HortNZ rolls out regional reps to strengthen grower voice

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) is rolling out a new regional representative network aimed at giving growers a strong voice and a more direct link to advocacy and practical support.

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said the goal was to create a grower-focused regional connection that reflected the different realities facing growers around the country.

“Dedicated local contacts who understand local conditions, the challenges and opportunities will help ensure growers’ views are consistently heard.

“The representatives will also gather on-the-ground intelligence and feed this back to HortNZ to keep advocacy work relevant and evidence-based.

“This includes identifying emerging issues early and feeding regional insight back into HortNZ.”

The representatives will also strengthen practical support by linking growers with workshops, events, networks and capability-building opportunities, while helping them navigate issues as they arise, she said.

“A strong local presence will be especially valuable during severe weather events, when trusted relationships and regional knowledge can speed up support and information-sharing.”

Regional representatives will carry out regular grower visits, support forums, maintain event calendars and liaise with wider industry stakeholders.

They will also help communicate HortNZ and the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan priorities, gather feedback on submissions and link growers with product groups and HortNZ’s policy, assurance and engagement teams.

The regional representative roles were initially part of a pilot, but are now being rolled out permanently, with further roles potentially being added over time, she said.

The five roles cover Gisborne (Tessa Rodden); Central Otago and Southland (Chelsea Donnelly); Canterbury (David Hickman); Lower North and Upper South Islands (Matt Thorn); Northland, Auckland and Waikato (Arjune Dahya).

Scott encouraged growers to contact their regional representative for support and to stay connected with developments in the industry.