Canterbury-based vegetable grower Mike Arnold has been elected to the board of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Arnold is an equity shareholder and general manager of Leaderbrand South Island Ltd, which produces 700ha of vegetable crops in Canterbury for the export, domestic and processing markets.
“I look forward to applying my experience and energy to the industry that I get so much out of,” he said. “I think I can put a fresh spin on the industry as well as enhancing the standard we have become used to through the outstanding work Horticulture New Zealand has done in the past.”
Arnold joins the eight member HortNZ board along with re-elected directors John Allen, a kiwifruit grower from the Bay of Plenty, and Dave Kelly, a kiwifruit grower from Northland.
Six nominations were received for three places, made vacant by rotation, while HortNZ director Debbie Hewitt did not seek re-election.
“We are delighted so many high quality candidates put themselves forward to represent growers at this level,' said president Andrew Fenton. 'It is a healthy sign for horticulture and for HortNZ.
“Our congratulations go to the successful candidates and our thanks go to the unsuccessful candidates, Leon Stallard, Roger Barber and Alasdair MacLeod, who are to be congratulated for their willingness to contribute to the industry,' he added.
