Next month, HBFA will hold its 121st Annual General meeting (AGM). There is an amazing history which has proceeded HBFA as we know it today. Over the past 121 years, as the industry has sailed through fair shares of ups and downs, HBFA has maintained its presence and voice on behalf of the growers and the local fruit growing industry.
During the past 12 months, the Executive Committee have undertaken a strategic review. This review highlighted the need for the Association to adapt its business to better represent members and growers, if HBFA is to retain relevance in the Hawke’s Bay fruit growing community in years to come.
The Association has undergone a rebrand, the first significant change in 10 years, developed an online presence via social media platforms, developed a new website and has upgraded communication channels to reach a wider range of industry participants.
The current membership structure has been tweaked over time, but the subscription has remained unchanged for more than 18 years. At next month’s AGM, we will be putting forward to members a new membership model and subscription structure. The proposed rule changes, provide much greater scope for employees and interested groups (such as tertiary students and schools) to become involved with HBFA, whilst protecting the voting rights of Active Fruit Grower members.
The AGM is your opportunity to endorse what the Association is doing or to put ideas forward about what HBFA could be doing to better serve you. Even if you have never been before, we encourage you to come to the AGM at the brand new Toitoi Arts and Events Centre, Thursday 17th September from 7.30pm. Refreshments will be available on closing of the AGM. This is your opportunity to mingle with HBFA members and the Executive Committee who work tirelessly behind the scenes as advocates for our industry and the region.
