NZAGA Elections 2026
At the 23 April 2026 Executive meeting, the NZAGA Executive confirmed three vacancies will be up for election this year. Andrew Darling, Carol Palmer, and Anna St George’s current three year terms conclude at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Carol Palmer and Anna St George have confirmed they will stand for re-election.
NZAGA Executive agreed that one (1) North Executive position, one (1) South Executive position, and one (1) At Large position will be up for election in July 2026.
Regions
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 is maintained to ensure both North and South have a voice on the Executive Committee.
For the purposes of determining the region of the nominee, the NZAGA Constitution defines the boundaries by where the nominee’s orchard is located:
- North: North of Auckland harbour bridge (definition abridged for simplicity)
- South: South of Auckland harbour bridge (definition abridged for simplicity)
Seat allocation
- North: At least 2 seats with 1 vacancy requiring representation
- South: At least 2 seats with 1 vacancy requiring representation
- Fifth seat: Once the 2 South and 2 North seats are filled, the next highest polling candidate will be elected. 1 vacancy requiring representation
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.
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.
We encourage you to support nominations from growers with relevant skills and the capability to represent you on the Executive Committee of NZAGA.
NZAGA Executive nominations 2026
Nominations are open seeking one North Executive position, one South position, and one At Large position each for a three-year term.
The nomination must:
- confirm the status of the nominee as either an ordinary or a levy voter for a specified PPIN
- include a biography
- include a photograph
- a completed skills matrix
Nominations are due to communications@nzavocado.co.nz by 19 June 2026.
Meet the candidates
Field days in July will provide the opportunity for nominees to introduce themselves to the grower membership. Nominees are expected to make themselves available to attend.
Proposed dates are:
- Monday 6 July, Katikati
- Tuesday 7 July, South Auckland
- Wednesday 8 July, Far North
- Thursday 9 July, Whangarei
The successful candidates will be invited to attend the AGM in Tauranga on Tuesday 25 August 2026, and will take up their position at the Executive meeting immediately following the AGM.
Voting
Voting will be done using the Vevox platform. A News From the Exec email will be sent to all voting members on 20 July advising voting is open and included the link to Vevox to vote. If you need any assistance, please contact communications@nzavocado.co.nz
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.