Board of Directors
Potatoes New Zealand is governed by a Board of Directors and led by the Chief Executive. The Board is comprised of up to eight members, five are Grower Members, two Trade Members and one appointed Independent Director. Board members may be appointed for up to three terms, of up to three years each. Elections are held at the Annual General Meeting each year.
Seed Certification Authority
Certification of seed potatoes is provided by the New Zealand Seed Potato Certification Authority, a subcommittee of the Board, which runs a national quality assurance programme. The Authority establishes the seed potato certification rules, including disease tolerances, and has the task of ensuring seed potatoes are true-to-type. This is done by contracting independent, specialised inspectors from international quality assurance companies to visually inspect crops in the field as well as tubers after harvesting.
Research Development and Extension
Led by the Potatoes New Zealand Technical Manager, Potatoes New Zealand Research and Development may also involve a Technical Panel made up of industry growers, processors, agronomists and technical experts who can advise on the Research and Development Strategy and activities. Potatoes New Zealand runs a comprehensive research, development and development programme that covers pan-industry and potato industry specific research. Potatoes New Zealand members gain insights through Field Walks, Grower Talks and Technical Bulletins.
Biosecurity and Regulatory Subcommittee (Audit and Risk)
This subcommittee of the Board negotiates new access arrangements and works to ensure access compliance costs are kept to a minimum. This subcommittee also advises on Potatoes New Zealand’s Biosecurity Readiness and Response activities and commitments.
Subcommittee membership (as needed)
The subcommittees are formal subcommittees of the Board, made up of Potatoes New Zealand Board representatives, industry representatives (grower and trade members) and expert advisors as appointed by the board.
Subcommittee Responsibilities and Roles:
- Providing potato industry member input, advice, feedback and guidance to the Potatoes New Zealand Board, staff and/or external consultants.
- Acting as an industry forum to support the Potatoes New Zealand Board and staff in their operational duties.
- Working within the defined boundaries set by the Potatoes New Zealand Strategy.
- Responding to specific requests for information from the Potatoes New Zealand Board and/or staff.
- Formally recording the subcommittee meetings and making the papers and/or minutes available to the Potatoes New Zealand Board for review.
Technical Panel Membership (as needed)
Membership of the technical panel of PNZ is by invitation only and is comprise of Potatoes New Zealand Board representatives, industry representatives (grower and trade members) and expert advisors.
Technical Panel Responsibilities and Roles:
- Providing potato industry member input, advice, feedback and guidance to the Potatoes New Zealand Board, staff and/or external consultants.
- Acting as an industry forum to support the Potatoes New Zealand Board and staff in their operational duties.
- Working within the defined boundaries set by the Potatoes New Zealand Strategy.
- Responding to specific requests for information from the Potatoes New Zealand Board and/or staff.
- They are constituted for specific projects or to address specific technical issues.