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Franklin growers can expect their voices to carry a little further thanks to a former Pukekohe veggie grower, Arjune Dahya.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) is rolling out a regional representative network aimed at giving growers a more direct link to advocacy and practical support.
Dahya is focusing on the Northland, Auckland and Waikato regions. He says the goal of the initiative is to create grower-focused regional connections that reflect the varying conditions facing growers across the country.
“My main focus is engaging with growers to enable support and greater connection with our industry,” he says.
“I regularly go on farm or orchard to engage with growers, and they can contact me at any time for support with issues, questions, or information they require.”
No stranger to Franklin’s growing conditions, Dahya managed a commercial vegetable growing operation in Pukekohe, where he also served on the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association (PGVA) executive committee.
Now with HortNZ, he is looking forward to meeting more growers and understanding varying requirements.
“There are many positive outcomes for growers of having a direct link with industry through the regional representative team, providing opportunities to connect with growers at a grassroots level,” he says.
“Our team connects growers with targeted resources and technical advice. I see my role as both operational and strategic – providing individual grower support while identifying regional opportunities, risks and emerging issues.”
Beginning as a two-year pilot, the programme has now been fully rolled out.
Dahya and his fellow regional representatives are also closely involved with supporting the goals of the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP).
“The AHAP is a strategic framework, led by HortNZ. It is focused on supporting the industry to double the farm-gate value of horticulture production by 2035. Our role as regional representatives is to connect that national vision and strategy with our growers,” he explains.
“This involves working directly with local growers and iwi to identify projects and opportunities that align with the action plan and support regional growth. I am very passionate about the industry and committed to supporting our growers by ensuring they have a strong voice and an environment where they can thrive.”
