Zespri Forecasts Record Returns for 2025/26 Kiwifruit Season
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
Jason Te Brake takes over from Cole Groves, who has stepped down after two years in the role.
Te Brake has served on the board as an elected member since May 2013, in this time he has taken on the role of vice-chairman and the chair of the National Committee of New Zealand Young Farmers. Te Brake joined Young Farmers in 2010, and while he first joined with social intentions, Te Brake quickly found his way into governance.
“After taking on a few minor leadership roles I began to realise that my real passion was developing not only the people of New Zealand Young Farmers, but the organisation as a whole,” says Te Brake
Having climbed the ranks from club and district level through to regional level, the next step for Te Brake was running for the board.
“I decided to run for the Board as I felt I was able to contribute positively to the organisation at governance level and I was passionate about seeing the organisation continue to prioritise developing itself and its members to their full potential.”
In addition to his work with Young Farmers Te Brake is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, a co-opted member of the Beef + Lamb Farmer Council, a founding member of the Waikato Rural Business Network and has completed the Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme.
Te Brake believes the next five years is critical for the organisation, which has been running for 83 years.
“Looking forward, I see the organisation having grown substantially throughout all levels of the industry, a membership which sells itself based on the substantial benefits of being part of the organisation, prestigious events and activities being recognised around the world, and a positive reputation held higher in the industry than any other organisation.”
However, Te Brake is quick to point out the membership continues to be one of his main drivers.
“As chairman the members can expect to have somebody representing them who is not only passionate about where the organisation is heading, but also somebody approachable, who is willing to listen and act upon members concerns”.
Te Brake also acknowledged the hard work the previous chair put in during his tenure.
“I would like to acknowledge the contribution Cole Groves made over the past two years as chairman of the Board. Cole has provided great leadership and oversight as a chairman through a significant period of change within the organisation, including the appointing a new CEO and expansion of the national office staff and relocation of national office from Methven to Templeton.”
Two fresh faces join the Young Farmers Board in the forms of elected board member, Nadine Huitema and independent director, Jeff Grant.
Nadine Huitema works as a technical specialist in animal nutrition in the Waikato and was elected by members for her vision and strong membership values.
Jeff Grant has joined the Board as an independent director. An ex-Young Farmer Jeff has vast experience on multiple boards in the agri-sector, an invaluable asset to the Board.
