MAGICAL BUS TOUR WITH GOVERNMENT FRIENDS Words by Antony Heywood : General Manager, Vegetables New Zealand Inc.
Stuart Davis, LeaderBrand Pukekohe, explains the technology to vacuum cool lettuce before sending it to market. This technology allows the lettuce to last longer on the shelf, giving a better quality customer experience
Every year, in an inspired engagement project led by Onions New Zealand, we invite government on a magical bus tour of Pukekohe and Hawke’s Bay. Why is it magical? To quote the tour guide:
In government’s capacity as a watchdog for the public, it will make decisions based on the best interests of NZ Inc. It is the product groups’ and Horticulture New Zealand’s task to balance the ledger and ensure growers’ viewpoints are recognised. To ensure our industry is earning its social licence, the grower story needs to be told. What better way than to go out to farms and show how things are done. We would like to thank the following growers for their input on the day:
“It is important as an industry good body to assist with helping both growers and government learn a little more about one another’s priorities and systems. It gives officials the opportunity to talk to vegetable growers directly and understand the complexities and challenges that growers face. It also presents the opportunity to ask questions in context to the growers’ environment.”
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NZGROWER : MARCH 2021
• Kylie Faulkner and Stuart Davis from LeaderBrand • Herman and the team from ENZA Zaden • AS Wilcox’s marketing and supply chain team • Bharat Jivan Each of these growers told the group their story, and about some of the challenges they are experiencing.
