Andrew is a retired Partner of Deloitte and has recently returned to the family farm in Hawke’s Bay following an extensive career that included long-term postings with the international firm in London, Poland, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East. Andrew has wide experience in governance, program management and advisory work performed in connection with feasibility studies, business planning and performance management in both the public and private sectors. Andrew is now an independent director and business consultant, providing a range of services to the agriculture and private sectors, including a Director on four Craigmore Sustainables’ managed funds (includes horticulture investments), Chair of Preston Corporation (Ken Wilson Meats) and Chair of the advisory Board of Tiki Wines.

Richard is responsible for research strategy, fundamental research, research quality and strategic collaboration at Plant & Food Research. He completed his BSc and MSc in Zoology at the University of Auckland, followed with a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The Australian National University based at the CSIRO in Canberra. He has broad research interests focused on the biology, genetics and evolution of odour sensing in animals, is a co-author on over 100 publications and an inventor on five patents. Richard is on a number of journal editorial boards and is currently a member of the Marsden Council.

Nadine Tunley (Ngāi Tahu – Ngāti Wheke, Ngāti Waewae, Waikato Tanui - Ngāti Hikairo) is a senior leader in Aotearoa’s primary industries, with over 30 years of experience across horticulture, honey, meat, seafood, and dairy. In her role contributing to the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, Nadine aims to bring a Te Ao Māori perspective grounded in her whakapapa, lived experience, and deep industry knowledge. While she is clear she will not represent all Māori, she is committed to ensuring Māori values, aspirations, and voices are considered in shaping the future of the sector plan. Nadine is currently Chief Risk Officer at Scales Corporation and has previously served as CEO of Horticulture New Zealand and Oha Honey. Her governance experience too long to list, includes roles with New Zealand Apples & Pears, Plant & Food Research, the Primary Sector Council and the Strong Wool Action Group.

Carol Ward is passionate about making a difference within the Aotearoa New Zealand primary sector, ensuring we thrive with the challenges of sustainability, food system change, value-add marketing and innovation. She has 21 years' experience at Zespri. For the past two years Carol has been working across multiple primary sector projects, governance roles and as a kiwifruit grower representative on New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc (NZKGI).

Vanessa Winning is Programme Director Export Growth at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Before her role at MPI, she was the Chief Executive of Irrigation New Zealand. Vanessa has over 20 years’ experience in the agriculture, banking, and corporate sectors, and is currently on the boards of South Island Dairy, New Zealand Young Famers, and Water Safety New Zealand.