Hort export revenue to hit new heights
New Zealand’s horticulture sector is projected to reach a record $8 billion by 30 June 2025.
Industry stalwart, Mick Ahern, has been awarded the Horticulture New Zealand Industry Service Award for 2022.
HortNZ president Barry O’Neil says Ahern has contributed to the development of the horticulture industry for over 40 years.
“Mick is known for his common sense and ability – after everyone else has exhausted themselves with talking – to sum up the situation and provide wise counsel, while pointing to the best if not only way forward,” says O’Neil.
Ahern started in the industry in the 1970s as a university student when he wrote a case study on the kiwifruit industry’s development, something that lead to roles in a then-fledgling kiwifruit export industry.
He went on to roles in the onion export industry and then a position exporting a range of horticulture products.
“Next, Mick turned his attention to consulting, with an emphasis on export businesses and industry good organisations,” says O’Neil. “That is certainly where he has focused in the past ten years, with undisputed success in the onions and strawberry areas, leaving behind fit for purpose organisations with a focus on the future.”
Ahern says today’s horticulture industry leaders “have one hell of a job”.
“That is why they need the industry’s support to deal with the volume and complexity of challenge and change that the industry faces.”
Ham has edged out lamb to become Kiwis’ top choice for their Christmas tables this year.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) has announced real estate company Bayleys will be the naming partner for its 2025 conference.
As New Zealand enters the summer months, rural insurer FMG is reminding farmers and growers to take extra care with a new campaign.
Hato Hone St John is urging Kiwis to have a safe summer this year.
Hawke’s Bay’s Silt Recovery Taskforce has received the Collaboration Excellence Award at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) Awards.
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
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