FIAT was established with joint efforts of several people working together to pool their vision, ideas and efforts in one direction of providing quality and practical training in the field of horticultural production. The main people behind this institution’s establishment and management are:
DR. RAJ SAINI (Director & CEO), M.Sc. (Botany), PhD (Crop Sciences) has more than 45 years’ experience in agricultural research & development; evaluating, standardisation and generation of location-specific technology; commercial crop production, Agri-based exports, staff training and technology transfer (India, Nigeria and New Zealand). Raj has more than 45 publications in national and international periodicals. He has strong ties to the horticultural industry and operates within it. He has a strong passion for mentoring young people to build their careers and organizing their lives. (Raj Saini CV)
RATTAN SAINI (Director and Advisory Committee) holds a degree in medicine (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) from The University of Auckland and is a General Practitioner (Medical Doctor) in the Franklin District. With more than 15 years of engagement with local people, she is well-versed in the issues and potential of local communities.
HARNOOR SAINI (Director) holds a Bachelor’s of Engineering from The University of Auckland and a Master’s and Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Stuttgart. He brings an academic focus to the group.
DR. RAJ SAINI (Director & CEO)
JACKIE CLARKE (Admin Manager), has long term experience working with academic institutes, liaising with NZQA and students of different cultural backgrounds.
ELLY FORSYTH (Admin), has over 30 years’ experience of working in education Administration (Secondary and Tertiary)
MARK BALL (Advisory Committee) plays an active role in business and community development, especially of rural Auckland. Mark is a recipient of The Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) and a Justice of the Peace (JP) and Ex-Mayor of Franklin District Council. He also provides significant leadership, providing overall direction and integrating our programmes with the national framework.
KIRIT MAKAN (Advisory Committee) is a leading grower/manager and is a representative of the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA), a pioneer association in the Franklin region. Kirat is well-versed in the industry’s evolving needs and the ambitions of the next generation.
GRAHAM WINDROSS (Advisory Committee) is director and owner of Zealandia Horticulture, which is New Zealand’s largest company supplying a range of high-quality seedlings to garden centres and commercial growers.
GRAHAM WALKER (Advisory Committee) is a Senior Scientist at Plant and Food Research and has countrywide (and international) expertise in pest and disease management.
DR. RATTAN SAINI (Director and Advisory Committee)
GILES BROOKER (Independent Director and Advisory Committee) is a leading international consultant and advisor in education capability development. He is also a Fellow of Governance New Zealand.
MICHAEL HILL (Advisory Committee), Supplier and Export Compliance Manager, has extensive experience in the horticultural supply chain, representing J & P Turners.
DR. SUSAN SHAW An experienced Health Sector academic and manager. Currently Associate Dean at the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology
DR. CLIVE CORNFORD An experienced academic and education sector manager with broad cross-discipline knowledge and experience (Primary Industries, Science, Health, Business and IT). His PhD is in Biological Sciences with a focus on horticulture.
Other members are Dr. Raj Saini (Director, FIAT) and Giles Brooker (Independent Director / Advisory Committee Chair)