YOUR INDUSTRY
NEW LINCOLN HORTICULTURE SOCIETY GROWING RAPIDLY Words by Hugh Chesterman : HortNZ
The panel (Mike Chapman, Prof Sharon Lucock, Lincoln Roper, MP David Bennett, April Oakley and Summer Wynyard) discussed the opportunities of diverse leadership in horticulture
Grace Mainwaring is excited about the future of the newly established Lincoln University Horticulture Society. Starting in early 2021, they’ve quickly grown to having 50 members and support from the university, growers and industry groups. “It’s really exciting, and our members are excited too,” says founder and president, Grace Mainwaring. “We’re looking forward to being able to get more people involved and exposed to the opportunities of the horticulture industry. Although it’s early days, the Horticulture Society has plans to expand the club membership, have more events with growers and the community, and give the students more experience in horticulture.
42
NZGROWER : APRIL 2021
Grace says she came up with the idea to start the club after a summer internship with Horticulture New Zealand. “I was looking at the Massey Hort Society and thought, ‘why can’t we have something like that?’ I want Lincoln students to be able to get exposure to and experience in the industry too. “One thing we’re really looking forward to is an exchange with the Massey Hort Society. I’ve been having talks with their president, George Hyauiason, about meeting in Nelson to exchange ideas and see some of the exciting and innovative growers there.” “Our first event on 15 March, a panel discussion supported by Women in Horticulture, had lots of great positive feedback. Students were inspired and really keen to get involved. April Oakley, human resources specialist at Oakley’s Premium Fresh Vegetables Ltd., was part of the panel and says the event was really valuable for the grower community.
“On the panel, we talked a lot about the advantages and importance of having diverse leadership. Within horticulture, women make up half the workforce, but only make up about 20% of people at the leadership level.
We’re looking forward to being able to get more people involved and exposed to the opportunities of the horticulture industry “From a business point of view, there are huge advantages to businesses with diverse leadership. “The event itself was really great to meet all sorts of people from the horticulture community. It brought together industry leaders, an MP, professors, researchers and of course, the students.
