Kia Ora, ko Tom Keefe tōku ingoa. I’ve worked in the horticulture sector for over 35 years navigating its challenges and celebrating its rewards. During my career I have gained experience in the production of apples, pears, summerfruit and citrus. This has included growing, packing operations, sales, category and business management, and leadership roles nationally.

I currently chair a board representing my iwi that ranks in the bottom quartile of nearly every negative social and economic indicator. Our iwi’s fruit growing portfolio currently includes apples and citrus with plans in place to grow and expand even further. For me, horticulture is more than a business, it’s a lifeline for many people - I believe in creating real opportunities by providing pathways to success through employment, education and succession giving our tamariki a viable, sustainable and prosperous future.

I’m actively involved in Māori agribusiness groups with a focus on the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan outcome of “Māori are Strong in Horticulture.” To achieve this, I see horticulture as a vehicle for transformation by giving our rangatahi the skills they need to succeed through ongoing training and leadership opportunities. We need to grow not just crops, but confidence, capability, and hope in our people.

I believe some of our biggest gains in horticulture will come through Māori land development. Unlocking the potential of underutilised whenua. This will allow Māori an opportunity to lift communities and people up into intergenerational wealth. Doing so will help drive economic growth regionally and nationally. I am passionate to see this happen but understand Māori cannot do this in isolation. Real progress will require the support, investment and collaboration of the wider industry, not just as landlords, but as active partners in business.

Professionally, I serve as Business Development Manager for a large, family-owned operation in Hastings, specialising in post-harvest operations, relationship building and operational efficiency.

I have also served as an executive at the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association.

I’m grateful for the full support of my employers, the Altham and Gardiner families, in pursuing this opportunity. I will bring to the Horticulture New Zealand Board a unique blend of governance experience, leadership, commercial insight, cultural perspective, and a deep commitment to people and whenua.

If elected you can be assured, I will support the needs of the wider fruit and vegetable sectors with absolute commitment, integrity and a genuine desire to see change for the better.