THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Unity and positivity in 2022 I have now been back in the horticulture industry for six months after being away for four years, albeit still in the food and fibre sector as part of the honey industry. By Nadine Tunley : HortNZ Chief Executive
The horticulture industry is a lot more diverse than say the dairy or meat industries. We grow more than 100 different varieties of fruit and vegetable, up and down New Zealand, for domestic and/or export. Plus, growers are represented by more than 40 groups, including product groups and district associations, all of which are very clear that they advocate for growers’ interests. I often hear it said that working with Government is more difficult than it should be because so many different Government agencies are involved in one topic. Take water for example. There’s the Ministry for the Environment and Ministry for Primary Industries, along with the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and the Department of Internal Affairs – and that’s just listing the biggest agencies. But when I talk with Government, they equally say it is very difficult working with the horticulture industry, because we are diverse and there are many seemingly contradictory voices. When I have reflected on this past six months, it is
discussion about the differences that I remember not discussion about common challenges, I am afraid. Many of the conversations I am part of start with the differences not the similarities and often, we never get beyond the differences. There are exceptions, however, for example, biosecurity being a long-term example, and how we have come together to ensure continuation of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, despite the border situation, being more short term. Unity is what we need more of if we are to influence the Government. That doesn’t mean forgetting our differences but it does mean focusing on our similarities, of which there are many, so we can get traction with the Government, in terms of policy, regulation and funding. We also need to be positive because that in turn will foster a positive reception. There are so many things about our industry that are positive and align with Government outcomes, for the environment as well as the economy, to say nothing of the health of New Zealanders.
Editors: Emily Pope Ph: 027 617 6200 Email: emily.pope@hortnz.co.nz Andrew Bristol Ph: 021 021 62 021 Email: andrew.bristol@hortnz.co.nz Advertising Manager: Jackie Enright Ph: 04 494 9986 Mobile: 0274 489 913 Email: jackie.enright@hortnz.co.nz Design: Scenario.co.nz Ph: 04 385 9766 Email: joy@scenario.co.nz Subscriptions: Email: info@hortnz.co.nz
AT WORK
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