Formation of ‘Organics Aotearoa New Zealand’

26 June 2005

Uniting Organic Community achieved through the formation of ‘Organics Aotearoa New Zealand’

The Organic community in New Zealand took a significant step forward this month in Wellington, with the acceptance of a new umbrella organization for organics in New Zealand; ‘Organics Aotearoa New Zealand’ (OANZ). Representative members of New Zealand’s national organic organizations met to officially agree to the terms and references of the new Organics Aotearoa New Zealand.

The key aim of the new organization is to ensure that New Zealand is recognized nationally and internationally as a world leader in organic systems practice, knowledge and products.

The foundation members of OANZ are the existing national organics organizations, BioGro, The Soil & Health Association of NZ, The Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, Organic Products Exporters of NZ, Organic Farm NZ, Te Waka Kai Ora, with AgriQuality and affiliates The Organic Dairy producers Group and Certified Organic Kiwifruit Association.

The interim council selected New Years Honours recipient and Tauranga organic kiwifruit grower Doug Voss as chair, with the inauguration of OANZ to be held in October. “This significant milestone for New Zealand’s organic sector is intended to encompass all of organics in New Zealand, from the paddock to the plate, from exporters, researchers, certifiers, educators and community initiatives through to consumers,” said Doug.

Mr Brendan Hoare, a co-convener of the Organic Federation of Aotearoa New Zealand (OFANZ), the steering group for the formation of OANZ, concluded that “This was six years in the making, and has been no mean feat. It is a bringing together of all the skills and talents that the Organic community has to offer. The collective will to realise our potential is tremendously rewarding. We are organized, committed and ready to go.”

ENDS

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