• Advocacy and industry representation
• Leadership, partnership and vision
• Government engagement and policy development
• Wellington, New Zealand

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) is looking for a dynamic, energetic and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organisation and horticulture industry as it embarks on the next phase of its growth and development in the post-Covid world.

HortNZ is an advocate for New Zealand’s 6000 fruit and vegetable growers in an ever-changing regulatory and trading environment.  HortNZ works in partnership with diverse industry product groups and district associations to create an enduring environment where growers can thrive.

HortNZ is a high performing organisation with a culture of trust and openness.  Focus areas are biosecurity, compliance, health and safety, policy development, and natural resources and the environment.  Growers are at the heart of everything that HortNZ does.

The CEO will be accountable for the delivery of HortNZ’s strategic and business plans. The appointee will provide inspiring leadership, maintain relationships and communications with key stakeholders including growers, iwi and Government Ministers, and facilitate effective representation of growers’ interests.

Suitable applicants will ideally have credibility with the horticultural sector, proven leadership and advocacy expertise, a charismatic engagement and relationship building style, and experience with strategy formulation and implementation.

Applicants will demonstrate the following attributes:

• The ability to influence, build consensus, motivate and lead.
• Proven stakeholder engagement, communication, advocacy and relationship building skills.
• The ability to formulate, implement and articulate strategy clearly to diverse audiences.
• Adaptability and innovation, preferably based on sound industry knowledge and awareness.
• Act with integrity, in line with the industry’s best interests.

This role provides the opportunity to lead a dynamic industry-good organisation that is at the heart of New Zealand’s $6.39 billion fruit and vegetable growing industry.  Covid has highlighted the need for industry leadership and unity in order to develop and implement effective ways to meet challenges and leverage opportunities, through vision, innovation and drive.

For further information on HortNZ, please visit their website: www.hortnz.co.nz.

Confidential enquiries can be made to Graham Ewing or Lynell Bell of EQI Global on +64 3 377 7793 or email at [email protected].  A position description can be viewed and downloaded at www.eqiglobal.com.

Applications for the role close on Friday 12 February 2021. All applications will be acknowledged via email from 18 January 2021.