I seek your support for the position of Director on the Horticulture New Zealand Board.

My family grow garlic and shallots, and I am the current Grower-Chair of Vegetables New Zealand. I am involved in industry representation because I want growers to benefit from their talent, grit and hard work. I am a grower because I love producing good food for New Zealanders and the world, and I enjoy working in a dynamic exciting business.

 Growing up, my family grew buttercup squash, process vegetables, cherries and various other foods for domestic and international markets, before focusing on wine grapes and fresh vegetables. I have the growing background, governance skills and common sense to effectively represent the interests of growers – and I live the commercial realities of being a grower every day.

 I am passionate about maximising our industry bodies impact for growers. We must be clear about who is responsible for what, and have a real determination to support each other’s work. My role with a product group means I am in a good position to work through what Horticulture New Zealand’s core role is, and where we should share responsibility to drive results.

We need a business environment that allows us to effectively and responsibly work with land, water, people and the environment. To be competitive we need to improve our access to affordable energy, and to the best agricultural inputs.

To do things the right way, growers need to commit to a long-term view of food production – and to have this approach supported by a government commitment to workable and enduring permitted activity for all producers of healthy fruit and vegetables.

If we do these things then fruit and vegetable growers can be the backbone of improving New Zealand’s economic circumstance, social prosperity and the health of our people. I’m excited to work with Horticulture New Zealand to advocate strongly for vegetable and fruit growers.