CEO Moves On as OANZ Restructures

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is restructuring the organisation with CEO, Brendan Hoare moving on to concentrate on his own organic marketing, trade and organisational development business, said Chairman, Doug Voss.

OANZ will not replace the position when Mr Hoare’s contract ends on 31 October, instead administrative, accounting and secretariat support will be provided under a service agreement with Horticulture New Zealand.

“We believe the new structure will generate cost savings and efficiencies and provide us with a base in Wellington to continue to lead the lobby for a national organic standard and underpinning legislation,” said Mr Voss.

The Chairman thanked Mr Hoare for his contribution to OANZ and the evolution of the sector and wished him every success for the future.

“It has been very rewarding seeing OANZ achieve its original mission as the recognised, national representative voice of New Zealand’s organic sector,” said Mr Hoare.

He said when he took on the role of Executive Chair in 2012 before becoming CEO the organisation was run down and losing members and influence.

“Today, membership has grown from eight to over 30, we have a family of sponsors, an effective Board, produced three landmark organic market reports signalling performance and opportunities, and earned the respect and acknowledgement by government and its agencies as the peak organics organisation in New Zealand.

“My only regret in leaving the position at this time is that the much-needed regulation and national organic standards still have a way to go before they are enacted, but there is a commitment by all parties to make it happen,” said Mr Hoare.

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