NZAGA Elections 2025
Alistair Young and Blair Morris have decided to step down at the August Annual General Meeting (AGM). NZAGA Executive agreed that one (1) North Executive position and one (1) South Executive position will be up for election in July 2025. Blair has made a considerable contribution, particularly in supply chain discussions and market insights and we thank him sincerely for his service. Alistair Young has chosen to end his current term on the Executive to allow a Bay of Plenty election to take place and will offer himself for re-election in the coming election.
You will recall that the NZAGA Rules were changed in 2021 and we now have two regions, North and South. All growers vote for all regions but regional representation remains to ensure both North and South are represented on the Executive Committee.
Regions
For the purposes of determining the region of the nominee, the NZAGA rules define the boundaries of where the nominee’s orchard is located:
North: North of Auckland harbour bridge (this definition is abridged for simplicity)
South: South of Auckland harbour bridge (this definition is abridged for simplicity)
Executive composition:
North: At least 2 seats
South: At least 2 seats
Fifth seat: Once the 2 South and 2 North seats are filled, the next highest polling candidate will be elected
Requirements for nominees are set out in the NZAGA rules (view the rules here). Nominees are encouraged to be familiar with the rules. The nominee must be a voting member of NZAGA, either as the Ordinary member, or the Levy member being the person primarily liable to pay a Commodity Levy to the Association, for a PPIN in the relevant region.
Appointment as Director of NZ Avocado Industry Limited
On appointment to the Executive Committee, the candidate accepts that they will be appointed a Director of the NZ Avocado Industry Limited (NZAIL), the 100% owned operating subsidiary of the NZAGA. They will be bound by the obligations of a Director as set out in the Companies Act.
The successful candidates will be invited to attend the AGM and will take up their position at the Executive meeting immediately following the AGM.
Industry governance
Governance of the industry is very important. We encourage growers to put their hand up to participate in industry governance. Members interested in becoming a candidate are invited to discuss this individually with the Chair or CEO directly. We can provide information on the roles and responsibilities of an Executive member and director.
Executive / Director
We encourage you to support nominations from growers with relevant skills and the capability to represent you on the Executive Committee of NZAGA and Board of NZ Avocado Industry Limited.
Nominations are open for one North Executive position and one South Executive position
This election is seeking one North Executive position and one South Executive position for a three-year term each.
The nomination must:
- confirm the status of the nominee as either an ordinary or a levy voter for a specified PPIN
- include a biography, in Word not exceeding 250 words
- include a photograph (not previously used for NZ Avocado business)
- a completed skills matrix
Nominations are due to communications@nzavocado.co.nz by 27 June 2025.
Voting
Should an election be required, voting will be done using the Vevox platform.
An email will be sent to all voting members 21 July advising voting is open and will share the link to Vevox to vote.
Voting members include:
- Ordinary member, generally the land owner
- Levy member being the person primarily liable to pay a Commodity Levy
Growers confirm the Ordinary and Levy member for each PPIN annually in the export registration.
Grower members may elect to vote using a paper vote by responding to any electronic communication in regard this election or can email communications@nzavocado.co.nz to request a paper vote. You will need to include your name, PPIN, and postal address. The voting paper will be sent to you, along with a self-addressed envelope for you to return your vote to the returning officer.