Sixteen participants embarking on 2025 Horticulture New Zealand leadership programme

Sixteen participants from across the country are about to embark on the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) Leadership Programme.

The group will be following in the footsteps of more than 320 graduates who have undertaken the highly respected programme since 2002, to develop their leadership knowledge and abilities.

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said the initiative is focused on supporting the development of a strong pool of high performing leaders with the confidence and skills to take the industry into the future and achieve its ambitious goals.  

“The many people who have graduated the programme and are now playing key roles in the sector are testament to its success,” says Scott.

“It is very well supported by industry leaders, is horticulture specific, pragmatic, and provides the highest quality training in a friendly learning environment.

“It is also a great opportunity for our future leaders to network with like-minded emerging and current influential leaders.”

The programme is delivered in two phases over nine weeks, starting 11 August and finishing 17 October. It includes two residential courses – five days in Auckland and three days in Wellington.

Participants will hear from many experienced leaders with delivery focused on increasing confidence to take a lead, gaining greater understanding of what leadership is really about, and building ‘ready to use’ skills including communication, team-work, critical thinking and problem solving.

They will gain a perspective and understanding of how to address industry issues now and into the future and awareness of strategy and how to use it and each will develop their personal leadership plan.

Leadership programme participants for 2025 are:

Auckland

Jungeun Kim, manager, MJ Fresh

Bay of Plenty

Katarzyna Frelikow, technical and sustainability specialist, DMS Progrowers

Phoebe Scherer, technical laboratory manager, Apata Group

Sydney Hines, extension delivery specialist, Zespri

Gisborne

Joshua Rowe, orchard manager, Craigmore Sustainables

Hawke’s Bay

Ethan Gillespie, associate agronomist, Brownrigg Agriculture

Jayne Newland, R&D project manager, NZ Apples & Pears

Leigh Penman, independent supply technician, market access and compliance, T&G

Lyssa Jones, technical & quality coordinator, Craigmore Sustainables

Manpreet Kaur, assistant manager, T&G

Thomas Dames, orchard manager, T&G

Xanthe Ellett, market access and compliance support, NZ Apples & Pears

Manawatu

Maria Solovera, head agronomist, Woodhaven Gardens

Nelson-Tasman

Aimee Lister, technical services manager, AgFirst

Kayleigh Inglis, compliance manager, Inglis Packers Limited

Waikato

Jarrod Newby, team leader, Southern Fresh.