Tuesday, 07 April 2026 15:10

Danielle Adsett Appointed Chief Executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears

Written by  Staff Reporters
NZAPI chief executive, Danielle Adsett. Photo Credit: Tom Allen. NZAPI chief executive, Danielle Adsett. Photo Credit: Tom Allen.

Danielle Adsett has been announced as the new chief executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI).

Adsett, previously the organisation's market access manager, has been acting general manager since December 2025.

She says she is honoured with the appointment and has hit the ground running.

“I am committed to this sector. Our growers are passionate, innovative and resilient and they produce the world’s best apples," Adsett says.

"I am proud and excited to have the opportunity to support the industry, to advocate on their behalf as we seek to double exports and to work alongside a phenomenal team at NZAPI, who are all equally as committed to our members’ success.” 

NZAPI chair Andrew Gibbs says the board was unanimous in its decision following a rigorous recruitment process.

"Danielle's clear vision for the industry, leadership capability, and deep, long-term dedication to the sector were evident throughout the process and made her the standout candidate," Gibbs says.

"We look forward to working with Danielle and the team to deliver further benefits for our members and New Zealand as a whole.”

The announcement comes at a key point in time for the industry, which achieved more than a billion dollars in exports for the first time in 2025, following several challenging seasons marred by weather events and Covid-19.

NZAPI has now begun recruitment for a market access manager.

More like this

RSE Scheme Changes Coming - McClay

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has admitted that a scheme bringing workers from Pacific nations to work on orchards has become too hard to navigate but says changes are coming.

Queenstown to Host Sold-Out New Zealand Apple and Pear Conference

More than 300 growers, exporters, researchers, service providers and industry leaders will descend on Queenstown later this month for EXPO 2026, the annual conference for New Zealand’s apple and pear sector.

Featured

Editorial: Drones Are Not Toys

OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.

Opuha Dam Commissions New Valve in Major Flood Safety Upgrade

Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.

Freshwater Farm Plan Changes Welcomed by Primary Sector

There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter