MG Group Opens Applications for Associate Director Programme
October 21, 2025 | 2 min to read
Market Gardeners Limited, trading as the MG Group, has launched an Associate Director Programme placing one emerging leader at the MG Board table with full speaking rights, mentoring, and development aligned to the Board Capability Framework. Aimed at strengthening the governance pipeline, the up-to-12-month role (from January 2026) is open to eligible MG shareholders, family members, and related parties, with independent recruitment by Decipher Group and applications closing 7 November 2025.
Grower-owned co-operative and leading New Zealand fresh produce business, Market Gardeners Limited, trading as the MG Group, has opened applications for its Associate Director Programme.
The opportunity places one participant at the MG Board table with full speaking rights, a tailored induction, mentoring from an experienced Board member, and development aligned to the MG Board Capability Framework.
“This programme gives emerging leaders a practical pathway to learn and contribute in a supported environment while gaining a clear view of how our Board operates,” said MG Group Board Member, Trudi Webb. “We are seeking candidates with the potential to progress towards a future director role within our co-operative.”
The initiative reflects MG Group’s commitment to strengthening its governance pipeline and encouraging the next generation of grower leaders to develop their capability in a real boardroom setting.
The term is up to twelve months, starting in January 2026. Eligible candidates include MG shareholders who are Current Producers, family members of those shareholders, and related parties connected to transacting shareholders or those likely to become transacting shareholders in the future.
To ensure a transparent and robust recruitment process, MG Group has engaged independent consultancy Decipher Group to support the search and selection of candidates.
Those interested can find full details and apply through the Decipher Group website at www.deciphergroup.co.nz/jobs/associate-director, with applications closing on Friday, 7 November 2025.
Market Gardeners Limited, Trading as the MG Group
Established in 1923, Market Gardeners Limited, trading as the MG Group, is a grower co-operative and leading fresh produce business, servicing the entire market with a full range of fruit and vegetables through a network of nine large temperature-controlled branches, along with two MG Direct branches. The co-operative partners with hundreds of growers (many of which are shareholders), along with retail and food service customers. The MG Group is also involved in a number of complementary businesses, including IP and exporting, and is the New Zealand partner for large international brands, including Dole and Sunkist. Also involved in farming, the MG Group wholly owns SPL, JS Ewers and Kaipaki Berryfruits.