Regional events replace this year’s Horticulture Conference

Hon Damien O'Connor speaking at the 2021 horticulture conference at Mystery Creek.

The HortNZ Board has decided to not hold a Horticulture Conference in 2022.

‘We made this difficult decision in light of the ongoing risk and uncertainty of bringing more than 700 people together and because this season has been an unprecedently tough one for growers,’ says HortNZ President, Barry O’Neil.

‘Because there will not be a conference, HortNZ will put extra effort into getting into regions to meet up with growers this year.

‘We will also be expanding the scope of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) conference to be held on 28-29 July 2022 at the Sky Stadium in Wellington. The theme of this conference will be Voices from the Pacific.

‘This theme is particularly relevant given the impact of Covid on the Pacific as well as in New Zealand, and the fact that the New Zealand RSE scheme has always been about supporting the Pacific as well as the horticulture and wine-grapes industries in New Zealand.’

‘HortNZ will also have a presence at the Vegetable New Zealand events planned in Pukekohe and Canterbury in late July / early August.’

Barry says the Young Grower of the Year regional finals and national final are still going ahead.

‘The annual Young Grower of the Year is such a fantastic showcase for our industry. The regional finals are well supported by their respective growing areas and each one is a celebration of the depth of young talent in our industry.

‘The national final – this year in Nelson on 21-22 September 2022 – will be another stelar event, where finalists, their families and other supporters will come together to showcase our industry’s most talented young growers.’ 

Barry says HortNZ will still call for nominations for the Bledisloe Cup, President’s Trophy and Environmental awards this year.

‘We will be calling for nominations soon. Winners will be announced at the most appropriate industry or regional group event. We decided to go ahead with the awards this year even though there is no conference because we felt it was even more important to celebrate our industry’s key contributors in this difficult season.’ 

The HortNZ AGM will be held at 4pm on Wednesday 21 September 2022 at The Headingly Centre, 2 Headingly Lane, Richmond.

A Horticulture Conference is being planned for early August in 2023.