Monday, 26 August 2024 15:46

Kate Scott to head HortNZ

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Kate Scott has been appointed the next chief executive officer of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ). Kate Scott has been appointed the next chief executive officer of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

Kate Scott has been appointed the next chief executive officer of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

Scott will attend the HortNZ conference in Mount Maunganui this week and be formally introduced at a networking event on 28 August. However, she starts in her new role on October 27.

Scott has been working in agribusiness for 20 years and has significant experience in resource management, environmental policy and planning and stakeholder engagement.

She is currently executive director of environmental consultancy Landpro, chairs the New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust and is deputy chair of Thriving Southland. Scott was a Nuffield scholar in 2018 and was a recipient of the Rabobank Australasian Emerging Leader award last year.

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Geography & Political Science) degree from Victoria University. She completed the Leading Professional Service Firms programme at Harvard Business School and the Institute of Directors Governance Development Programme.

Barry O’Neil, chair of HortNZ, says Scott is a strong and effective leader, a collaborative relationship builder and a practical problem solver.

“The calibre of candidates for the CEO role was exceptional. Kate stood out for her energy and ability to not only deliver on our strategy and priorities, but also look for opportunities for wider collaboration.

“She is also experienced in leading organisations and people, fostering a strong sense of team and enabling those she works with to succeed.

“I am confident Kate will navigate the sector's complexities and be able to unpick and understand the key issues while remaining focused on delivering results that will make a difference for growers and the wider horticulture industry.”

O’Neil also paid tribute to departing chief executive Nadine Tunley.

“Nadine has been amazing in the CEO role. She has always been connected, always looking for the best horticulture and organisational outcomes, and encouraging us to find a better way of working.

“She led us through some rough times, including the pandemic, the labour crisis because of the closed borders and Cyclone Gabrielle. We wish her all the best for the next stage of her career.”

Michelle Sands, HortNZ general manager strategy and policy, will stand in as interim chief executive until Scott starts.

More like this

Flood-hit Tasman farms begin long recovery

People affected by the recent two severe flood events in the Tasman district are weary and exhausted trying to deal with the devastation on their farms and orchards, according to the head of the Rural Support Trust (RST) in the region.

Featured

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and  friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter