NZKGI was formed following the downturn in the kiwifruit industry in 1993 to give growers their own organisation to develop a secure and stable kiwifruit industry. NZKGI represents kiwifruit growers and gives growers their own voice in industry and government decision making.
The NZ Kiwifruit Growers Forum consists of 17 Regional representatives, 1 Maori Forum Representative and 8 Supply Entity Representatives. Forum members are elected every three years by all kiwifruit growers via a postal ballot. The Forum members in turn elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman and Executive Committee.
| Name | Location | Portfolio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Kemp | Northland | ||
| Monty Spencer | Auckland | ||
| Mark Gardiner | Waikato | ||
| Andrew Dawson | Katikati | ||
| Sean Carnachan | Katikati | ||
| Mike Smith | Tauranga | ||
| Whetu Rolleston | Tauranga | ||
| Helen Allan | Te Puke | ||
| Rory Bragg | Te Puke | ||
| Michelle Dyer | Te Puke | ||
| Tammy Hill | Te Puke | ||
| Nick Woolsey | Whakatane | ||
| Chris Anstis | Opotiki | ||
| Gary Davies | Hawkes Bay/Lower North Island | ||
| Tim Tietjen | Poverty Bay | ||
| Genevieve Griffin-George | South Island | ||
| Mark Mayston | Grower Entity - Apata | ||
| Dominic Jones | Grower Entity - DMS | ||
| Robert Humphries | Grower Entity - Eastpack |
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| Carol Ward | Grower Entity - G6 | ||
| Tiaki Hunia | Grower Entity - Iwi | ||
| Phil Jones | Grower Entity - Less than 4% | ||
| Sally Gardiner | Grower Entity - MPAC | ||
| Debbie Robinson | Grower Entity - Trevelyan's | ||
| Hayden Cartwright | Grower Entity - Seeka |
The Executive Committee supports the staff to carry out the day-to-day affairs of NZKGI in accordance with its aims and objectives and to ensure the delivery of transparent, robust, useful and timely reporting to growers.
NZKGI staff manage the day-to-day activity to support growers across the following six key portfolios: Labour and Education, Performance, Industry Stability, Communications, Organisational Management and Environmental and Policy
COLIN BOND | Chief Executive
Colin’s role as CEO is responsible for leading NZKGI to deliver its mission of advocating, protecting, and enhancing the commercial and political interests of New Zealand kiwifruit growers. Colin also manages the Industry Stability portfolio.
MIKE MURPHY | Head of Communications and Strategic Projects
Mike is responsible for leading the development and implementation of NZKGI’s Communications Portfolio and providing advice and strategic input into other portfolios.
NEIL MOGEY | Performance & Supply Manager
Neil is responsible for developing and implementing independent monitoring activities and analysis to assist growers in having access to consistent, accurate and easy to understand data on industry performance including Zespri. Neil’s responsibilities include the management of the Performance portfolio.
GAVIN STAGG | Workforce Manager
Gavin’s appointment is a key part of the NZKGI’s Labour recruitment strategy. He is excited by the initiatives already underway and the opportunities to build a collaborative response to the labour demands. Gavin is responsible for managing seasonal recruitment initiatives in conjunction with growers, contractors and packhouses to ensure as much as possible is done to meet the sector’s worker requirements.
TANYA VICKERS | Executive Assistant
Tanya plays a vital role in the smooth running of the organization, providing administrative support to the Chief Executive, Executive Committee and NZKGI’s Forum. Her responsibilities include managing calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, preparing documents, and ensuring effective communication between stakeholders.
KATHY MASON | Senior Policy Advisor
Kathy’s responsibilities fit within the Environment and Policy Portfolio. Kathy is responsible for monitoring and responding to environmental policy that could affect growers. Her role requires her to keep up to date with the science and she has a particular interest in the research that Zespri is undertaking in relation to climate change, water and nutrient use. She is also involved in NZKGI’s response to the Hi-Cane reassessment.
ABBY VAN DE VEN | Senior Policy Advisor
Abby, a Senior Policy Advisor at NZKGI, brings her legal background to the forefront as she co-manages the Environmental and Policy Portfolio. In addition to her keen analytical skills, Abby offers valuable policy support for both the Labour and Performance Portfolios, playing a pivotal role in ensuring industry sustainability and growth.
SAM VICENTE-MOA | Events and Communications Officer
Sam has joined the team as the Events and Communications Officer, where he will work in the Labour, Education and Communications Portfolios. He is responsible for the organization of the Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition and assists with Cultivate your Career. He will also be attending careers expos and schools on behalf of NZKGI.
LANA ROBINSON | Data Analyst
Lana is responsible for the management of NZKGI’s in-house data and will be working heavily in the Labour portfolio, assisting with seasonal labour predictions and data collection/collation.
