HortNZ opens 2026 scholarship applications
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
Nine candidates are standing to fill three vacancies on the HortNZ board: Simon Cook, Shane Flynn, Tom Keefe, Dermott Malley, Lochie McNally, John Murphy, Carol Palmer, Erin Simpson, and Shaun Vickers.
HortNZ board chair Bernadine Guilleux says it is getting close to the final day of voting and encourages any eligible growers who haven't cast their vote and want to take part to do so.
"This is an opportunity for growers to have a say in who will be making key decisions that shape the future of our sector," Guilleux says.
"Ensuring a broad range of skills and experience around the board table is also critical to HortNZ continuing to deliver strong effective advocacy and helping ensure a sustainable future for the sector," she adds.
“That includes experience in the areas of finance, biosecurity and risk management, science and innovation, education and Te Ao Māori.
“We’re motivated by the strong level of interest we’ve received for the three positions available on the board. Ongoing succession at the governance level is crucial to an effective, united pan-sector voice to Government.”
Voting closes at 12 noon on Thursday 10 July. For more information on each candidate, including profiles, declarations of interest and candidate videos, please visit www.hortnz.co.nz.
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.

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