New Chief Executive joins Summerfruit NZ

Summerfruit NZ has appointed Kate Hellstrom as its new Chief Executive

Summerfruit NZ has appointed Kate Hellstrom as its new chief executive. Kate began her role in April and spent the first week going through the handover process with interim chief executive, Richard Palmer.

By Victoria Harris, Summerfruit NZ

Chairman of Summerfruit NZ, Tim Jones, said the vacancy attracted a large number of applicants and Kate was appointed after a rigorous selection process. “Kate was an outstanding candidate and brings the energy and enthusiasm to the role that the recruitment panel was seeking,” Tim said.

Kate was formerly the acting chief governance officer at ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) and brings a background in the primary sector from her roles at the Ministry for Primary Industries. Those roles include extensive senior experience in biosecurity, resource policy and adverse events. “Kate’s experience in working in partnership with multiple stakeholders gives her an ideal grounding to further the outcomes from our industry review, as well as deal with the ongoing industry support matters in a collaborative manner,” Tim said.

Kate was an outstanding candidate and brings the energy and enthusiasm to the role that the recruitment panel was seeking

Kate racing across the river Kate photographed on the Heaphy Track Kate enjoying the ski slopes

Kate grew up in Wellington and attended Victoria University where she studied for her Bachelor of Science (Zoology) before gaining her Masters in Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University. While she will spend the first few weeks learning more about the role and industry, Kate is very keen to visit summerfruit growers. “I am really looking forward to getting out to the regions to meet and hear from growers,” Kate said. When not working Kate enjoys spending time with family and friends near a beach, tramping, skiing and mountain biking.

I am really looking forward to getting out to the regions to meet and hear from growers

While welcoming Kate to Summerfruit NZ, Tim expressed his thanks to Richard Palmer for his leadership of the industry over the past 15 months. “Richard’s work with the Industry Review, logistics and especially with issues around the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and seasonal labour, have been hugely appreciated by the Board and all our growers,” Tim said.

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