HortNZ opens 2026 scholarship applications
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
Nine candidates are standing to fill three vacancies on the HortNZ board: Simon Cook, Shane Flynn, Tom Keefe, Dermott Malley, Lochie McNally, John Murphy, Carol Palmer, Erin Simpson, and Shaun Vickers.
HortNZ board chair Bernadine Guilleux says it is getting close to the final day of voting and encourages any eligible growers who haven't cast their vote and want to take part to do so.
"This is an opportunity for growers to have a say in who will be making key decisions that shape the future of our sector," Guilleux says.
"Ensuring a broad range of skills and experience around the board table is also critical to HortNZ continuing to deliver strong effective advocacy and helping ensure a sustainable future for the sector," she adds.
“That includes experience in the areas of finance, biosecurity and risk management, science and innovation, education and Te Ao Māori.
“We’re motivated by the strong level of interest we’ve received for the three positions available on the board. Ongoing succession at the governance level is crucial to an effective, united pan-sector voice to Government.”
Voting closes at 12 noon on Thursday 10 July. For more information on each candidate, including profiles, declarations of interest and candidate videos, please visit www.hortnz.co.nz.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.

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