The Working Group was formed at a summit of plant producers in August 2015, and completed a description of the new model for a producer-led industry body late last year. It recommends the formation of New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated (NZPPI).

NZPPI is expected to be be an industry body that’s representative of all plant producers, across all crops. It provides for an expanded network, a broader perspective and a stronger collective voice that increases our influence with those who impact, on a daily basis, the ability to do business. It links professional plant producers, their supply chains and the primary industry collective. It should powerfully position the sector for future benefit, as it’s designed to be future-fit and should herald an exciting future for all plant producers, supply chain businesses and the local industry.

This year, both the Working Group and NGINZ Board have discussed implementation and what NGINZ's role might be. These matters were at the forefront of last week’s meeting that considered the options, and the pros and cons, of remodelling NGINZ to meet new objectives and modus operandi, and compared that with starting NZPPI from scratch.

The Working Group decided that remodelling NGINZ as NZPPI provides significant advantage: It gains from NGINZ's current relationships with government (and others) and its existing infrastructure. The decision also reflects the Board's readiness to change the way that NGINZ does business.

NZPPI has a ‘non-producer’ membership class for the customers of and suppliers to ‘producer’ members, and others with an interest. This recognises the tremendous advantages that come from all working closely through the supply chain. Groups of producers and non-producers will be able work together in areas of special or common interest. Strong connections, made by working together, help build a strong united organization, linking growers, retailers, landscapers, orchardists, foresters and their suppliers.

The Working Group and Board are currently preparing a package describing the model, the opportunities it brings and the changes it entails. In June they will jointly host a number of regional shed meetings with industry members to discuss NZPPI, and NGINZ is preparing a new constitution for consideration at its AGM in July.

The group said that these are exhilarating times for NZ’s industry – a newly focused association, a stronger voice and enhanced collaboration with others and through the supply chains – all herald massive prospects for growth over the next decade.

The Working Group and Board said that they look forward to all industry members joining them in making New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated a force to be reckoned with.

The Working Group and NGINZ Board would like to thank all those who have provided them with feedback and for the support and patience that the industry has displayed while they have been undertaking their deliberations.

Those who have thoughts on these matters are welcome to contact a Working Group member – they are listed on the NGINZ website www.nginz.co.nz/pps or an NGINZ Board member, www.nginz.co.nz/board.

Background to the Summit and subsequent processes can also be read at www.nginz.co.nz/pps.