General Manager – Policy & Advocacy

horticulturenz· Executive Leadership Team​ (ELT)
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📍 Wellington, Wellington, New ZealandFull Time

About this role

Champion Growers. Influence Policy. Inspire the Future of Horticulture.

General Manager – Policy & Advocacy

Location: Wellington
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Chief Executive

About Us

At Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ), we’re passionate about growing a thriving, sustainable horticulture industry that feeds New Zealand and the world.  We represent over 4,300 commercial fruit and vegetable growers, advocating for a thriving, sustainable horticulture industry. Our vision is to create an enduring environment where growers thrive, delivering healthy food for all, forever.

HortNZ is shaping a positive future for New Zealand horticulture through leadership, advocacy, and influence for grower success. Our values – Courageous by nature, Collaborative for impact, Credible through action – guide everything we do.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and influential leader to join our executive team as General Manager – Policy & Advocacy. This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping HortNZ’s policy agenda, driving advocacy strategies, and representing the horticulture sector at the highest levels of government and industry.

A key part of this role is building and maintaining strong relationships with growers, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in policy development and advocacy efforts. You will act as a trusted partner to growers, engaging with them on critical issues and championing their interests in regional and national forums.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will:

  • Lead and inspire a high-performing team across a range of portfolios including policy and biosecurity.
  • Develop and implement strategies that influence policy and deliver positive outcomes for growers.
  • Represent HortNZ in national forums and maintain strong relationships with government, industry bodies, and growers.
  • Provide strategic advice to the CEO and Board on emerging policy issues, risks, and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Shape and champion HortNZ’s policy and advocacy agenda.
  • Oversee policy development, research, and strategic engagement with government and growers.
  • Lead environmental and sustainability strategies aligned with legislation and best practice.
  • Build trusted relationships across government, industry, community sectors, and grower networks.
  • Foster collaboration and innovation within your team and across the organisation.

About You

You are an engaged and passionate people leader, a strategic thinker and skilled influencer with a deep understanding of government processes and policy development. You thrive in complex stakeholder environments and have a proven ability to deliver results at a senior level.

You will bring:

  • Experience leading teams and operating at an executive level.
  • Extensive experience in policy leadership, advocacy, or government relations.
  • Strong knowledge of legislative frameworks and environmental sustainability.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, including experience engaging with growers or primary industry stakeholders.
  • A tertiary qualification in public policy, planning, law, environmental science, or a related discipline.

Why Join Us?

  • Opportunity to influence policy outcomes at a strategic level.
  • Work with a passionate team committed to shaping the future of horticulture.
  • Flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.
  • Competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Any further questions regarding this role?

Contact Phoebe Murphy at phoebe.murphy@hortnz.co.nz for a confidential discussion.

To apply for this job and Position Description

Things to Note

  • Applications close at midnight on 19 February 2026
  • Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship or valid NZ work visa.
  • We reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive enough applicants for the role.
  • We will only accept application though our Internal Applicant Tracking System (BambooHR)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the General Manager – Policy & Advocacy position at horticulturenz?
The salary for this General Manager – Policy & Advocacy role at horticulturenz is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the General Manager – Policy & Advocacy position at horticulturenz located?
This General Manager – Policy & Advocacy role at horticulturenz is based in Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the General Manager – Policy & Advocacy role at horticulturenz full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full Time position. It is posted as a General Manager – Policy & Advocacy role in the Executive Leadership Team​ (ELT) department at horticulturenz.
Which team or department does the General Manager – Policy & Advocacy at horticulturenz belong to?
This General Manager – Policy & Advocacy position is part of the Executive Leadership Team​ (ELT) department at horticulturenz. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the General Manager – Policy & Advocacy position at horticulturenz?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to horticulturenz's official application portal hosted on bamboohr where you can submit your application directly.
When was the General Manager – Policy & Advocacy job at horticulturenz posted?
This General Manager – Policy & Advocacy position at horticulturenz was posted on Jan 15, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
General Manager – Policy & Advocacy
horticulturenz
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