Horticulture NZ

Leanne is a Senior Environmental Policy Advisor with Horticulture NZ. Leanne has regional oversight of a number of regions, including Auckland and Waikato.

Leanne has a blended background. She was Managing Director for 10 years of Thymebank, a commercial hydroponic salad and herb operation in Marlborough. Through this time she was a Director on Vegetables NZ Inc. Prior to this she has held roles in policy and development in primary health and local government.

Leanne is based in the Manawatū where she lives with her fiance and 2 children.

Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association

Kirit is the former president of the PVGA and a commercial grower, owning and operating a multigenerational commercial vegetable production business in Pukekohe, NML Produce. The main crops grown are potatoes, onions, butternut squash and leeks.

Kirit was one of three PVGA representatives that participated in the multi-year Pukekohe ICMP process. Through this he has developed close relationships with other representatives.

Kirit is currently the grower representative on the New Zealand GAP Board and active member of the PVGA.

Ngāti Tamaoho

Edith is an Environmental Manager.

Ngāti Tīpa

Rangipipi is part of the Senior Management team at the Huakina Development Trust, which offers services to help improve the outcomes of whanau who live in Te Puuaha ki Maanuka tribal region. She previously worked for Te Wananga O Raukawa.

Ngāti Te Ata

Roimata is a Chairman for the Kaihau Whanau Trust, and Māori Leadership Group, and Co-Chair of the South Auckland Social Investment Board. He spent seven years as a Chairman for the New Zealand Māori council, where he worked to advance Māori social policy issues.

He has experience in mediation, governance and collective collaboration and supports dynamic partnerships between government agencies and Mana Whenua to raise the wellbeing and life satisfaction of our peoples and communities.