NZKGI Responds to Migrant Worker Exploitation Reports
Where any worker in the kiwifruit industry is mistreated, we expect the authorities to take action.
Kiwifruit industry regulator Kiwifruit New Zealand (KNZ) has announced the appointment of Kristy McDonald QC as its new board chair.
McDonald replaces Sir Brian Elwood who has been in role 11 years. Elwood says McDonald is a highly regarded Queen’s Counsel with a wealth of legal, governance and regulatory experience and a genuine interest in primary industries.
“The industry will benefit greatly from Ms McDonald’s broad ranging skills and experience,” he says.
McDonald, a Wellington barrister, is a director of a number of boards including the Accident Compensation Corporation and Wairarapa Building Society; she chairs the Judicial Control Authority for Racing and is the former chair of the Real Estate Agents Authority.
The KNZ Board has also recently appointed Geoff Morgan as its new chief executive, replacing Richard Procter who was in the role for the past 10 years.
Morgan brings to the role a broad range of experience in export-oriented industries internationally, including seafood and meat, along with extensive regulatory and marketing experience, says KNZ.
“I believe the Kiwifruit Regulations have created a stable environment to enable growth and success in the kiwifruit industry. It is pleasing to see the industry now poised for a period of growth and substantial expansion,” says Elwood.
The board thanks Elwood for his contribution and commitment to the industry, and say they hope that the experience of the new appointments will help KNZ to develop innovative growth and cooperation across the industry.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.

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