HortNZ director nominations open
Nominations are now open for the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) chief executive Nadine Tunley says the industry-good body’s support for growers has proven to be multifaceted.
In her chief executive’s message – her last before she departs HortNZ in August – Tunley says that in the aftermath of Covid-19, Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, and amid continued inflationary pressure, the organisation has worked hard to support its growers in their efforts to rebuild and recover.
“Our efforts have been multifaceted, focusing on continued relief, advocacy for long-term support, and providing practical resources to help growers get back on their feet,” Tunley says.
She says the organisation has worked to facilitate access to Government, lobbying for officials and Ministers to see and hear first-hand the current challenges and constraints.
“The policy team work tirelessly with local authorities and central Government to streamline processes and outline where existing or proposed policies are untenable and often unworkable,” Tunley explains.
The report reveals more than 4500 commercial growers grew more than 100 different types of fruit and vegetables.
They exported $4.67 billion in horticulture exports - $3.94 billion in fruit and $0.73 billion in vegetables. Domestic sales were $2.81 billion - $1.10 billion in fruit and $1.71 billion in vegetables.
Meanwhile, she says labour is still a significant issue for growers, adding that the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme plays a significant role in the labour ecosystem.
“HortNZ holds strong and trusting relationships with both the Government and our Pacific partners where we advocate for our growers.
“Ensuring access to a reliable seasonal workforce is essential for planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops, and any shortfall impacts the entire sector,” Tunley says.
“Without the support of a robust seasonal labour supply, growers’ businesses are put at risk.”
Tractor manufacturer and distributor Case IH has announced a new partnership with Meet the Need, the grassroots, farmer-led charity working to tackle food insecurity across New Zealand one meal at a time.
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
To celebrate 25 years of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Ravensdown caught up with past recipients to see where their careers have taken them, and what the future holds for the industry.
Among this year’s Primary Industry NZ (PINZ) Awards finalists are a Southlander who created edible bale netting and rural New Zealanders who advocate for pragmatic regulation and support stressed out farmers.
Rockit Global has appointed Ivan Angland as its new chief operating officer as it continues its growth strategy into 2025.
Nominations are now open for the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board.
OPINION: The good fight against "banking wokery" continues with a draft bill to scrap the red tape forcing banks and…
OPINION: Despite the volatility created by the shoot-from-the-hip trade tariff 'stratefy' being deployed by the new state tenants in the…