Time on HortNZ board opened doors to new opportunities

Putting skills to use to help shape the future of horticulture while opening doors to new opportunities are just some of the rewards Kathryn de Bruin has experienced as a director on the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board.

“I have really enjoyed my time on the Board,” says Kathryn who is stepping down after six years.

“I came to the board with my business and accounting skills, and it got me looking at the bigger picture of the primary sector,” says Kathryn, a Chartered Accountant with her own business in Dargaville servicing agricultural and horticultural clients.

“It also deepened my understanding of many aspects including legislation, rules, and regulatory processes.”

Kathryn, who also runs a horticultural business with her husband, says she had always been interested in governance and leadership. That has included being on the school board for 17 years through to being a trustee of the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust.

She is also a member of the NZ Institute of Directors and the NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management.

However, it was completing the Agri-Women’s Development Trust Escalator Programme in 2017 that inspired her to go further.

“It gave me the motivation I needed to think big and put my skills to use in an organisation like HortNZ. During my time, I feel I have made a worthwhile contribution to the grower base as well as to the organisation itself,” says Kathryn who served as Chair of the HortNZ Audit and Risk Committee during her term.

“It’s also opened opportunities that l would not otherwise have had. For instance, I was invited to be part of the Northland Inc. steering group as a direct result of being a HortNZ director, as I could contribute from the perspective of Horticulture at a National level.”

Kathryn says one of the best things about the experience has been meeting growers across New Zealand and at conferences.

“I’ve just loved the grower visits and getting to see their operations. Talking to them has been so interesting and inspiring. It’s a privilege that I wouldn’t have had without being on the Board.”

She says the HortNZ board needs a broad mix of skills, experience, and insight at the table, as well as a passion for helping to shape the sector’s future.

“If you think you can make a difference or know someone who has the skills and understanding to do so, make sure you apply or make a nomination.”

To be eligible, candidates must be active growers, or a director, shareholder, trustee, or employee of an active grower.

Nominations close on Friday 9 June.