A local connection for growers

Chelsea Donnelly was the first appointment to Horticulture New Zealand’s (HortNZ) regional representative pilot project - so she’s in a great position to talk about the benefits of the role.

Following the successful two-year pilot, HortNZ has now rolled out the new regional representative network aimed at giving growers a strong voice and a more direct link to advocacy and practical support.

The goal is to create a grower-focused regional connection that reflects the different realities facing growers around the country.

Chelsea initially covered Canterbury and Central Otago. However, Canterbury now has a designated representative, and her responsibilities have switched to focus on Central Otago and Southland.

Having taken up the role in August 2024, Donnelly says the response from growers has been really positive.

Based in Alexandra, she holds a Bachelor of Science and a Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Science. 

She has worked in orchards in Central Otago, market gardens in Australia and for potato growers in Scotland, as well as in conservation, education and environmental management.

“Growers really appreciate having someone local to call and who they see often at events and meetings. It helps them feel connected to the work HortNZ is doing in Wellington.

“If they have any questions, they can ring me and know I will go to the right person to get the answers. Being able to get answers for growers is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

“If they have ideas or feedback, then I have a feedback loop to provide that to Wellington.

“They know the messages are getting through and that their voices are being heard.”

One of the many satisfying projects Chelsea has been involved with has been helping relaunch the Canterbury Young Grower competition after an absence of several years.

“The regional competition returned last year, and we also hosted the national Young Grower of the Year final, which was great for Canterbury.

“My last hurrah for the Canterbury region is the 2026 regional competition. The Canterbury committee has been established, and the Horticulture Canterbury Growers Society will help manage the event going forward.

“HortNZ’s regional representative for Canterbury will sit alongside that. It’s just going to steadily get bigger and better, which is great.”

Chelsea is involved with multiple projects but much of her work is focused on the people capability space.

“Everything we do directly feeds into the bigger picture for growers, the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP) and the focus on doubling the farmgate value of horticulture production by 2035.

“The AHAP has five pillars which are relevant to all growers, but some regions have more actions in some pillars than others.

“The nurturing people pillar - establishing a coordinated capability framework to attract, retain and develop great people across the sector - is key for Central Otago and Southland.

“We don’t have a large population, so there is a challenge to find willing and skilled people to come into the industry.

“To grow produce here, growers need to have the right people in the right place at the right time, so the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme is vital.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work in that space and growers here have given a lot of time and input into the review of the scheme and how it can be improved.

“I have been working alongside our policy team, on a project to provide guidance around seasonal workers’ accommodation for growers.

“This is backpackers and summer workers, separate to the RSE scheme, to ensure growers are up to speed with best practice and requirements and to assist them to have everything in place for those seasonal peaks.”

Chelsea is also secretary of the sector’s regional labour governance group.

She is looking forward to getting out to her ‘new patch’ to meet Southland growers and discuss projects there.

“So, growers, please reach out to me and invite me to visit. I know I speak for all the regional representatives when I say our favourite activity is getting out to meet growers in the field. Our role is grower facing and that’s what makes it so rewarding.”

“We want to help with anything you need to know, to understand the pain points and pressures, ideas and anything you want to get off your chests – so please do email or give me a call.”

Find out more about HortNZ's regional representatives here.