Appointment of NZPPI CEO

Dear Plant Producers and Industry Partners,

I’m pleased to inform you that the NZPPI Board has finalised appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Dolan. Matthew will start as our new CEO on 24 October 2017, based in our Wellington office.

Matthew joins us from his most recent role as Business Manager for Horticulture NZ, where amongst other things he’s managed Horticulture NZ’s “Growsafe” and “NZGAP” businesses, innovating and delivering exceptional results for its Growers. Earlier in his career Matthew has worked in a variety of senior Grower Liaison and Technical Management roles - both here and offshore - for primary industry organisations such as T&G/ENZA International and Silver Fern Farms.

Matthew has a strong track record as a successful advocate for Growers, and he brings to NZPPI existing credibility and networks with both key government agencies (such as, MPI, MfE, MBIE, Worksafe NZ) and many of NZPPI’s key primary industry partners.

The NZPPI Board was also impressed with Matt’s strong strategic, financial and operational leadership experience, his solid understanding of and absolute passion for NZ’s plant production and horticulture industries, and his proven ability to communicate and connect with members.

The appointment of Matthew is another positive step toward realising NZPPI’s vision for "A vibrant plant production industry widely respected for its professionalism, innovation and major contribution to New Zealand". I’m confident Matthew will lead NZPPI well, deliver increasing value to our members, and continue to build on the legacy, achievements and new model John Liddle delivered for NZPPI. He’s a strong fit for NZPPI and our members, with the skills, experience and passion to successfully lead implementation of NZPPI’s strategy – stronger “engagement”, “influence” in key areas such as biosecurity and workforce capability, a “toolbox” that adds exclusive value to member businesses, “innovation”, and growing our “image” as a group of professionals.

Both Geoff Thorpe and I will continue to provide cover until Matthew starts, and do our best to make sure NZPPI’s key balls, including any issues that crop up for our members, remain in the air! John also returns from his break in Europe at about the same time (late October) to take up his new role with NZPPI (as contractor for about half his time, focusing on key advocacy areas he’s passionate about such as biosecurity and imports/exports). John emailed me earlier in the week – he and Gabe having a ball - and sends his regards to all!

You’ll hear further from Matthew with his thoughts on taking up this exciting position as our new CEO. On behalf of the NZPPI board I congratulate Matthew and wish him the greatest of success in the role.

Andrew Harrison
Independent Chair, NZPPI

Message from our new CEO, Matthew Dolan

Dear Plant Producers and Industry Partners,

I am thrilled to be joining NZPPI as the new CEO and I’m looking forward to continuing the work that is underway to establish this new and exciting organisation.  
I am looking forward to working with NZPPI’s Board, staff and Members to provide services to plant producers and to represent their interests with Government, industry and the public. 

My previous roles in the horticulture industry have involved working with growers on technical issues and more recently, as a Business Manager at HortNZ, dealing with Government policy and providing services for growers.

This experience has given me an appreciation of the need for producers to have a strong voice through an effective industry body.  This is vital when dealing with Government, the public and when working collaboratively with other industry organisations. 

I have had a lifelong interest in horticulture and have been fortunate to be able to make a career out of something that I love.  The role as CEO at NZPPI is an opportunity for me to be part of this exciting industry and to learn from the experts and plantsmen that work in it. 

NZPPI has an opportunity to continue to build its credibility and reputation as the peak body for plant producers and to provide a unified voice for its members and industry partners.  As chief executive I look forward to getting to know the industry and the people that work in it to understand the issues to solve and the opportunities ahead.

I look forward to getting started in this role and continuing the work that has been started to establish NZPPI as a highly respected, modern and innovative industry organisation that provides true value to its members.

Matt Dolan