Doug Brown, kiwifruit grower and CEO of Riverlock Packhouse and Coolstore in Opotiki, has been named as the new chairperson of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc (NZKGI).

He was elected at yesterday's NZKGI meeting in Mount Maunganui, replacing Neil Trebilco who stepped down after four years in the role.

NZKGI's new chairman Doug Brown (left) with retiring CEO Mike Chapman and past chairman Neil Trebilco at yesterday's annual general meeting in Mount Maunganui. Photo: Supplied.

Doug has been involved in his family's orcharding and postharvest operations since 1980, and in that time has seen Riverlock Enterprises grow from small beginnings to a sizeable business.

The company owns and manages orchards in Gisborne, Te Kaha, Te Puke and Opotiki, growing significant volumes of G3 and Hayward kiwifruit.

Doug, who describes himself as a staunch supporter of kiwifruit marketer Zespri, previously held the role of vice-chairman of NZKGI and is the member representative for the Gisborne area.

He is also a member of the committees of the Industry Supply Group and the Industry Advisory Council and has travelled extensively through most of the kiwifruit industry's offshore markets.

NZKGI CEO Mike Chapman was also formerly farewell last night. Mike is set to take up the role of CEO of Horticulture New Zealand in the New Year.

Retiring chairman Neil Trebilco says he has enjoyed his tenure with NZKGI and pays tribute to the 21 members of the NZKGI forum who retired at yesterday's meeting.

'These forum members have helped take the industry through the tough times of Psa and the industry owes them a big thank you,” says Neil.

'This industry is not about individuals, but about working together for a common goal. These members have done a fantastic job on behalf of the industry.”

Neil says the vine disease Psa posed a serious risk to the industry's future when it first appeared in 2010.

'With Psa we have not dodged a bullet, but dodged an artillery shell, thanks to the new variety G3,” he says.

'I know many growers are still suffering as a result of Psa, but without G3 I hate to think where our industry would be how.”

Mike Chapman says in his 14-and-a-half years as CEO of NZKGI, he has worked with six chairmen, and five Zespri CEOs.

Although he is leaving, Mike says he will retain a strong interest in the kiwifruit industry and from his new Wellington-based role, will be able to advocate on behalf of the entire horticultural industry.

The newly-elected NZKGI executive committee are: Mike Smith, Tony Leicester, Simon Cook, Andre Hickson, Mark Mayston (vice-chairman) and Doug Brown (chairman).