Background

Te Hono started in 2012 as the New Zealand Primary Sector Bootcamp. It was a gathering of 23 Chief Executives from New Zealand’s primary sector companies, together with the then Minister for Primary Industries, Hon. David Carter and Chief Executive of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Peter Chrisp.

The brainchild of New Zealand Merino CEO, John Brakenridge, Te Hono is a growing group of New Zealand agribusiness leaders who are exploring new ways of thinking and doing. Te Hono now features alumni of over 260 influential leaders representing 80% of the New Zealand primary sector who have built a strong foundation of trust, respect and knowledge.

Te Hono is business-led, government enabled and deeply focused on the aspiration for New Zealand, to be recognised by the rest of the world for our natural environment and products, for the openness and ethical values of our people, and the quality of our relations with the rest of the world.

Te Hono comes from a greater concept: Hono Tangata, Hono Whenua, Hono ki te ao – strengthening relationships by linking to the land and connecting to the world.

It has three key connection points:

• to the people – organisation, whanau, company, Bootcamp alumni,

• to the land – health of the land and people, replenishing and rejuvenating, food and nourishment, vibrancy, health and well-being, and

• to the world – global relationships, new markets, learning from the word, shared stories and knowledge.

Te Hono is inclusive. All individuals are engaged to take on leadership roles. There is a growing sense of responsibility, credibility and accountability. People empower one another through the quest for knowledge.