WELLINGTON: Onions New Zealand Inc (ONZ) is the peak body representing onion growers and export marketers. Its role is to identify, develop and maintain competitive advantages for the benefit of the New Zealand Onion Industry, as well as promote the effective export marketing of onions.
Onions New Zealand now enters a new phase of development and structural change. This follows a Governance Review to enhance future industry decision making and direction. The review, commissioned by the board of ONZ and facilitated by an external consultant, includes the provisioning of a part time Chief Executive Officer and an independent Chairman.
Under the leadership of Chairman Michael Ahern, the organisation successfully unified the onion industry in 2012 and gained a commodity levy to fund its activities in 2013. It has developed a comprehensive industry strategy, and is working closely with growers, marketers and government agencies to serve the future needs of the industry and increase New Zealand’s export earnings. New Zealand onions are currently exported to over 40 countries with an average FoB of $100 million.
Accordingly, the board of ONZ have approved the appointment of Michael to the inaugural CEO role with its executive responsibilities and is now seeking an independent chairperson to fulfil the governance functions.The process will be completed by mid-August 2015.
