3 minute read
New Lincoln Horticulture Society growing rapidly
From left to right, Ella Wells, Emma Ritchie, Grace Mainwaring from the Lincoln Hort Society at Grow Ōtautahi
Grace Mainwaring is excited about the future of the newly established Lincoln University Horticulture Society. Starting in early 2021, they’ve quickly grown to having 50 members and support from the university, growers and industry groups.
By Hugh Chesterman : HortNZ
“It’s really exciting, and our members are excited too,” says founder and president, Grace Mainwaring. “We’re looking forward to being able to get more people involved and exposed to the opportunities of the horticulture industry.
Although it’s early days, the Horticulture Society has plans to expand the club membership, have more events with growers and the community, and give the students more experience in horticulture. Grace says she came up with the idea to start the club after a summer internship with HortNZ. “I was looking at the Massey Hort Society and thought, ‘why can’t we have something like that?’ I want Lincoln students to be able to get exposure to and experience in the industry too. “One thing we’re really looking forward to is an exchange with the Massey Hort Society. I’ve been having talks with their president, George Hyauiason, about meeting in Nelson to exchange ideas and see some of the exciting and innovative growers there.” “Our first event on 15 March, a panel discussion supported by Women in Horticulture, had lots of great positive feedback. Students were inspired and really keen to get involved. April Oakley, human resources specialist at Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables Ltd., was part of the panel and says the event was really valuable for the grower community. “On the panel, we talked a lot about the advantages and importance of having diverse leadership. Within horticulture, women make up half the
The panel (Mike Chapman, Prof Sharon Lucock, Lincoln Roper, MP David Bennett, April Oakley and Summer Wynyard) discussed the opportunities of diverse leadership in horticulture
workforce, but only make up about 20% of people at the leadership level.
“From a business point of view, there are huge advantages to businesses with diverse leadership. “The event itself was really great to meet all sorts of people from the horticulture community. It brought together industry leaders, an MP, professors, researchers and of course, the students.
“Talking to other growers, we often struggle to find the best of the best young people to fill roles. This club is a key touchpoint to solve that by being a community of enthusiastic people who are interested in the industry and are showing initiative. The students are also able to build networks and gain exposure within the industry. Lincoln University Dean of Agribusiness and Commerce, Professor Hugh Bigsby, is a big supporter of the society. “It’s really cool seeing students lead this type of initiative,” Hugh says. “We’re excited to see what the club gets up to and help them to achieve their goals. Lincoln is here to support their ideas and we’re really keen to help make it successful.” “It’s an amazing opportunity for the students to expand on what they learn in the classrooms and build connections, leadership skills, and channel their passion for the industry. “Employers want people who not only have the technical skills that they learn through their courses, but the people skills and industry experience. This club will give the students enormous opportunities to build these skills, and connect with people in their community.”
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