknowledging more than three decades of genomic innovation that had driven genetic gain across the red meat sector and wider primary industries.
Emeritus Scientist Dr Stewart Ledgard was honoured with the Alliance Significant Contribution Award for his globally influential work in environmental footprinting, lifecycle assessment and pastoral farming systems.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute also celebrated emerging talent, with Ben Dawson named the Bioeconomy Science Institute Emerging Achiever Award winner, recognised for his leadership and growing impact within the farming community.
The results reflected the strength of the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s science, innovation and leadership across multiple areas critical to the future of New Zealand agriculture.