Kylie Horomia’s Post

STOP BEING SO HUMBLE NZ ..... I was chatting to an industry friend yesterday and we were talking about that virulent disease (my word for it) called Tall Poppy Syndrome . If there was a gold medal at the Olympics for that I think New Zealand would win triple gold and then some. 🥇 🥇 🥇 If you’re not familiar with the syndrome it’s when  “those who are aspirational are brutally criticised” but I think it’s actually worse than that. I think we have now become a nation that pre-empts the criticism and therefore we don’t even step up and talk about our success. Particularly if you’re an individual (rather than part of a team). We are also shit at accepting praise. The “aww shucks” humbleness that comes across like our success was accidental or just plain lucky (even if it was through hard sweat). And to others, our Kiwi ‘humble’ comes across as often insecure and unsure of what we’re saying or selling. But we’ve made humbleness such an artform in New Zealand that we cut off the knees of success without a thought – like breathing or blinking. And it means we could implement all the processes, business strategies and Government initiatives we want to move our nation forward – but if we keep chopping each other off and not standing tall – then we’ll keep spinning our wheels. So my goal for the next 12 months is to do a Reverse Tall Poppy: ✅ Give praise when it’s well deserved ☑ Highlight successes (mine or other peoples) to inspire. ✅ Accept praise without inwardly flinching like I don’t deserve it (that’s a tough one), and ☑ Basically start a journey of positivity based on solid foundations (so it’s not empty sunshine washing). You may become sick of hearing my sunshine 😎 – but before you come for my knees, take a moment to consider why you want to chop this poppy down and what you get out of doing it. SHARE THE #ReverseTallPoppy word. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment New Zealand Trade and Enterprise AgriTech New Zealand Callaghan Innovation New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade The University of Auckland Business School Capable NZ - Otago Polytechnic

From viruses that are actually cool to the sweet smell of cookies luring me across the room, last week’s Horticulture Conference 2024 in Tauranga had it all. I’ve finally had a chance to digest (literally and figuratively) what I saw, and here are my top takeaways. 🌱🍪 MUST-SEE PRESENTATION: Dr. Kar Mun Chooi from The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited. Ever heard someone say “Viruses are cool”? Neither had I—until Dr. Chooi took the stage! Her passion for the science behind plant disease management was infectious, and I walked away with a new appreciation for viruses (yes, you read that right!). I want to hear more! If you’re curious about groundbreaking work in this space, staying connected with PFR is a must. 🚀🔬 HOTTEST DEBATE: The Government’s GMO review. Genetic modification is always a hot topic, and this session didn’t disappoint. Dr. Zahra Champion from BIOTech New Zealand led with a compelling overview of where we stand globally. The big takeaway? We need clarity on what’s in and what’s out before we can map out what’s next. And let’s not forget the crucial role of research in balancing the risks of action versus inaction. This is one debate worth following closely. 🧬🌍 BIGGEST FRUSTRATION: Throwing the baby out with the bathwater. It’s frustrating for me to see current narrative to shelve work or projects just because they were initiated by a previous government. Never forget - industry feedback, energy and time often went into those projects. We’ve got to build on the knowledge we have, not discard it. Let’s improve what’s there rather than start from scratch. 💡🚧 SWEETEST MOMENT: A table full of Mrs. Higgins Cookies! The aroma alone was enough to lure me in—absolutely delicious! 🍪😋 FUNNIEST MOMENT: Sitting next to Industry Service Award recipient John Dine and realizing we were actually colleagues over 10 years ago! Back then, I was at T&G Global Limited when we bought Apollo Apples, and it didn’t click right away because I knew him as JD. Small world, right? 😂🍎 A massive thank you to Horticulture New Zealand for the invitation and especially to outgoing CEO Nadine Tunley who is amazing and I hope to continue to work with in the coming years. Connecting with the horticulture industry is always a highlight for me, and this event was no exception. 🌟 #horticulture #innovation #agritech Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) AgriTech New Zealand

Apparently, humans forget 50% of new info within an hour. For me, it's more like 50 seconds, especially when it comes to names. I genuinely want to remember everyone I meet—your name, your job, maybe even your childhood pet (ok, not that far, but you get it). But unless we chat a few more times, I’ll probably struggle with the details. Unlike those magic people (you know who you are) who remember names with a snap, I’m just not wired that way. 😒 With all the events I attend, I meet about 100 new people a year. If we’ve met before, I’ll know your face, but I might blank on your name or how we know each other (yes, I’ve messed that up before). My dream? Nametags for everyone (in size 22 font, because my eyesight isn’t great either). Every interaction would start with, "Hi, I’m Helen from Puppy & Kitten Cuddles. Good to see you again." And yes, I should do the same. And I won't be insulted if you don't remember me either. I 1000% understand. So, if I have to ask for your name or a reminder of how we met, please know it’s not because I don’t care—my brain just doesn’t work that way anymore.

🌱 Next week, it's all about horticulture, and I'm all in! It's a bit of a full-circle moment for me—my first gig in agriculture was with T&G Global Limited, right in the heart of the horticulture sector. That's where I met some of the most down-to-earth, fun, and fascinating people—many of them were growers who really knew their stuff. Horticulture is where my love for agriculture was born. 💚 Fast forward 10 years, and here I am, working across a bunch of different sectors—dairy, beef, sheep, aquaculture, and arable—but now, I'm playing on the tech side of the fence. Still, I've never forgotten my first love. 😉 If you're heading to the Horticulture Conference next week, be sure to say "hi"! If you're one of our Members let's catch up. I'll be speaking on Friday alongside my partner in crime (and all-around awesome mentor/boss) Brendan O'Connell. Got a burning question about technology you'd like us to tackle? Let me know! See you there! 👋 Horticulture New Zealand Women in Horticulture Agritech Activator Sprout Agritech AgriTech New Zealand The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited

Hey to my New Zealand network (those in the agriculture / technology ecosystem). I need a few minutes of your time to answer 3 questions (ok technically 8 if you include name etc.. to prove you’re a human and work in the industry). I’m taking the temperature and curious about: 🔄 Are you focusing more on international or domestic markets? 🚀 What are your areas for growth? 🌏 Any new markets on your radar to keep that pipeline pumping? It’s all multiple choice and ranking—no brain strain required. And if you’re feeling extra chatty, there’s a spot to share your wisdom in the comments. All super helpful insights into where the majority of the ecosystem is heading and what should be our AgriTechNZ focus to support everyone's goals. So basically help us to help you 😁 . Thanks in advance my friends!

Great video and excellent discussion you deliver Cameron Baker. So incredibly cool to see pest eradication and re-foresting all together. I hope the New Zealand government gets in behind this technology. Especially since other governments off shore are embracing this Kiwi tech 💚 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Department of Conservation (DOC)

This week at E Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit, I shared some vivid analogies about horticulturalists grooving, the ROI from an exhibitor stand within the first hour, and blending The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited with Google Campus and Willy Wonka's magical Chocolate Factory (to get Kimitec Group in Spain). I explored the profound impacts of these two trips earlier this year had on me, underscoring how relationships are the cornerstone of everything. These journeys reshaped my views on tradeshows, science, research, innovation, and connections. I recounted my visit to FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin, the world’s largest horticulture trade show, and the unforgettable pre-tradeshow welcome party for VIPs and exhibitors. This event, hosted at the stunning Metropol Berlin, was a sensory delight with an open bar, DJ, and vibrant lights and disco ball, starkly contrasting with New Zealand's more reserved welcomes. Our local gatherings, with canapés and polite networking, seem subdued in comparison. We miss the opportunity to energize attendees, setting a spirited tone for the following day. These global experiences made me ponder: Are we making science, research, and innovation exciting for Gen Z? Are we presenting dynamic career paths and effectively attracting international investors and collaborators? These reflections challenge us to rethink our approach, ensuring we inspire the next generation and showcase the vibrant potential of our industries to the world. Thank you to the BOMA team for giving me the opportunity to share my insights and of course to my co-host Lucie Douma who got to talk about having her image on the side of a bus in India.  Something she won't soon forget. 😁 AgriTech New Zealand New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

I can't say I've ever wanted to cry at Fieldays® before, but tonight it was a close one. I've been so incredibly lucky to meet so many great agritech companies but Jacinta Penn sold me on Fleecegrow right at the start and to see her up on stage after winning the Prototype Award at the Innovation Awards was just fantastic. Jacinta and I met a few years ago and I've loved sharing in her enthusiasm for Fleecegrow. The concept of the marriage of horticulture and wool to create a new sustainable substrate (supporting value add to the wool industry and helping make horticulture more environmentally friendly) is brilliant. And there's potential outside our industry as well. Like every Start-Up, ongoing success is reliant on funding so this is a call to all investors out in the world looking for the next greatest thing to add to your portfolio. I promise you will get authentic founders who truly believe in making positive change. And to be honest I will probably cry if their journey gets financial support to continue. So spread the word!

I’ve been spoilt this year with great experiences and hard on the heels of my first Ahuwhenua Awards (which was outstanding) I can now add the AusAgritech Awards Gala to my list. AusAgritech is the ‘sister’ organisation in Australia to our AgriTech New Zealand and it was great to be able to go along to see the Aussie ecosystem. This awards night was exactly how it should go: ➡Short sponsor speeches (nothing worse than long winded pitches about themselves to bore an audience) ➡Funky and fun music tracks in between each award (we were bopping in our seats) ➡Heartfelt thank you speeches from winners that were truly authentic ➡Great food ➡Great conversation with table mates ➡And generally a fast paced speed that made it feel energised. I genuinely loved every minute of it and was really grateful to be in the room. I may not have been familiar with the companies who were finalists or winners, but what I do recognise is passion for the industry and there was bucketloads of that. I have to give a big shout out to Committee President Tim Neale and the rest of the AusAgritech Committee for hosting a wonderful event (including the amazing ‘Investor Showcase’ day that was prior to this dinner). And a huge hug goes to Meg Lovegrove for her energy and enthusiasm pulling it together. I'm sure it wasn't easy but it was definitely worth it. I gained so many ideas to take back home to share with our team and a bigger desire to look at other opportunities for collaboration between Australia and New Zealand. There's more we could be doing together to take to the northern hemisphere. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Callaghan Innovation Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry #transtasman #Australia #agritech #agriculture #awards