Horticulture New Zealand’s President Julian Raine was advised of the results by Electionz, which ran an independent voting process for the Board.
Welcome Bay kiwifruit grower Mike Smith offered himself for re-election and Bernadine Guilleux, marketing manager at Balle Bros in Auckland, is a first-time candidate.
"We had four very strong candidates but there were only two positions on the Board and Mike and Bernadine secured the highest votes," Julian Raine says. "Mike has already made a significant contribution to the Board and we are thrilled to see him have the opportunity to continue that.
"Bernadine, who has been immersed in horticulture since childhood and has an impressive CV, including international qualifications, will bring a new perspective to the Board.
"We are conscious the Board was all male, so it was great to see three women put their names forward for this election, with Bernadine being successful.
"The Board’s goal is that its membership embraces the diversity of Horticulture New Zealand’s grower members."
Horticulture New Zealand represents over 5,000 commercial fruit and vegetable growers who employ about 60,000 people, making a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy.
Mike Smith has been involved in the kiwifruit industry for 20 years and currently grows kiwifruit in Welcome Bay, near Tauranga. He has been a Horticulture New Zealand director since 2015. He is focused on levy payers getting value for their levy, and being able to see that value.
Bernadine Guilleux has been immersed in horticulture since childhood, as her father and his brothers established their Balle Bros operation in Pukekohe, where she is currently the group’s marketing manager. She is focused on earning true engagement from all New Zealanders who enjoy fresh, healthy food.
Directors are elected for a three year term and Mike’s and Bernadine’s new term starts after Horticulture New Zealand’s Annual General Meeting in July.