Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025
Andy and Tracey McKay, owners of Alps Seed Limited, have been honoured with the Community Award at the Potato Industry Awards 2025. The award recognises their dedication to community service and their innovative approach to involving the local community in horticulture.
The McKays operate their seed potato business from beneath the Four Peaks Mountain range near Geraldine in South Canterbury, where they specialise in producing seed potatoes from tissue culture plantlets through to G4 seed.
Their most significant community contribution has been supporting Woodbury School’s fundraising efforts for a new bike track. Over three years, the McKays helped raise approximately $30,000 for the school through an innovative community partnership.
For each of the three years, the couple donated seed potatoes, planted a dedicated paddock, and provided all machinery for harvest. Andy looked after the crop throughout the growing season and provided expert advice on timing and care.
The broader community supported the initiative by covering operational costs including spraying and paddock lease, ensuring the school received 100 percent of sales proceeds.
“Andy and Tracey McKay’s community leadership strengthens both South Canterbury’s potato industry and the social fabric of rural communities,” says Kate Trufitt, Potatoes New Zealand’s Chief Executive. “It’s wonderful to see the community also learning more about potato production, seed potatoes and all the work that goes into growing the spuds that end up on our plates. It’s an inspiring example of positive community impact.”
Even after their own children left Woodbury School, the McKay family’s commitment to education continued last year when they again donated potato seed to the school for fundraising purposes, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to local educational initiatives.
Beyond their agricultural contributions, the McKays are active participants in South Canterbury’s cultural heritage scene. They are heavily involved with the local traction engine club, regularly taking vintage engines to Agricultural and Pastoral shows and community events throughout the region.
Andy’s commitment to community governance was recognised in 2024 when he successfully contested a by-election to join the Geraldine Community Board, adding local government service to his community portfolio. His leadership experience extends to sport, having previously captained the South Canterbury Rugby team.
The Community Award recognises individuals or companies who have made positive impacts on their local communities. It forms part of the broader Potato Industry Awards programme, which promotes excellence within New Zealand’s potato industry whilst raising public awareness of potatoes’ value, versatility and nutritional benefits.
By highlighting the expertise of local growers like the McKays, the awards demonstrate the vital role potato producers play within their communities beyond their agricultural contributions.