Mike Holland is not the sort of guy who’d make a fuss about winning an award.

So when he was named Marine Farmer of the Year last week, it was no surprise that he casually took it all in his stride.

Mike was presented with the award, which included a $3500 Eco-weighted mussel rope from Donaghys, at the Marine Farming Association AGM in Nelson.

MFA Executive Officer Graeme Coates said Mike had made a valuable contribution to the development of industry Standard Operating Procedures and was a long-serving member on various industry committees.

“Mike epitomises the out-on-the-water farmer,” Mr Coates said
“He works hard and does things well – including his paper work.
“He’s been a long stable participant in lots of committees and organisations. He contributes a lot to the activities of the MFA.”

Mike was among seven people honoured for their contribution to the industry at the awards dinner at Trailways Hotel.
Other awards winners included:

Merit Award:
Bryan Skeggs, for a valuable contribution to the marine farming industry, including directorship of NZMIC and AQNZ.

Young Achiever Award:
Daniel Dehar

Environmental Award:
Scott Madsen, for rescuing a whale with a rope and cray pot wrapped around its tail. Click here to read the Marlborough Express report on Scott

Training Award:
Arron Jones, for excellent work performance, ability to learn and the way he conducts himself around the wider team.

Research and Development award:
Dan McCall, for his efforts to create a protocol to commercially domesticate the Greenshell Mussel.

Well done to all.