Wednesday, 04 September 2024 09:25

Govt backs women in hort sector

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Women in Horticulture is an innovative and collaborative industry strategy that empowers all women. Women in Horticulture is an innovative and collaborative industry strategy that empowers all women.

An initiative that supports networking and career progression of women in horticulture has received state funding.

The United Fresh Women in Horticulture (Women in Horticulture) initiative will use the funds to deliver workshops and professional development sessions enabling women to upskill and reach their full potential.

Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says the Government is happy to back the initiative with a $300,000 grant.

“Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20% of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this are so important,” says Grigg.

“It also provides the sector an opportunity to positively influence industry attitudes by looking for ways we can encourage women to remain in - and be recognised - within horticulture.

“Women are underrepresented at leadership level, meaning they are impacted by the gender pay gap and disproportionate retirement earnings compared to men.

“The Government has committed $300,000 over three years to the Women in Horticulture initiative to making New Zealand a world leader for gender equity in this space.

“Our Government’s focused on growing the economy and supporting our primary industries so that Kiwis can get ahead. As Minister for Women I want women to succeed, and this programme will support this objective.”

Women in Horticulture is an innovative and collaborative industry strategy that empowers all women.

Its goals are to provide a platform that aims to support women to be connected, valued, and have equitable access to opportunities and to achieve inclusivity and diversity within the industry.

More like this

HortNZ celebrates 20 Years

More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

Featured

Rural health programme inspires new optometry graduate

Grace Su, a recent optometry graduate from the University of Auckland, is moving to Tauranga to start work in a practice where she worked while participating in the university's Rural Health Interprofessional Programme (RHIP).

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Yes, Minister!

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…

Two-legged pests

OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter