For 50 years, Tasman's Mel Ewers has been helping the apple sector navigate through compliance issues and training. For a career where she has built a reputation as a trusted advisor and mentor, Ewers picked up the New Zealand Apples & Pears (NZAPI) Outstanding Contribution Award in Queenstown last month. Ewers was one of the 260 people at the NZAPI dinner, unaware that she was picking up the prestigious award. NZAPI board chair Andrew Gibbs said Ewers' contribution to the industry extended far beyond her formal roles. The New Zealand apple and pear industry is stronger because of Mel's contribution, and we are delighted to recognise her contribution."