Horticulture New Zealand
• Business / Trading Name: Horticulture New Zealand Incorporated (often abbreviated as HortNZ)[18].
• Company Number: Not applicable (Incorporated Society – not a limited liability company).
• NZBN: 9429043050642 (New Zealand Business Number).
• Entity Type: Incorporated Society (non-profit industry association)[18][19].
• Business Classification: Industry advocacy and grower representative body (focus on horticulture sector)[19].
• Industry Category: Agriculture (Commercial Fruit & Vegetable Production) and Government Relations[19].
• Year Founded: 2005 – formed by merger of the NZ Fruitgrowers’ Federation, Vegetable & Potato Growers’ Federation, and Berryfruit Growers’ Federation (effective 1 Dec 2005)[6][81].
• Addresses: Registered Office – Level 4, Co-operative Bank House, 20 Ballance Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand[20]; Postal – P.O. Box 10232, The Terrace, Wellington 6143, New Zealand[20][19].
• Website URL: hortnz.co.nz (Official site of Horticulture New Zealand)[20].
• LinkedIn URL: linkedin.com/company/horticulture-new-zealand (Official LinkedIn profile)[19].
• Company Hub NZ URL: companyhub.nz profile (NZBN lookup) – shows NZBN 9429035164937 and company record[82].
• NZ Companies Office URL: Incorporated Societies Register – Horticulture New Zealand Incorporated (entry can be found via the Companies Office search)[81].
• Social Media URLs:
Facebook (@HorticultureNewZealand) - https://www.facebook.com/people/Horticulture-New-Zealand/61562957007496/?_rdr
Instagram (@hortnz) - https://www.instagram.com/hortnz/?hl=en
YouTube (HortNZ channel) - https://www.youtube.com/c/horticulturenewzealand
• Ultimate Holding Company: None – HortNZ is a member-governed society with no parent company (owned collectively by grower members).
• Key Shareholders: Not applicable – as an incorporated society it has members not shareholders (represents ~4,500 commercial growers as members)[19].
• Leadership: Board Chair/President – Barry O’Neil (elected President since 2019, former biosecurity official)[48]; Vice-Chair – Bernadine Guilleux[26]; Chief Executive – Kate Scott (appointed Oct 2024)[93]. Previous CEOs: Peter Silcock (2005–2015)[89]; Mike Chapman (2016–2021)[91]; Nadine Tunley (2021–2024)[93].
• Staff: ~30 staff members (policy advisors, biosecurity specialists, etc.) based in Wellington and regional hubs[19]. LinkedIn classifies the organisation size as 11–50 employees[19].
• Staff with Previous Government Roles: Several leaders have government backgrounds – e.g. Barry O’Neil (former head of MAF Biosecurity/New Zealand Biosecurity Authority)[48], Murray Denyer (Board member; ex-New Zealand diplomat and trade lawyer at MFAT)[36]. Former senior staff include ex-MPI officials (e.g. Leanne Stewart, now CEO of Kiwifruit Vine Health)[37].
• Past Employees: Peter Silcock – founding CEO who led the merger to form HortNZ[89]; Mike Chapman – CEO 2016–2021 (previously CEO of NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc)[91]; Nadine Tunley – CEO 2021–2024 (previous chair of NZ Apples & Pears, later Scales Corp exec)[92]. Other past executives include Leanne Stewart (Deputy CEO, left 2021 to lead biosecurity initiatives)[37].
• Clients: Not applicable – HortNZ does not have “clients” in a commercial sense; its “clients” are its grower members and affiliated industry groups (it represents their interests rather than providing fee-for-service work)[19].
• Industries/Sectors Represented: Horticulture sector – specifically New Zealand’s commercial fruit and vegetable growers (spanning produce like apples, kiwifruit, berries, grapes (table), citrus, avocados, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, etc., excluding wine grapes)[19]. It represents growers supplying both domestic and export markets.
• Publicly Disclosed Engagements: Regular submissions and consultations with government (e.g. submissions on Free Trade Agreements[20], environmental regulations, biosecurity law, etc.), appearances before Parliamentary Select Committees, and frequent meetings with Ministers (Ministerial diaries show meetings with HortNZ on policy issues – e.g. in Sept 2024 Associate Agriculture Ministers met with HortNZ leadership at the Beehive)[94]. Government ministers often speak at HortNZ’s annual conferences as well[95].
• Affiliations: 20 affiliated product groups (e.g. NZ Apples & Pears Inc, NZ Avocado, Kiwifruit Growers Inc, Onions NZ, Potatoes NZ, Tomatoes NZ, Vegetables NZ, Summerfruit NZ, Berryfruit groups, etc.) and 24 regional grower associations (e.g. Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Assn, Pukekohe Vegetable Growers, Kerikeri Fruitgrowers, etc.)[43]. HortNZ is a member of the pan-primary sector climate action partnership He Waka Eke Noa (with industry and government)[96], and collaborates with other peak bodies (e.g. Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb NZ on cross-sector issues). It also has a close relationship with the government-established NZ Horticulture Export Authority and works alongside MPI on biosecurity agreements.
• Sponsorships / Collaborations: HortNZ jointly funds and runs initiatives to support growers. For example, it co-funds projects with ACC to improve on-farm health and safety[38], and partnered with the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund to establish horticulture career coordinators nationwide[54]. It collaborates with educational institutions (e.g. supporting the Katikati Innovative Horticulture Centre of Excellence via its Horticulture Capability Group)[65]. Young Grower of the Year – an annual competition HortNZ organizes – is sponsored by industry partners and supported by the NZ Fruitgrowers’ Charitable Trust. HortNZ also works in coalitions on labour schemes (e.g. with NZ Apples & Pears on the “Pick Tiki” initiative to recruit local workers during COVID-19)[75].
• Events: Hosts the annual New Zealand Horticulture Conference (an industry conference often featuring ministers and international speakers)[95], as well as the Horticulture Industry Awards ceremony. HortNZ runs the prestigious “Young Grower of the Year” competition for young horticulturists[26], with regional finals and a national final event[18]. It also convenes regular Horticulture Industry Forums for growers, and participates in field days, workshops, and grower roadshows.
• Political Donations: None disclosed. Horticulture New Zealand itself does not appear in public electoral donation records as a donor to political parties, and there are no known direct political contributions made by the organisation (its advocacy is conducted via lobbying and submissions rather than donations).
• Controversies: Labour Practices – HortNZ has faced scrutiny over the treatment of horticultural workers. A 2016 study alleged widespread exploitation of migrant labour in horticulture, which then-CEO Mike Chapman strongly rejected as unrepresentative[59]. During COVID-19, unions criticised some growers (particularly in Central Otago) for not offering attractive conditions to unemployed New Zealanders; HortNZ acknowledged issues with grower recruitment processes while arguing the need for skilled seasonal workers[56]. Environmental and Regulatory – HortNZ has occasionally taken adversarial stances on regulation: it has joined forces with Federated Farmers and others to legally challenge certain water and environmental rules viewed as too restrictive on growers[84]. Environmental groups have sometimes accused HortNZ of “integrity washing” – for example, Greenpeace criticising the industry’s own climate plan (HWEN) as too lenient[96]. HortNZ’s push for easier access to water and crop protection chemicals has also drawn public debate (balancing food security vs. environmental impact).
• Other Information of Note: HortNZ is funded primarily by a levy on horticulture produce under the Commodity Levies Act (growers pay levies on fruit & vegetable sales to fund industry-good activities)[54]. It publishes two magazines – NZGrower and The Orchardist – which are sent free to all levy-paying growers (partially funded by grants)[64]. The organisation set up a Growers’ Relief Fund (charitable fund) to assist growers in disasters and has coordinated grower donations for causes like Pacific cyclone relief[63]. HortNZ was an initial proponent of the government’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme and continues to engage on RSE policy changes[70]. In 2020, facing COVID disruptions, HortNZ launched initiatives to attract Kiwi workers to horticulture rather than let crops waste, reinforcing its public interest role[75]. Overall, the organisation often highlights horticulture’s contribution to New Zealand’s economy and food security, while navigating the sector’s social license challenges.
• Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: No
Sources:
[1] Launch of Horticulture New Zealand (Speech) – Beehive.govt.nz (Jim Anderton, Minister of Agriculture), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/launch-horticulture-new-zealand
[2] Annual Report – Horticulture New Zealand (2024) – HortNZ, www.hortnz.co.nz (PDF of financial statements)
[3] “Growers call for regulatory reform to protect NZ vegetable supply” – FreshPlaza News, https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9210546/growers-call-for-regulatory-reform-to-protect-nz-vegetable-supply
[4] Driving growth in the Fresh Fruit sector (MBIE report, 2013) – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2901-driving-growth-in-the-fresh-fruit-sector-final-report-april-2013 [Note: excerpt cites HortNZ on tariff costs]
[5] Address to Horticulture NZ annual conference – Beehive.govt.nz (Minister’s speech, 2010s), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/address-horticulture-nz-conference [speech emphasizing support for horticulture]
[6] “HortNZ’s history – merger in 2005” – HortNZ website, https://www.hortnz.co.nz/about-us/hortnzs-history/ [HortNZ page noting formation by merger on 1 Dec 2005]
[7] HortNZ management team – HortNZ website (About Us section), https://www.hortnz.co.nz/about-us/management-team/ [listing CEO, etc]
[8] Horticulture New Zealand – LinkedIn profile – LinkedIn.com, https://nz.linkedin.com/company/horticulture-new-zealand [overview states 4,500+ growers, nonprofit, founded 2005, Wellington HQ]
[9] GIA Operations Limited – CompanyHub NZ – CompanyHub.nz, https://www.companyhub.nz (snapshot shows HortNZ as 5% shareholder of GIA Operations Ltd), [CompanyHub listing]
[10] “New chair for Horticulture New Zealand” – Rural News Group / Hortidaily, https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9063834/new-chair-for-horticulture-new-zealand/ [interview with Barry O’Neil detailing his MAF biosecurity career]
[11] Diary Summary (Ministerial), September 2024 – Hon Nicola Grigg – Beehive.govt.nz (PDF release), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2024-10/Hon%20Nicola%20Grigg%20Proactive%20Diary%20-%20September%202024.pdf [shows meetings with HortNZ and TomatoesNZ]
[12] “Rural work practices criticised” – Farmers Weekly (Neal Wallace), https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/news/rural-work-practices-criticised/ [Mike Chapman refuting exploitation claims]
[13] “Responses from growers criticised” – Otago Daily Times, https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/horticulture/responses-growers-criticised [union critique of growers not hiring locals, 2020]
[14] “Horticulture New Zealand slams biosecurity fine” – FreshPlaza, https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/2099818/horticulture-new-zealand-slams-biosecurity-fine/ [Andrew Fenton (then President) says fine for smuggling seeds was too low]
[15] Nadine Tunley is HortNZ’s new Chief Executive – NZ Herald (The Country section), https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/nadine-tunley-is-horticulture-new-zealands-new-chief-executive/VUWAQ6G75YPDKFX3RDVJBCMA5E/ [profile of Tunley’s background and roles]
[16] HortNZ names Kate Scott as new chief executive – Fruitnet (Produce Plus), https://www.fruitnet.com/produce-plus/horticulture-new-zealand-names-kate-scott-as-new-chief-executive/262031.article [announcement of Kate Scott’s appointment, with Barry O’Neil quotes]
[17] “HortNZ chief executive resigns” – Hortidaily.com (Apr 2015), https://www.hortidaily.com/article/6016535/new-zealand-hortnz-chief-executive-resigns/ [Peter Silcock resignation, Julian Raine quotes, note Silcock’s 30-year service and role in establishing HortNZ]
[18] Events Pronto – Young Grower 2022 (Contact details) – Eventspronto.co.nz, https://www.eventspronto.co.nz/yg22 [contact info block: HortNZ Inc is a NZ Incorporated Society, with address, phone, etc]
[19] About Horticulture NZ – HortNZ website, https://www.hortnz.co.nz/about-us/about-hortnz/ [describes mission, 4,500+ growers, 20 product groups, incorporated society]
[20] Horticulture NZ submission on NZ-UK FTA (2019) – Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/Trade-agreements/UK-NZ-FTA/Horticulture-New-Zealand.pdf [HortNZ detailed submission: contains contact info and industry stats used in lobbying]
[21] Federated Farmers press release on HWEN partnership – Federated Farmers (via DairyNZ site), https://www.dairynz.co.nz/media/5794071/he-waka-eke-noa-outline-2019.pdf [document outlines industry orgs (incl HortNZ) committing to emissions reduction partnership]
[22] “He Waka Eke Noa disbanded” – NZ Herald, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/agriculture-removed-from-ets-he-waka-eke-noa-disbanded/PMZMJ5UTLJH4VJZ5XAHNT3IRYU/ [News: new government in 2023 removed ag from ETS and ended HWEN, which Fed Farmers welcomed as “failed”]
[23] “He Waka Eke Noa: goodbye and good riddance” – Farmers Weekly, https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/opinion/he-waka-eke-noa-goodbye-and-good-riddance/ [Opinion that HWEN was untenable, references it being agri-industry led]
[24] “Horticulture NZ welcomes RSE changes” – SunLive (local news), web2.sunlive.co.nz, https://web2.sunlive.co.nz/news/310353-horticulture-nz-welcomes-rse-changes.html [HortNZ press release praising government’s 2022 RSE policy tweaks]
[25] HortNZ media release – Julian Raine accolade – HortNZ.co.nz (News), https://www.hortnz.co.nz/news-events-and-media/media-releases/hortnz-celebrates-accolade-for-former-president-julian-raine/ [notes Julian Raine’s contributions incl Waimea Dam involvement]
[26] HortNZ website footer (contact & social links) – HortNZ.co.nz, https://www.hortnz.co.nz (page footer showing social media icons and confirming LinkedIn, Facebook, etc presence)
[27] “Kate Scott: New HortNZ CEO talks new role” – Newstalk ZB audio interview, https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/the-country/audio/kate-scott-the-new-hortnz-ceo-talks-about-her-new-role-in-the-sector/ [radio interview demonstrating media access and narrative control]
[28] Statutes Amendment Bill (No 2) 2007 – AustLII (NZ), https://www8.austlii.edu.au/nz/legis/bill/sab22007255.pdf [mentions name changes of old federations to HortNZ Inc]
[29] “HortNZ appoints new CEO – Mike Chapman” – Rural News Group, https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/rural-news/rural-general-news/hortnz-appoints-new-ceo [reports Mike Chapman appointment in 2015/16 and his background, views]
[30] “Fit For a Better World – Primary Sector Council report” – MPI (2020), https://mpi.govt.nz/consultations/fit-for-a-better-world-accelerating-our-economic-potential/ [the vision report co-written by industry leaders including HortNZ’s CEO]
[31] “NZ: Food Act discussions with MPI” – Fresh Produce Safety Centre ANZ, https://fpsc-anz.com/2018/06/01/nz-food-act-discussions-with-mpi/ [mentions HortNZ’s Matt Dolan and Richard Palmer met with MPI on GAP scheme acceptance]
[32] “NZ horticulture sector feeding Kiwis during COVID-19” – Beehive.govt.nz (Damien O’Connor press release, April 2020), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-horticulture-sector-feeding-kiwis-and-world-during-covid-19 [credits wage subsidy and notes primary sector commitment to redeploying workers]
[33] “Greenpeace: HWEN an absolute lemon” – Greenpeace.org.nz, https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/press-release/hwen-lemon-agri-industry-emissions/ [Greenpeace criticism that HWEN was designed by industry orgs (Fed Farmers, DairyNZ, HortNZ etc) to avoid real action]
[34] KVH interview – Meet Barry O’Neil – Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital, https://www.tmbiosecurity.co.nz/an-interview-with-barry-oneil/ [Barry’s roles: ex MAF Biosecurity head, KVH CEO, now HortNZ etc, shows hats he wears]
[35] “Federated Farmers on water reforms” – Scoop News (2017), http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1708/S00241/feds-will-take-water-tax-concerns-to-govt-working-group.htm [indicates Fed Farmers and likely HortNZ opposition to proposed water tax, which was later scrapped]
[36] Murray Denyer profile – Cooney Lees Morgan (law firm), https://www.cooneyleesmorgan.co.nz/murray-denyer [mentions Murray’s prior career as diplomat/trade lawyer and current directorships]
[37] “Leanne Stewart joins KVH as CEO” – Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital, https://www.tmbiosecurity.co.nz/our-team/ (indicates Leanne’s MPI background and move from HortNZ to KVH)
[38] NZGrower magazine October 2023 – HortNZ publication, (article snippet “Create a Healthier Future” noting co-funding with ACC for safety project), (HortNZ magazine)
[39] Ministerial Diaries and Speeches (search results) – multiple entries on Beehive.govt.nz (e.g. diary for Hon Collins showing “Meet: Horticulture NZ”[39], speech by Jim Anderton at inaugural conference[95]) – collectively illustrate official engagements with HortNZ
[40] Hon Erica Stanford Diary – October 2024 – Beehive.govt.nz (PDF proactive release), https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2024-12/2024-10%20Proactive%20Diary%20Release%20Hon%20Erica%20Stanford.pdf [shows meeting in Gisborne with “Horticulture industry leaders” re immigration]
[41] Product Groups & District Associations – HortNZ website, https://www.hortnz.co.nz/about-us/product-groups-and-district-associations/ [lists all affiliated groups by name]
[42] Federated Farmers – He Waka Eke Noa document (2019), https://www.fedfarm.org.nz/FFPublic/Policy2/National/Environment/Climate_Change/He_Waka_Eke_Noa.aspx [shows signatories including HortNZ and outlines commitments]
[43] HortNZ website (footer links) – verifies Young Grower of the Year link, etc., https://www.hortnz.co.nz (footer)
[44] “HortNZ calls out underpowered biosecurity penalty” – Stuff News (2013), http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/agribusiness/9416212/Underpowered-penalty-for-smuggler [news coverage of HortNZ criticizing low fine for seed smuggler (same case as [61])]
[45] “Govt’s Hawke’s Bay cyclone recovery package” – RNZ News (2023), https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/486442/govt-announces-hawke-s-bay-recovery-package [HortNZ was part of calls for such support after Cyclone Gabrielle]
[46] NZ Companies Office – Societies Register Search (for HortNZ Inc), companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz [result would show registration details if accessed; referenced in [28] that name was changed from old federation]
[47] “Code of Conduct for Lobbyists – Transparency International NZ” – TI-NZ (2015), https://www.transparency.org.nz/docs/2015/2015-Transparency-International-New-Zealand-Lobbying.pdf [not directly about HortNZ, but context on lobbying ethics in NZ]
[48] “Biosecurity New Zealand launched as new agency” – NZ Herald (2004), https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/maf-launches-new-biosecurity-agency/7X74S4JJ6F5L7M5D7EYNUGMBDY/ [mentions Barry O’Neil as Biosecurity NZ asst. director-general]
[49] “Primary Sector Council membership” – MPI, https://www.mpi.govt.nz/funding-rural-support/primary-sector-council/members/ [lists Nadine Tunley among members and her roles]
[50] HortNZ Commodity Levy Order 2020 – NZ Gazette, https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2020-go1363 [official notice renewing levy order – evidence of grower referendum success]
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz