It reported that the meetings have been very constructive with strong agreement on the approach and the opportunities for a positive outcome. Discussion of issues and on potential outcomes has been thorough and robust. Decisions, however, have not always been easy and a few issues have been parked for future deliberation.

The first meeting discussed the characteristics of the plant producer community that the industry body might represent, its issues, opportunities and potential objectives along with some ideas on what achievements would be necessary for the body to be judged as successful. Models for membership, representation and governance were the principle matters for meeting two in late November. Funding options, a working model and transition are set for a mid-December meeting.

The Working Group said it is keenly aware of industry interest in its deliberations and at the first meeting discussed how it should communicate its work with industry – should the process provide updates as meetings progress or wait until a more substantive outcome is available after the three meetings? It was decided that the latter was more appropriate owing to some common threads flowing through all meetings and potential outcomes being updated as we cover off the issues at each meeting. It has also adopted the approach of ratifying outcomes from each meeting at the following meeting after members have had an opportunity to ‘sleep on it’.

The Group said it would decide on future steps at its third meeting and hopes to have its recommendations ready for discussion with industry early next year.

Those who have thoughts on matters they needs to discuss, please feel free to contact a Group member. They are listed at: www.nginz.co.nz/pps.