2025 Directors' Election

With nominations about to open for HortNZ’s board elections, now is the time to think about who you want representing you at the highest level of your industry organisation.

This year, three director positions are vacant due to the retirement of Barry O’Neil and Hugh Ritchie -- both having completed their maximum terms -- and Kathryn de Bruin, who is stepping down.

This presents an important opportunity for people with experience, strong values, and a passion for horticulture to step into a governance role and help shape the future of our sector.

Horticulture in New Zealand encompasses a wide variety of crops, regions, and grower perspectives. It’s vital that the HortNZ board reflects this diversity so we can lead effectively and represent all growers.

If this sounds like you, I encourage you to seriously consider standing. Or, if you know someone with the right qualities to contribute to the board, please encourage them to put their name forward.

By nominating or standing, you’re helping ensure that HortNZ continues to have a skilled, diverse and dedicated board -- one that understands the challenges and opportunities in our sector and is committed to strong, inclusive governance.

We’re especially keen to hear from candidates with experience in:

• Finance
• Risk management (including biosecurity)
• Science, technology and innovation
• Te Ao Māori
• Education, training and skills development
• Corporate law and governance

To be eligible, you must be an active grower, or a director, shareholder or employee of an active grower.

Nominations open on Monday 12 May and close on Friday 9 June.

Click here to access the nomination form and to read the position description.

 

Written for: Bernadine Guilleux, chair, Horticulture New Zealand