Sign up here to subscribe to the Grower2grower Ezine. Every two weeks you will receive new articles, specific to the protected cropping industry, informing you of industry news and events straight to your inbox.
21
Oct 2025
Oct 2025
MG Group opens applications for Associate Director programme
The term is up to twelve months, starting in January 2026
Grower-owned co-operative and leading New Zealand fresh produce business, Market Gardeners Limited, trading as the MG Group, has opened applications for its Associate Director Programme.
The opportunity places one participant at the MG Board table with full speaking rights, a tailored induction, mentoring from an experienced Board member, and development aligned to the MG Board Capability Framework. “This programme gives emerging leaders a practical pathway to learn and contribute in a supported environment while gaining a clear view of how our Board operates,” said MG Group Board Member, Trudi Webb. “We are seeking candidates with the potential to progress towards a future director role within our co-operative.”
The initiative reflects MG Group’s commitment to strengthening its governance pipeline and encouraging the next generation of grower leaders to develop their capability in a
real boardroom setting. The term is up to twelve months, starting in January 2026. Eligible candidates include MG shareholders who are Current Producers, family members of those shareholders, and related parties connected to transacting shareholders or those likely to become transacting shareholders in the future
To ensure a transparent and robust recruitment process, MG Group has engaged independent consultancy Decipher Group to support the search and selection of
candidates. Those interested can find full details and apply through the Decipher Group website at www.deciphergroup.co.nz/jobs/associate-director, with applications closing on Friday, 7 November 2025.
About the company
MG Group, New Zealand’s leading grower-owned fresh produce cooperative, is pleased to invite applications for our Associate Director Programme. This 12-month development opportunity is designed to prepare a potential MG Director by providing the opportunity to sit at the MG Board table, gain first-hand governance experience, mentoring and development with also having the chance to contribute to the future direction of our co-operative.
About the opportunity
As an Associate Director, you will:
- Sit at the MG Board table for up to 12-month term, beginning January 2026.
- Receive full Board papers and attend all Board meetings with full speaking rights.
- Take part in a tailored induction programme designed to set you up for success.
- Benefit from ongoing mentoring by an experienced MG Board member.
- Undertake governance development, including courses such as the Institute of Directors’ Governance Essentials.
- Gain unique exposure to governance in one of New Zealand’s leading fresh produce organisations.
This programme provides a rare opportunity to learn in a practical, real-world boardroom environment while contributing your own skills and perspectives.
About you
We are seeking applicants who can demonstrate:
- Commercial and leadership experience with the ability to bring valuable insights to Board discussions.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement.
- A clear motivation to develop the capability needed to contribute as a potential grower director in the future.
- Commitment to governance learning and a genuine interest in serving on the MG Board in the future.
- Motivation to contribute positively to MG Group, our grower shareholders, and the wider produce industry.
- Willingness to commit time, including preparation, attendance at monthly Board meetings, induction activities, and the Annual Meeting.
Eligibility
Applications are invited from:
- MG shareholders who are Current Producers.
- Family members of shareholders who are Current Producers.
- Related parties who are connected to transacting shareholders, or those likely to become transacting shareholders in the future.
Applicants must be able to travel to meetings and induction activities as required.
Why Apply?
You will develop practical governance capability in a supportive environment, work alongside experienced directors, and gain insights that cannot be replicated through study alone. This role is a proven pathway to future governance opportunities within MG Group and the broader horticulture sector.
How to apply
To discover more about MG Group, visit https://www.mggroup.co.nz/
For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Elise Elliott on M: 021 243 7018 or E: elise@deciphergroup.co.nz
Please apply with a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and confirming your eligibility as noted.
Cover image – Trudi Webb MG Group Board-Member
CLASSIFIED
Photo
Gallery
Subscribe to our E-Zine
More
From This Category
January 27, 2026
Artificial intelligence is a game changer (Fruit Logistica Berlin 4th to 6th Feb)
In the lead-up to the trade show, the FRUIT LOGISTICA Briefing 2026 showcased the transformative power of AI in the fruit and vegetable industry.
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – Strawberry New Zealand Conference Review
How to reduce heat from your structures during the warmer months. High temperatures can dramatically affect a strawberry plant’s ability to set fruit and maintain fruit size. The longer you can reduce the negative impact of heat stress, the longer you can sustain consistent production, quality, and shelf life.
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – Roam presentation on hygiene protocols for greenhouses and biosecurity, Pukekohe, New Zealand
Recently I attended a superb presentation by Ivan Casteels, Roam Technology discussing biosecurity, hygiene, and ToBRFV.
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – Horticentre Support Helps Drive Another Successful Grower2Grower Golf Day
A wet morning and windy afternoon didn’t discourage our brave golfers. The fourth annual Grower2Grower Golf Day was held on the 12th of September at the Pukekohe Golf Club. Despite the weather, the event was another huge success thanks to the support of all our sponsors, including our major sponsor Horticentre. Congratulations to all 22 teams who braved the conditions.
December 17, 2025
Announcing the inaugural New Zealand Biological Symposium
Symposium tickets include access to all sessions, coffee/tea on arrival, a morning break, a light lunch & networking. Tickets are available today for $65, plus GST.
November 4, 2025
Canterbury nursery manager named supreme winner of the Young Horticulturist of the Year 2025
Canterbury nursery manager Jake Linklater has won the prestigious Young Horticulturist of the Year, having excelled in an intensive two-day competition. This is the second year in a row that a Young Plant Producer of the Year has gone on to take out the supreme trophy.
CLASSIFIED
