Thursday, 07 July 2016 15:55

New grower board members elected to HortNZ

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Hawke's Bay's Hugh Ritchie (pictured) will be a newcomer to the board.

Two new grower board members have been elected to the Horticulture New Zealand board.

Northland kiwifruit grower David Kelly has been re-elected for what will be his third and final term.

Hawke's Bay's Hugh Ritchie will be a newcomer to the board. Hugh is managing director of Drumpeel Farms. He grows various crops including cereals, seed, and process vegetables.

They have each been appointed to serve for a three year term, beginning on August 4.

"I am thrilled with both appointments and I believe both Dave and Hugh will make substantial contributions," HortNZ president Julian Raine says.

"Between them they have extensive governance skills, and a good understanding of what the growers want and need. Dave has a very sound understanding of how HortNZ operates, and Hugh will bring an infusion of new blood, which is always valuable."

Pukekohe tomato grower Lex Dillon was the unsuccessful third candidate in this year's election.

"We thank Lex for his enthusiasm and commitment to the election process," Raine says.

More like this

HortNZ Independent Director Murray Denyer Steps Down After Six Years

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) independent director Murray Denyer is stepping down from the board after six years.

HortNZ Backs National’s Plan for Vegetable Growers

The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower National Champion

James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox and the Pukekohe regional champion, has won the 2026 Young Grower national title.

Blueberries Could Be NZ's Next $150m Horticultural Export

Blueberries have the potential to become a major horticultural export, earning up to $150 million within the next three to five years.

NZ Must Prioritise Food Security, Says HortNZ's Malley

New Zealand needs to make sure that it continues to focus on its own food security, according to HortNZ board member and blueberry grower Dermott Malley.

Featured

Fines For Velveting Without Pain Relief, Illegal Slaughter and NAIT Breaches

Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.

A Year of Delivery for Fonterra

Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.

Editorial: Common Sense Prevails

OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.

Ex-Fonterra Suppliers Face Stricter Share Sell-Down Requirements

Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.

Aimer Farming Raises $3M to Launch AI Beef Pasture Tool

Hamilton-based agritech company Aimer Farming has completed a $3 million capital raise to support its next stage of growth, including a beef farming product due to launch in 2027.

Miriam Lauridsen on Farm Health and Safety Culture

When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.