Horticulture New Zealand awards 19 new leadership scholarships

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has announced 19 new scholars who will benefit from its 2024 leadership programme.

The successful candidates come from diverse roles ranging from self-employed growers to those working in sales and marketing, export management, HR and logistics for grower businesses.

They also bring varied experience, ranging from science or engineering backgrounds to previous careers in the army, agronomy, geology, rural banking, auditing and butchery before moving into horticulture.

“What these applicants all have in common is that they have demonstrated leadership or leadership potential and a willingness to assume responsibility in grower or industry matters,” said Nadine Tunley, chief executive of HortNZ.

“The programme is designed for potential and current leaders in the fruit and vegetable industry. They will join the ranks of more than three hundred graduates since 2002 who have developed their leadership knowledge and skills in a popular and highly respected programme that is well supported by industry leaders.

“The scholarship programme is important to the sector as it continues to grow, with ambitious goals including doubling the farmgate value of production.

“More than ever, we need a strong pool of high performing leaders that have the confidence and skills to take our industry into the future. This programme will help prepare participants to successfully capture the opportunities and address the challenges that this growth offers.”

This year’s intake of 19 scholars is larger than the usual twelve, says Tunley.

“This was made possible with support from the Grower Relief Fund and the generosity of people who donated to it through the North Island weather events of 2023.

“We wanted to support businesses affected by the cyclone, so that they could participate in this important programme and look positively towards the future after a challenging few years.”

HortNZ has partnered with Rural Leaders, which provides the Kellogg rural leadership programme, to deliver the renewed programme.

The programme has been reviewed against the current industry landscape and the food and fibre sector leadership framework funded by the Food & Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (FFCoVE).

HortNZ Leadership Programme scholars 2024

Amy Willoughby business development manager for Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool Limited in Te Puke

Annabelle McGuire Asia sales manager for Kiwi Crunch in Twyford, near Hastings

Mei Qi Cheah a post-harvest supervisor for Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables in Southbridge, Canterbury

Bobby Lowe commercial manager SKL Produce, Auckland

Niel Redelinghuys operations manager, LeaderBrand, Canterbury

Jake Tully shipping and operations associate for Taylor Corp, Hawke’s Bay

Jeremy Whitten operations manager - covered crops for T&G Fresh, from Waiuku

Justin Wehner orchard operations manager for Echodale Marketing in the Tasman region

Michaela Horcinova people and culture partner for Southern Cross Horticulture (SCH) in Tauranga

Nicole Hope assistant manager at Craigmore Sustainables’ Springhill Orchard in Central Hawke’s Bay

Oliver Hoare grower services representative for Hume Pack-N-Cool, Katikati

Reuben Carter crop manager for Oakley’ Premium Fresh Vegetables in Southbridge, Canterbury

Rowan Wallace owner and manager of Zebor orchard, Tauranga

Sammy Sinclair regional postharvest quality manager for T&G Fresh for the Hawke’s Bay/ Tairāwhiti region

Scott Harvey onion crop programme manager for A S Wilcox & Sons in Pukekohe

Sinnead Flannery horticultural manager for Howatson Rural in Tairāwhiti region

Taurion Colquhoun growing supervisor for Kaipaki Berries in Ohaupo, Waikato

Tim Tietjen fifth-generation horticulturalist, and orchard owner/manager, Gisborne

Tim Officer orchard manager of the Dunstan Hills stone fruit orchard in Earnscleaugh, Central Otago