Work for us

At Horticulture New Zealand, we’re passionate about growing a thriving, sustainable horticulture industry that feeds New Zealand and the world.

We represent commercial fruit and vegetable growers, advocating for their interests across New Zealand. While advocating for growers, we influence policy and support innovation across the sector.

Our vision is to create an enduring environment where growers thrive, delivering healthy food for all, forever.

We provide leadership, advocacy and influence for grower success.

Join a future-focused organisation where your contribution will make a tangible impact on the wellbeing of growers, the environment, the economy, and communities.

Current vacancies

General Manager - Policy and Advocacy

Champion growers. Influence policy. Inspire the future of horticulture.

Location: Wellington
Employment type: fulltime
Reports to: Chief Executive

About us

At Horticulture New Zealand, we’re passionate about growing a thriving, sustainable horticulture industry that feeds New Zealand and the world. We represent over 4,300 commercial fruit and vegetable growers, advocating for a thriving, sustainable horticulture industry. Our vision is to create an enduring environment where growers thrive, delivering healthy food for all, forever.

Horticulture New Zealand is shaping a positive future for New Zealand horticulture through leadership, advocacy, and influence for grower success. Our values – Courageous by nature, Collaborative for impact, Credible through action – guide everything we do.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and influential leader to join our executive team as General Manager – Policy & Advocacy. This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping HortNZ’s policy agenda, driving advocacy strategies, and representing the horticulture sector at the highest levels of government and industry.

A key part of this role is building and maintaining strong relationships with growers, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in policy development and advocacy efforts. You will act as a trusted partner to growers, engaging with them on critical issues and championing their interests in regional and national forums.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will:

Lead and inspire a high-performing team across a range of portfolios including policy and biosecurity.
Develop and implement strategies that influence policy and deliver positive outcomes for growers.
Represent HortNZ in national forums and maintain strong relationships with government, industry bodies, and growers.
Provide strategic advice to the CEO and Board on emerging policy issues, risks, and opportunities.

Key responsibilities

Shape and champion Horticulture New Zealand's policy and advocacy agenda
Oversee policy development, research, and strategic engagement with government and growers
Lead environmental and sustainability strategies aligned with legislation and best practice
Build trusted relationships across government, industry, community sectors, and grower networks
Foster collaboration and innovation within your team and across the organisation.

About you

You are an engaged and passionate people leader, a strategic thinker and skilled influencer with a deep understanding of government processes and policy development. You thrive in complex stakeholder environments and have a proven ability to deliver results at a senior level.

You will bring

Experience leading teams and operating at an executive level
Extensive experience in policy leadership, advocacy, or government relations
Strong knowledge of legislative frameworks and environmental sustainability
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, including experience engaging with growers or primary industry stakeholders
A tertiary qualification in public policy, planning, law, environmental science, or a related discipline.

Why join us