Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has announced the appointment of Kirsti Lovie as its new associate director. Lovie is currently a business performance and sustainability manager with Craigmore Sustainables and remains actively involved in her family's vegetable-growing business. She brings a strong blend of experience across both owner-operator and large-scale corporate farming operations.
Her governance background includes roles in commercial investment portfolios as well as advisory and reference groups across the primary sector.
"I'm honoured to take on the associate director role with HortNZ," said Lovie. "I'm passionate about the future of horticulture in New Zealand and excited to bring my practical and strategic experience to the board table, while continuing to develop my governance skills and contribute to the sector that has shaped my career."
Currently enrolled in the Farmlands Advanced Directors course, Lovie described the HortNZ opportunity as a natural progression in her governance journey. "I'm looking forward to building on my training with direct experience at board level, where I can observe, contribute, and learn from some of the best in the sector."
She added, "It's an exciting time to be involved in horticulture, and I want to help shape a thriving, sustainable future for growers across New Zealand."
The associate director role is designed to provide an emerging industry leader with practical boardroom experience and the opportunity to contribute to national strategy while being mentored by experienced directors. It reflects HortNZ's broader commitment to developing leadership capacity across the horticulture sector.
HortNZ board chair Bernadine Guilleux said Lovie's appointment demonstrates the organisation's focus on cultivating future-focused leadership with strong industry ties. "Kirsti brings a unique combination of grower perspective, analytical thinking, and commitment to leadership development. Her passion for the horticulture industry is clear, and we're looking forward to her contributions as the board continues to navigate the strategic challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand growers."
The HortNZ board consists of nine directors—seven elected by growers and two independents—and meets regularly throughout the year. Lovie's term as associate director begins in July 2025 and runs through to December 2026.
For more information:
Horticulture New Zealand
Tel: +64 (0) 4 472 3795
Email: [email protected]
www.hortnz.co.nz