Planning for uncertainty - HORTICULTURE NEW ZEALAND
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VOL 93 | NO 05 | SEPTEMBER 2020 HORTICULTURE NEW ZEALAND Planning for uncertainty In this issue 07 Lockdown 26 Taking a closer 42 Organic kiwifruit déjà vu look at traceability evolves in Oropi
THE MOST IMPORTANT 51 23
THING YOU PICK THIS YEAR
COULD BE YOUR COVER.
Proud to support NZ “Boysenberry harvesting lasts
through to until mid to late January
Supporting clients like Jono is
what FMG is here for and it’s great
orchardists. with a few weeks break before our to be here to support clients for
apple picking season starts.” long haul. As Jono says, his family
Jono Sutton is a third-generation has been with FMG for “longer
orchardist based out of the small It’s both the seasonality of the than I’ve been around”.
Nelson settlement of Hope, on the work and the harvesting of high-
Waimea plains. quality fruit that Jono enjoys most What Jono values most about FMG
about his career, which is why he is his relationship with his adviser,
Alongside his parents and sees a key opportunity for the their approachability and the 16
grandfather, he runs Eden’s Road sector is attracting others into Mutual’s fair approach to insurance.
Fruit, which grows a broad variety horticulture careers.
of apples and stunning New Zealand “FMG are awesome to deal with—
boysenberries. “With such an emphasis on healthy they always want to help in your
eating internationally, we have a time of need,” says Jono.
“We currently have three varieties real opportunity to leverage New
of boysenberry along with a variety Zealand’s fresh image.” Pictured:
Contents
of apples, including Royal Gala, Jono Sutton,
Red Braeburn, Kanzi, Lady n Red Of course, Jono’s business isn’t Edens Road Fruit Limited
and Dazzle,” says Jono. without challenges too – the top 33
of mind one being the current
For Edens Road Fruit, the busy availability of staff given the
seasons generally kick off from impacts of Covid-19.
mid-December with the SEPTEMBER 2020
boysenberry harvest says Jono.
Up Front Your Industry
2 President’s Word: 23 Planning for an uncertain 48 NZKGI’s Labour Strategy
The AGM – just a yearly ritual? labour force nimble for Covid-19
4 The Chief Executive: 26 Taking a closer look at traceability 46 Thinking differently
Covid’s impact continues 30 Plant & Food Research, Kerikeri
7 Lockdown déjà vu Technical
33 Gisborne bananas go from
trial to table 51 Understanding chemical
Your Levy at Work thinners and growth regulators
34 Citrus NZ update
FMG’s Orchard Fruit insurance not only covers your growing and 8 Natural resources and 56 MetService update:
36 Ladders lead way to
harvested fruit (pip fruit, stone fruit or grapes) against hail strike, there’s environment Back-to-back dry years for
whitebait recovery
no limit on the fruit size at claim time. So it’s well worth getting insurance 12 Farm Environment Plans many areas
in place at this time of year. Because no fruit means no income. We also 38 Pathways into Primary Industries
in horticulture
cover for fire, malicious acts, impact, natural disaster and flooding. 40 Pruning a way to new employment
And we’ll pay out 100% if more than 65% of your insured fruit block is 14 Have you got an on farm/
42 Organic kiwifruit evolves in Oropi
damaged. No matter what happens, we’ve probably seen it before, and orchard biosecurity plan?
44 Centre closer to reality
we’ll know just what it takes to get things sorted. If that sounds like the 16 Cards promote hort careers
kind of insurer you’d like on your side, ask around about us. Or better still, 46 Helping kiwifruit become part
18 Young talent
call us directly on 0800 366 466. of a circular economy
20 Helping women back
This is a summary of our products and services and is subject to our specific product documentation and 47 Tech start-up hits Covid
into work
underwriting criteria. For full details, you should refer to the relevant policy wordings.
hurdles… twice
We’re here for the good of the country.
FMGINDTOFP_C
The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 1
PRESIDENT’S WORD
I don’t believe this achieves anything other than releasing
The AGM – hot air and encouraging the government decision
makers to avoid working with those that act in this way.
just a yearly ritual? I hear sometimes that we are too focused on domestic
production and not sufficiently recognising the needs of
export groups. HortNZ is not a market access organisation,
and during our strategy review we received strong feedback
from Product Groups that trade policy shouldn’t be a priority
Order Now
It’s that time of the year. Annual General Meetings are rife
for us. Our focus therefore is on enabling growers to do
and this year for an added twist due to Covid-19 restrictions
what they do best, grow, without unnecessary burdens and
we are trying to do these by Zoom or webinar, compliance costs. We are agnostic as to whether growers
which makes them even more exciting! are domestic or export focused but recognise that we
do need to feed our populations, and that horticulture is
an important part of our economy. Industry and Product
By Barry O’Neil
Groups must have the customer focus to support their
The best varieties
President : Horticulture New Zealand
growers supplying what consumers are wanting and for the best results
needing, whether that be domestic or international.
Sometimes I hear comments that we are putting too
much effort into biosecurity, or alternatively not enough.
I understand that many of us don’t get overly to work collaboratively, and Horticulture
Biosecurity is an area of such importance we are and will
excited about sitting through an AGM, but New Zealand often facilitates this process.
continue to be totally committed to policy and resource
the reality is an AGM apart from being a I personally think we need to be seeing
settings that deliver the best results for the sector. We
requirement by law, is also the opportunity more collaboration as it makes no sense
don’t lead on specific pests and pathogens unless asked
for members to raise issues they want to me why we need to reinvent the wheel.
by Product Groups, but we are absolutely focused on the
clarified or to suggest the organisation
I sometimes hear from fruit Product government providing border and biosecurity settings
focuses on or deals with differently.
Groups that they believe with our Resource that manage the plethora of threats to the wider sector
At AGMs we don’t always have the discussion Management Act and environmental activities Personally I believe we have too much duplication
in the areas that I am sure many in the audience we are putting most of our energies into happening within biosecurity at the moment, and
would want to hear, in order for everyone to better vegetable growing issues. We try very hard to ensure collectively we need to address some of this, for instance
understand the organisation’s position. So I thought our efforts are not favouring one sector over another, and to whether we can do better than having 15 industry people
I should try and cover a few areas that some of you may focus on getting the best results for all growers to prosper. all turning up in Wellington for a Government Industry
have questioned or wondered, that may help clarify but Sometimes there will be government policies that are Agreement (GIA) administration meetings.
also may become a prompt to engage with us at our impacting on one area at a point in time more than others,
Lastly there are no doubt thoughts about whether the AGM
AGM on 25 September. such as with freshwater reforms impacting more on the
will consider increases in directors’ fees. Director fees are
vegetable sector currently. But to me this will be swings and
Over the last twelve months working with our members not something we as a board have control over, rather we
roundabouts, with future governments bringing no doubt
and Product Groups we have renewed our strategy to use an independent remunerations committee to make any
different priorities and areas of focus.
ensure we are concentrating our efforts on the areas that recommendation on changing fees directly to the AGM for Call us now to place your tree orders!
will make the greatest improvements to growing, and I often hear we are not putting enough effort into labour, members to vote on. Directors record what activities they
Santina® Variety Pictured
then advocating and influencing government accordingly. and that we are not being hard enough on decision perform, including how much time they are putting into
Our purpose has not changed, to create an enduring makers and politicians. Labour is without doubt one of their roles, and the independent committee considers this,
environment where growers thrive. I think we have got the most crucial industry enablers for future success, but looks at other like bodies, and also the Institute of Directors
it right, but feedback always welcomed! unfortunately in a Covid-19 world there are just so many fee comparisons, then tries to land on the appropriate
uncertainties. While we were getting close to a Pacific fees for these roles. This year due to Covid-19 impacts our
bubble opening, with the resurgence of community directors decided to voluntarily reduce their fees, so no
transmission this is now not going to happen in the short resolution will be put to our AGM on director fees this year.
Our purpose has not changed, to to medium term, so we are left with big challenges for the
AGMs should not be a yearly ritual, but rather they are
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. We have a
create an enduring environment great collaborative model working between HortNZ and
meetings that give us all the opportunity to engage with
and give the board of directors feedback and suggestions
where growers thrive
Specialist Fruit Tree Nurserymen
Product Groups on labour and are proactively engaging for Apple, Apricot, Cherry, Nectarine, Peach, Plum and Pears.
on how the organisation could be doing even better. They
with officials and key ministers on RSE and migrant labour
We focus on sector wide priorities that all growers benefit are also the place where new directors are selected or
policies that will support future industry needs, as well as
from, and promote and advocate for a framework that announced, and as such are an opportunity for members
getting more Kiwis into horticulture. As growers I believe
will enable future horticulture growth, without picking any we can be confident that what can be done is being done.
to ensure that directors are also very much held to account. 07 827 8281 Email info@mcgrathnurseries.co.nz
specific fruit or vegetable winners. We have 21 affiliated I hope you can participate in our Covid-19 Visit 3/1628 Cambridge Rd,
Product Groups and they work on the specific needs for I do not condone that we adopt the behaviour of
delayed Zoom AGM and look forward to any RD3 Hamilton 3283, NZ
their growers, but when we have common issues we try some others, thumping the table and demanding.
general business discussion!
www.mcgrathnurseries.co.nz
2 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Covid’s impact continues
As I write this column, Covid-19 has again imposed itself on New Zealand;
not that it or its impacts had really gone away since our first period
of lockdowns earlier this year.
Ahumāra Kai Aotearoa
Ahumāra Kai Aotearoa
By Mike Chapman Warrant of Fitness 2020-2021
Chief Executive : Horticulture New Zealand Priority area Measure Warrant of
Warrant of Fitness
Fitness 2020-2021
2020-2021 Rationale
Valued Number of active partnerships between HortNZ This will demonstrate whether the Government
Priority area
Partnerships and the Government
Percentage of growers who
Measure seeks to actively work with HortNZ
Growers who take part in the survey are actively
Rationale
i) respond to the annual survey and engaging to provide their thoughts about HortNZ.
The percentage who rate HortNZ high or very high
ii) rate HortNZ high or very high on the delivering
gives an indication of the perceived value that
Valued value question Number of active partnerships between HortNZ This will demonstrate whether the Government
The horticulture industry has been engaged
HortNZ provides to growers
can travel in and out of Auckland without Partnerships and the Government
Number of Product Groups that have work allocation Indicates the degree of engagement with HortNZ seeks to actively work with HortNZ
in two significant campaigns since 11 undue uncertainty or delay (delays of up
agreements with HortNZ
Enabling Growth in the horticulture sector by Percentage of growers
Growth is awho
proxy for the right regulatory and policy Growers who take part in the survey are actively
August, when the decision was first made to two hours have been reported). horticulture i) value and settings being in place – one of HortNZ’s focus areas
i) respond to the annual survey and engaging to provide their thoughts about HortNZ.
to impose Alert Level 3 restrictions on the
ii) hectarage
The percentage who rate HortNZ high or very high
ii) rate HortNZ high or very high on the delivering
Auckland region and Alert Level 2 on the New KPIs and HortNZ’s AGM value question
gives an indication of the perceived value that
HortNZ provides to growers
rest of the country. At last year’s Annual General Meeting Advocacy Pick up of HortNZ communications This measure is not how many media releases or
social media postings are made – but rather, as a
the HortNZ Board were asked to develop Number of Product Groups
result of that
those releases andhave
postings,work allocation
how many are Indicates the degree of engagement with HortNZ
We have campaigned long and hard for
picked up and repeated
agreements with HortNZ
some new Key Performance Indicators Number of invitations for HortNZ to participate in Measures how effectively HortNZ is working with
independent fruit and vegetable retailers to be
discussions at the early stages of policy/regulation government departments, agencies and councils, etc
(KPIs) for reporting back to the AGM on how Enabling development Growth in the horticulture sector by Growth is a proxy for the right regulatory and policy
allowed to remain open during Alert Levels 3 and 4. effectively HortNZ is operating. The first step
horticulture i) value and
Number of Product Groups represented by HortNZ
in biosecurity meetings
This is an indication of a service provided by HortNZ
to product groups that directly reduces duplication
settings being in place – one of HortNZ’s focus areas
We restarted this campaign on 11 August so all Aucklanders the Board took working with our staff was to refresh the People ii) hectarage
Number of people applying for HortNZ scholarships This would be measured year on year to see if we are
and the HortNZ leadership course attracting people into the horticulture industry. If we
could continue to have access to fresh and healthy fruit HortNZ strategic plan. The key change was to develop
are successful in this space, more and more people
will seek to participate in these HortNZ initiatives
and vegetables. out of the previous plan four goals, five priorities and a Number of kiwis placed in work by the Measures how effective the Career Progression
Career Progression Manager network Managers are at attracting and placing New
section on how HortNZ works. The KPIs were then crafted
Zealanders in horticulture
Not only does up to 60% of fruit and vegetables find their Advocacy
Fit for Pick up of HortNZ
Number of submissions made to central and regional communications
Measures HortNZ’s work output that is focused on This measure is not how many media releases or
way to the end consumer through independent retailers based off the new strategic plan, reporting on each of the Future government enabling growing in the future enabling growing in the future social media postings are made – but rather, as a
result of those releases and postings, how many are
and other means, such as farmers’ markets, but these the priority areas: see the opposite page for the KPIs. picked up and repeated
closures will have a lasting effect on our country’s fresh The Board has named these KPIs the “Warrant of Fitness”.
Number of invitations for HortNZ to participate in Measures how effectively HortNZ is working with
produce supply chains. While we appreciate the need to This is because they report on the day-to-day business discussions at the early stages of policy/regulation government departments, agencies and councils, etc
contain Covid-19, there is also an equally important need of HortNZ and because they give an assessment of how development
for New Zealanders to have access to healthy food. What well HortNZ is performing. Number of Product Groups represented by HortNZ This is an indication of a service provided by HortNZ
we need to do is make sure we can achieve both goals. The warrant of fitness KPIs reflect that HortNZ is very much
in biosecurity meetings to product groups that directly reduces duplication
The second issue has been the operation of the Auckland a relationship organisation. This is evident from the valued People Number of people applying for HortNZ scholarships This would be measured year on year to see if we are
and the HortNZ leadership course attracting people into the horticulture industry. If we
border: ensuring that essential horticulture workers can get partnership and advocacy KPIs. It is no accident that HortNZ are successful in this space, more and more people
to and from work, and the border movements associated is based in Wellington where central government is located. will seek to participate in these HortNZ initiatives
with production can continue. A vast majority of HortNZ’s work is with government and Number of kiwis placed in work by the Measures how effective the Career Progression
with the groups that make up the horticultural industry. In Career Progression Manager network Managers are at attracting and placing New
About a third of New Zealand’s fresh vegetables are grown
many ways this is a facilitation role between industry and Zealanders in horticulture
in the Pukekohe hub. The issue here is that the Pukekohe
government on horticulture wide issues. HortNZ needs to Fit for Number of submissions made to central and regional Measures HortNZ’s work output that is focused on
hub straddles the Auckland and Waikato boundary. the Future government enabling growing in the future enabling growing in the future
act as the ‘canary in the mine’ for government initiatives,
We estimate that there are up to 2,000 production border develop responses working with the Product Groups and
movements each day with many tractors, trucks and District Associations and collectively present a horticultural
workers crossing and re-crossing the border multiple view to the government. As a horticulture collective we
times. While the cost of delays has not been estimated, aim to draw on the expertise within the industry to lead the
it would be in the order of thousands of dollars. response, and that expertise might not necessarily reside
with HortNZ. The combined horticulture sector letter to the
While it is significant that the horticulture industry has
Prime Minister supported by all Product Groups asking that
been one of the few industries to be exempt from Alert
under Level 3 lockdown independent fruit and vegetable
Level 3 requirements in Auckland, considerable effort
retailers be permitted to open is a recent example of us all
has had to go into ensuring essential horticulture workers
working collectively for horticulture.
4 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 5
LOCKDOWN ISSUES
the Covid recovery
will only be successful Lockdown déjà vu
Editor: if it is industry led,
Andrew Bristol
Ph: 04 470 5665 government enabled Level 3 lockdown brought up a number of issues for growers
Email: andrew.bristol@hortnz.co.nz and some independent fruit retailers in Auckland.
Advertising Manager:
Jackie Enright
Ph: 04 494 9986, By Glenys Christian
Mobile: 0274 489 913
Email: jackie.enright@hortnz.co.nz
Design: The Covid-19 Recovery The final warrant of At the start of lockdown some growers were some issues getting the necessary supplies of
Scenario — brand new thinking
Strategy is another fitness area is focus spending from one to two hours in traffic queues some vegetable lines they needed because harvesters
Ph: 04 385 9766
good example of on the future. This just to get to production sites around Tuakau and had to be spaced out. And some stores were having
Horticultural Post-Covid Recovery Strategy
Email: joy@scenario.co.nz
Industry led Government enabled
HortNZ’s facilitation Horticultural Government
is about expanding Pukekohe, said Pukekohe Vegetable Growers trouble displaying QR code posters as required to
Subscriptions:
Sector
OPENNES
S·A
SPI
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role. This strategy
TI O
the strategic vision
MINDSET · COMMI NA
Association (PVGA) president, Kylie Faulkner.
D
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link customers to the government Covid-19 tracing app.
TME L·
ER NT RE
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GR CO SP
T· UN EC
EN TA T
M BI
Email: info@hortnz.co.nz
LI
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Horticulture leading LI
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New Zealand’s
A
Y
Economic Recovery
Why Horticulture What Horticulture
was developed by
is the right choice will achieve for NZ
for horticulture
e
Investment
denc
Certainty
• Strong growth sector
SA
• Job creation
D FOOD
Growth
• Export value $6.4b • Increased domestic and
FE , S US TAI N
Confi
• Diverse range of products, export earnings
ACC E L
services and locations
V E RY
• Investment into regions
Not only were they being delayed because of heavy
• Wide range of markets
• Positive health benefits for NZ
ACT Leader David Seymour once again campaigned against
UCE
• Ability to capitalise on reputation
• Investment in innovation
• Supports “Trade for all”
CO
• Production of healthy food
ER
• Can channel revenue and
OD
for consumers
RE
jobs into regions
AT
• Sustainable growth
AB
PR
• Can grow sustainably D
E
E,
L
EC IA
the Product Groups
Y
and preparing us
L
and effectively
HE L OC
A LT AL CHANNEL TO RECOVERY ON
OMIC AND S
H Y, E T HI C
Labour Promoting Maximising Plant Trade
improved food
traffic flows but they were being questioned on their
education
what he called arbitrary and unfair rules under which super-
production and systems story
practices to validate
claims
The Orchardist is produced by and HortNZ as a whole all for challenges and
Certainty
Building
of access
on the
to natural
documentation. While the Ministry for Primary Industries
diversity of
markets, petrol stations, dairies and pharmacies were able
resources/
horticulture R&D / Partnership
energy
innovation/ with Maori
efficiency
automation Data and Government and Pasifika
information plan support
Horticulture New Zealand and is free of horticulture response emerging risks. Our
for all levy payers. The Orchardist (MPI) had applied for an exemption for horticulture, it was to trade but greengrocers, butchers and bakers could not,
to horticulture’s and New collective Covid response is a
magazine is partially funded by a only approved by the Ministry of Health late on Sunday which brought on a sense of déjà vu. One fruit and vegetable
Zealand’s economic recovery prime example. The Product Groups
grant from the NZ Fruitgrowers’ night, over four days into the lockdown. store he described as iconic in his Epsom electorate,
from Covid, which has been made all the and HortNZ are meeting weekly, and
Charitable Trust to ensure all fruit
And for some independent fruit and vegetable retailers it “has simply given up and closed under the current rules”.
growers in New Zealand receive a more difficult due to Auckland’s recent during Level 2, 3 and 4 lockdowns
copy each month. community transmission cases. The daily, with government as required to was a replay of earlier in the year when they were unable “Forcing people to travel further to visit a smaller number
to open, or in some cases closed down by the police.
The individual comments and views FSC Wording
eleven workstreams that are now being sort out current and future issues as we of bigger and busier stores undermines the goal of
in this magazine do not necessarily FSC Wording
implemented are led by the best people transition (hopefully) out of Covid. Mike Lum from Jack Lum’s in Clonbern Road, Remuera, stamping out the virus,” he said.
represent the view of Horticulture in horticulture and the workstream said this time they were able to operate without contact
A report on progress with HortNZ Common sense rules should be put in place to allow a
New Zealand. - For use with Blue Starleaders
Group come
printedfrom HortNZonly
products and Product
warrant of fitness KPIs will be made with customers. “We’re giving it a go,” he said. But he wider range of businesses and services to open on the
- - For use
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example Group
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ISSN: 1173-3802 at the AGM on 25 September in basis of whether it was safe for them to operate rather
- Environmental statement example member
for useofwith
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workstreams. This isstocks
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around 30%. “People buy with their eyes,” he said.
Pukekohe and published in the than whether they provided an essential service.
because through our workshopping it
magazines. Covid is making this AGM “Ninety-nine out of a hundred don’t have a shopping list.”
became clear that the Covid recovery Auckland Business Chamber chief executive, Michael
AT WORK somewhat shorter than normal and
will only be successful if it is industry Fruit World’s financial controller, Lindsay Hotham, said Barnett, echoed his comments, saying there were a
it may have to be run completely
led, government enabled. based on the knowledge its stores had gained in the last large number of firms that could comply with Level 3
by Zoom. Even if we hold a physical
lockdown they were all able to open. But there had been conditions and should be allowed to open.
This leads directly into enabling present meeting in Pukekohe, we
horticulture and warrant of fitness will Zoom the meeting to those
KPIs. These priority areas encapsulate who cannot make it. On the same
OFFSET VERSION - Portrait HortNZ’s core work with
DIGITAL specific - Portrait
VERSION afternoon Vegetables NZ, Onions
OFFSET VERSION - Portrait reference toDIGITAL biosecurity, labour - Portrait
VERSION NZ, TomatoesNZ and NZGAP will
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teams are arranged around these progress. Closer to the time we
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This magazine is posted in an EcoPure plastic
sleeve. EcoPure accelerates the biodegradation
groups. This is because HortNZ as to what will be happening: all
of treated plastics in microbe-rich environments. cannot achieve the success we Zoom or a mixture of present in
Plastics made with EcoPure are biodegradable in
aerobic and anaerobic environments. need for growers without the person and Zoom.
direct involvement of the Product
OFFSET VERSION Groups,- District
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OFFSET VERSION - Landscape
all growers. available at www.hortnz.co.nz.
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6 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 System. The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 7
YOUR LEVY AT WORK YOUR LEVY AT WORK
YOUR LEVY AT WORK
INDUSTRY WIDE ISSUES FOR INDUSTRY GOOD
Natural resources and Otago Plan Change 7 (water abstractions)
The Minister for the Environment used his powers to
’call in’ this Plan Change. This means that there are
• Enabling low and moderate nitrogen leaching
vegetable production to expand without any area limits.
• Enabling high leaching vegetable production to expand
environment no appeals, other than appeals to the High Court on
procedural matters.
within more sub-catchments than provided in the version
of the Plan Change upon which decision was made.
• Changes to ensure certified sector schemes can
Plan Change 7 (PC7) proposes an objective, policies and
effectively manage and audit farm environment plans.
rules that manage the replacement of deemed permits (also
Water regulations • Changes to provide more flexibility in the format of
known as mining privileges) expiring in 2021 and any other
Air The new Freshwater National Environmental Standards water permits expiring prior to 31 December 2025 (the date
Farm Environment Plan maps.
include provisions of relevance to horticulture which apply by which a new Regional Land and Water Plan is expected Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) has
Review of NZS8409 in relation to activities in and near natural wetlands and to be operative). The Plan Change also introduces a new determined to lodge its own appeal in order to broaden
The Standards Development Committee are undertaking other activities in rivers. policy regarding the duration of new water permits. opportunities for discussion in mediation. The PVGA
a review of NZS8409:2004. These national standards Amendments to the Measurement and Reporting of Water appeal aligns with HortNZ’s appeal.
PC7 was previously notified by the Otago Regional Council
set good management practice for the transportation, Takes Regulations introduce the requirement to measure earlier this year. HortNZ lodged a thorough submission Horizons Plan Change 2 evidence (water discharges)
storage, supply and use of agrichemicals. They are often water take in each 15 minute period and to provide daily at that point. Due to legal obligations, the Environmental HortNZ and growers have attended pre-hearing
referred to in (or applied directly by) regional council air electronic records to regional council. The regulations Protection Authority (EPA) has re-notified PC7, along with conferencing where we strongly advocated that commercial
quality regulations. The draft standard is anticipated to be only apply to consents to take five litres or more of water PC8 and PC1. However, all submissions lodged will be vegetable growing should be recognised with its own
finalised end of August 2020 and feedback will be sought per second. There is a phased implementation period considered with equal weight and therefore HortNZ will policy and rules framework, particularly due to importance
in September or October. HortNZ is working closely with (applying to larger users first). The first compliance not be lodging an additional submission. of the vegetables grown in the region for domestic food
Product Groups and experts to ensure a workable outcome. deadline is 3 September 2022.
supply, and because of the diverse range of crop rotations,
Waikato Plan Change 1 Appeal (water discharges)
and the need to rotate crops to support soil health.
The independent panel’s decision on the Waikato Plan
Water Land Change 1 Appeal has been accepted by Council, and The HortNZ submission will be supported by economic,
was notified in May. farm systems, water quality, planning and legal experts.
The government finalised the Action for Healthy waterways Biodiversity Strategy These experts that have been participating in expert
The decision had positive elements, recognising the
reforms with the delivery of the National Policy Statement witness conferencing.
Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity importance of vegetable growing and allowing for some
for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM 2020), National Strategy 2020 provides the overall strategic direction for expansion of vegetable growing. However, there are some HortNZ is working with Potatoes NZ which has its own
Environmental Standards for Freshwater (Freshwater NES) biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand for the next 30 years. practical constraints with some of the proposed provisions. submission on the Plan Change focused on presenting
and new water metering regulations, which come into recent evidence that demonstrates that potatoes grown
force from the 3 September 2020. HortNZ sought feedback on the strategy from Product The Plan provides a permitted pathway for fruitgrowing,
in pasture rotations could expand in area without
Groups and District Associations, and provided comments but requires vegetable growers to gain consents. It
increasing water quality impacts.
NPSFM on the proposed strategy in September 2019. requires certified and audited Farm Environment Plans
The new National Policy Statement for Freshwater for all activities. HortNZ is also working closely with Vegetables NZ,
HortNZ supported the overall vision and sought
Management (NPSFM) sets out a revised framework for NZGAP (Good Agricultural Practice) and Tararua Growers
recognition of the importance of ecosystems services in HortNZ lodged an appeal in July following a series of
freshwater management (requiring limits and minimum Association to support vegetable growers in Levin to
supporting food production These values are recognised meetings with growers and Product Groups to refine
flows and so on to be set). Regional councils must notify a develop robust Farm Environment Plans, using the
within the strategy: Our international brand and domestic and communicate appeal points. The key points of the
freshwater plan no later than 31 December 2024 to give Environmental Management System developed by NZGAP
tourism, our resilience to climate change, the health of HortNZ appeal are as follows:
effect to the NPSFM 2020. In giving evidence, the HortNZ team will explain the
our fisheries, forests and productive soils – these are all • Ensuring vegetable rotation can occur across
benefits of a collective approach to farm planning.
Of note, it includes specific recognition of defined areas dependent on the ecosystem services provided by healthy multiple properties and between sub-catchments.
of vegetable growing in Pukekohe and Horowhenua. This nature. There are also cultural, social and human health
allows a regional council to set a water quality target below benefits that need to be recognised and considered as
a national bottom line, however water quality must still be part of the value of nature.
improved. This policy applies for a period of 10 years, or
until a vegetable specific National Environmental Standard
is introduced. Contact us:
Freephone: 0508 467 869
Phone: 04 472 3795
Fax: 04 471 2861
Web: www.hortnz.co.nz
Email: info@hortnz.co.nz
8 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 9
YOUR LEVY AT WORK
2020
2020 HortNZ
HortNZ AGM
AGM –– Notices
Notices of
of Motion
Motion Te Mana o te Taiao is a visioning document that is • councils must have regard to emissions reduction
The following motions will be considered at the Horticulture New Zealand Annual General intended to be implemented through various means, plans and national adaptation plans (prepared
The following
Meeting (AGM)motions will be
being held at considered at the
the Pukekohe Horticulture
Indian New Zealand
Centre, Pukekohe, Annual
Auckland onGeneral
Friday including national policy as well as policy and rules under the Climate Change Response Act) when
Meeting (AGM) being held at the Pukekohe Indian Centre, Pukekohe, Auckland
25 September 2020 at 12.30pm and by Zoom for members unable to get to Pukekohe.on Friday within the regional and district Plans, that impact on making or amending their regional or district plans.
25 September 2020 at 12.30pm and by Zoom for members unable to get to Pukekohe. the protection and restoration of biodiversity. An
implementation plan will be released in 2021.
Motion 1 of the price received after the deduction of all HortNZ also submitted on the proposed National
Regional and
Motion 1 of the price received
and forafter the deduction of all
That the minutes of the 14th AGM of Horticulture
offshore
offshore
costs
costs and for
processed
processed
sales remain
sales remain
and be set at 0.14% of the notional process value.
Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB) District Policy
earlier this year. The government is still considering
That
New the minutes
Zealand of the 14th
(HortNZ), held AGM of Horticulture
on 1 August 2019 at and be set at 0.14% of the notional process value.
Proposed by the HortNZ Board submissions. The timeframe for the delivery of the
New Zealand (HortNZ), held on 1 August
Mystery Creek be taken as read and confirmed 2019 as
at Proposed by the HortNZ Board NPSIB has been extended until April 2021.
Hawke’s Bay TANK Submission
Explanatory Note
Mystery
a true andCreek be taken
correct recordas
ofread
that and confirmed as
meeting. Explanatory Note
(water abstractions and discharges)
The Commodity Levies (Vegetables and Fruit) Order 2019
a true and correct record of that meeting. The Commodity Levies (Vegetables
HortNZ has made a submission on the TANK plan in
Proposed by the HortNZ Board allows a maximum rate to be set for and Fruit) Order
vegetables 2019
and fruit at
Proposed by the HortNZ Board
Explanatory Note allows a
0.15% formaximum
domesticrate salestoand
be set for vegetables
processed and fruit
sales taken at theat first Climate Change August. This is the Regional Resource Management
Plan to manage water quality and quantity for
Explanatory Note 0.15%offor
point domestic
sale sales and
and at 0.15% processed
for export salessales
at thetaken
first at the of
point first
A PDF of the Minutes of the 2019 AGM is available at the Tūtaekurī, Ahuriri, Ngaruroro and Karamū
A PDFhortnz.co.nz.
of the Minutes of the 2019 AGM is available at like hard pointafter
sale of sale and at 0.15%
all offshore costs for export sales
(including at the first
international point have
freight) of The recently passed Resource Management
www If you have any questions or would (TANK) catchments.
www hortnz.co.nz. sale after
been all offshore
deducted. costs (including
For processed international
vegetables and fruitfreight)
the levy haveis Amendment Act 2020 made changes to the ability
copies, please emailIfboard.secretary@hortnz.co.nz
you have any questions or would like hard
been deducted.
deducted from the Fornotional
processed vegetables
process and fruit
value, which the levyin
is defined is The development of the submission was informed by
copies, please email board.secretary@hortnz.co.nz to consider climate change as part of Resource
deducted
the Order.fromAt thetheAGMnotional processgrowers
levy paying value, which is defined
may set any ratein up
Motion 2 Management. This aligns with the evolution of broader meetings with the Primary Sector, Product Groups,
the Order.
to the maximumAt theforAGM thelevy
nextpaying growers
calendar maycurrent
year. The set anyraterateforup
Motion 2 to the maximum for the next calendar year. The current rate for
climate change policy, including the policy goal to Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers, Hawke’s Bay Vegetable
vegetables and fruit is 0.14%. This levy funds the activities of
That the President’s and CEO’s Report for vegetables transition to net zero carbon emissions by the second Growers Associations, and grower meetings.
HortNZ. TheandBoardfruitrecommends
is 0.14%. Thisthat
levythe
funds
levythe
rateactivities
be set andof
That the President’s
the financial and CEO’s
year ending Report
31 March for as
2020, HortNZ.atThe
remain Board
0.14% forrecommends
the 2021 yearthat the levy
to meet therate be set and
commitments
half of the 21st Century.
We are working with growers and NZ Apples and Pears,
the financial
published in year endingReport,
the Annual 31 March
be 2020, as
taken as remain at 0.14%
identified for the
in HortNZ’s 2021 year to meet the commitments
Budget. This means that from 31 December 2021: NZKGI, Zespri, Summerfruit NZ and Process Vegetables
published in
read and adopted.the Annual Report, be taken as identified in HortNZ’s Budget.
• the sections of the Resource Management Act which NZ to progress Farm Environment Plan (FEP) case studies
read and adopted. That there be no change to the directors’
That there be no to aid our evidence. HortNZ will present water quality,
Proposed by the HortNZ Board remuneration forchange to the directors’
the 2020/2021 year. prevented Councils from being able to consider the
Proposed by the HortNZ Board
Explanatory Note remuneration for the 2020/2021 year. effects of discharges of greenhouses gases on climate hydrology, farm systems, economic and planning
Explanatory Note
Explanatory Note change will be removed and evidence to support the HortNZ submission.
A PDF of the Annual Report will be available at www.hortnz.co.nz. Explanatory Note
The HortNZ Directors requested a 20% reduction to their fees for
A PDFhave
If you of the Annual
any Report
questions or will
wouldbe available at www.hortnz.co.nz.
like hard copies, please email The HortNZfromDirectors
six months 1 Julyrequested a 20% reduction
2020 to December to their
2020. The fees for
Directors also
If you have any questions or would like hard copies, please email
board.secretary@hortnz.co.nz six months their
fromremuneration
1 July 2020 tobeDecember 2020. Therate
Directors
requested held at the current for thisalso
board.secretary@hortnz.co.nz requested their remuneration be held
financial year. Therefore, no change to at
thethe current rate
directors’ for this
remuneration
Motion 3 financial
is year. Therefore,
being proposed no change
and there to the directors’ remuneration
is no motion.
Motion 3 is being proposed and there is no motion.
That the audited financial statements for the year Motion 5
That
ended the
31audited
March financial
2020 be statements
adopted. for the year Motion 5
ended 31 March 2020 be adopted. That the Budget for the year ended 31 March
Need some bad weather insurance?
Proposed by the HortNZ Board
Proposed by the HortNZ Board That
2021thebe Budget
endorsed. for the year ended 31 March
Explanatory Note
Explanatory Note 2021 be endorsed.
Proposed by the HortNZ Board
A PDF of the Annual Report and Financial Statements will be
A PDF of the Annual Report andIf Financial Proposed by the HortNZ Board
available at www.hortnz.co.nz. you haveStatements willor
any questions bewould Explanatory Note
available
like at www.hortnz.co.nz.
hard copies, If you have any questions or would
please email board.secretary@hortnz.co.nz Explanatory Note Darker,
A copy of the Budget for the year ended 31 March 2021 is
like hard copies, please email board.secretary@hortnz.co.nz A copy ofat
available the Budget for the year
www.hortnz.co.nz. ended
If you 31any
have March 2021 isor would
questions Colder,
Motion 4 available
like at www.hortnz.co.nz.
hard copies, If you have any questions or would
please email board.secretary@hortnz.co.nz
Motion 4 like hard copies, please email board.secretary@hortnz.co.nz Wetter,
That the 2021 year levy rate for the purposes of Motion 6
That the 2021 year levy(Vegetables
rate for the and
purposes Windier,
the Commodity Levies Fruit) of Motion 6
the Commodity Levies (Vegetables and
Order 2019 remain and be set for domestic Fruit)sales That BDO, Wellington, be appointed auditors for Done.
Order
at 0.14%2019 remain
of the priceand be set at
received forthe
domestic sales
first point of That BDO,
the year Wellington,
ended 31 Marchbe 2021.
appointed auditors for
at 0.14% of the price received at the first point
sale, for export sales remain and be set at 0.14% of the yearbyended 31Board
March 2021.
Proposed the HortNZ 06 879 5883 office@biobees.co.nz www.biobees.co.nz
sale, for export sales remain and be set at 0.14% Proposed by the HortNZ Board
The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 11
YOUR LEVY AT WORK IN PRODUCING
INDUSTRY
PROFIT.
LEADING
HIGHLY DESIGN
&SPECIALIZED
COMFORT.
FEP
IN PRODUCING
Soil
MANAGEMENT
AREAS
Biodiversity
PROFIT.
Damien Farrelly
Nutrients Waterways
Irrigation
Farm Environment Problem
Plans in horticulture
Recognition
Reporting
Research
SERIES
A Farm Environment Plan (FEP) is a tool used to support growers to assess Joining SERIES
their environmental risks, take action where required, and demonstrate
Assurance/
the dots THE REX 4 SERIES
progress on environmental objectives. The objective of FEPs is to minimise
SPECIALIST
Certification Guidelines/COP
the impact of horticulture and farming on the ecological health and
amenity value of New Zealand’s waterways. In addition to farm maps, NEWNEW
LANDINI
LANDINIREX RANGE.
REX RANGE. EXTRA-SPECIA
TRACTOR
EXTRA-SPECIAL.
The Rex 4 series specialist tractor range gets a revamp.
RANGE
an FEP includes the management areas shown above. The RexThere4 series
Farm The Rex
are now4 specialist
series tractorversions
specialist
four 2WD
rangerange
and 4WD tractor
gets a revam
and up
Implementation Environment
Plans
Theretoare now four
6 different engine2WD and
ratings per 4WD
version.versions
The ideal and up
By Damien Farrelly : NZGAP and Food Safety Manager, Horticulture New Zealand configuration for a wide variety of
to 6 different engine ratings per version. jobs and maximum
The ideal
2WD and 4WD versions,
productivity Overall width
in vineyards and orchards. New 70as to 111
configuration
4 model HPranges. for a wide variety
engines, new transmission narrowofasjobs
1.0M.andormaximu
with mechanical
productivity
hydraulic in
New fuel vineyards
reverse
efficient 70 andIndustry
toshuttle, new orchards.
axles New
new 70
and suspensions,
leading flat to 11
In the near future, agricultural emissions (e.g. nitrous oxide meet the extensive New Zealand regulatory expectations In a similar way to how NZGAP is benchmarked to
HP unbeatable ease of handling. Bonnet and cab have
from fertiliser use) are also likely to be included in FEPs to for FEP content and implementation. and recognised by GLOBALG.A.P. and the Food 120 HPengines,
engines. new transmission with mechanical or
floor cabin.
been completely redesigned to provide the highest
Act 2014, the EMS add-on has been benchmarked to hydraulic reverse
support growers with meeting the Zero Carbon Act 2019
As a result, NZGAP has developed the Environment Transmission optionsofshuttle,
standards
new axles
Landini
comfort, ergonomics
and suspension
renowned
and safety.
and He Waka Eke Noa (a primary sector partnership to regional and national FEP requirements and is already
Management System (EMS) add-on with the purpose of tounbeatable
suit. ease of handling. Bonnet
strength and cab have
& reliability.
reduce on-farm agricultural emissions). formally recognised by Environment Canterbury.
supporting growers to meet regulatory expectations for been completely redesigned to provide the highes
Growers and the horticulture industry are already very an FEP as an extension to their existing GAP system. The This means that growers can meet multiple market and
familiar with Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), and an Good Management Practices (minimum requirements) and regulatory outcomes via the one NZGAP integrated
standards of comfort, ergonomics and safety.
FEP is essentially an extension to this existing assurance Best Management Practice (aspirational environmental assurance system. NZGAP is now seeking to integrate
Distributed by
system. The primary focus of NZGAP and GLOBALG.A.P. outcomes) identified in the EMS are incorporated from data from the development and implementation of
certification is food safety risk assessment and relevant industry guidelines and Codes of Practice, which FEPs into reports for growers, catchment groups and
management. While there are elements of environmental have been developed from evidence-based research and industry bodies to support telling of the horticulture
management in these standards, they do not currently have been tested with New Zealand growing systems. story via our ‘joining the dots’ framework.
Distributed by
Contact us for more information and your nearest dealer.
Distributed by
For more information on FEPs and p: +64 7 573 8132
E info@agtek.co.nz www.agtek.co.nz
the EMS, visit www.nzgap.co.nz. Landini is a trademark of Argo Tractors S.p.A.
www.agtek.co.nz
12 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 The ORCHARDIST
Landini is a worldwide : SEPTEMBER 2020
brand of the ARGO Group of Companies 13
YOUR LEVY AT WORK YOUR LEVY AT WORK
HortNZ has produced a pan-sector guidance booklet
to help growers prepare a farm biosecurity plan.
The guide is designed to help you identify and
prioritise biosecurity risks relevant to your property
and understand how you could take action to address
the identified biosecurity risks.
The guidance booklet outlines and explains the five
key steps to preparing and implementing a biosecurity
plan for your farm or orchard. These steps are:
STEP
01 Review property map
STEP
02 Identify biosecurity risks and mitigating actions
STEP
03 Prioritise
STEP
04 Communicate expectations
STEP
05 Implement actions
For details view the full guidance booklet – contact us
at HortNZ if you would like to be sent a hard copy, or
download a PDF from the website (www.hortnz.co.nz).
For further biosecurity risk management information and
resources contact your industry body in the first instance.
Have you got an on farm/
orchard biosecurity plan?
The whole horticulture sector benefits from the adoption of good
on farm/orchard biosecurity practice.
By Anna Rathé : Biosecurity Manager, Horticulture New Zealand
The New Zealand horticulture industry is fortunate to Why do you need a biosecurity plan?
be free of many of the damaging pests, pathogens and The best defence for your property against biosecurity
weeds that growers overseas have to manage on an threats such as pests, diseases and weeds is to have sound
ongoing basis. Adoption of good on farm or orchard biosecurity practices in place – this will help to protect your
biosecurity practices is critical for the continued success farm, your orchard, and your future.
of the horticulture industry. These practices can help to:
Creating a biosecurity plan for your property is a good way to
• prevent new pests, pathogens and weeds from
understand your on farm biosecurity risks and identify simple
establishing in New Zealand
but effective everyday biosecurity practices to manage these
• reduce the spread of pests, pathogens and
risks. The practices you select will be unique to your property,
weeds to new areas
production method, and the surrounding environment.
• prevent pests, pathogens and weeds being
Good practices don’t need to cost a lot of money, but they
introduced to your property
do need to be clear and easy to follow. Once put in place
• aid management of pests, pathogens and
they will likely provide ongoing day-to-day benefits, and
weeds that are already here.
will be invaluable if a biosecurity event were to happen.
14 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020 15
YOUR LEVY AT WORK
Cards promote hort careers
A group of Tasman Year 13 students have created a card game about
Why risk your
careers in horticulture that has come up trumps, with packs of cards
being taken up by schools around the country.
By Anne Hardie
The five Waimea College business studies students had
to find a gap in the education system and come up with
a solution, which led them to the lack of information
about careers in primary industries. They focused on
horticulture, working with the industry to find out what
kiwifruit crop?
was needed, then using a survey to gather information
from Year 8 to 10 students about the way they liked to
learn — which wasn’t lectures or reading screeds of text.
An app was the first thought, but students could easily
be distracted by other options on their phones. So they
turned to cards, following the typical top-trumps type of
game, then tested the game on that age group in schools.
One of the team members, Emma Fox, says the reason
they chose that age group was because they wanted
to get students thinking about career options before
they reached NCEA (National Certificate of Educational
Achievement) levels.
“When you get to NCEA levels, you choose the subjects
The card game creators; Toby Collett (back left) and Moab Heynekamp,
you will want as you get older, so we wanted to influence with Emma Fox and Bree Anderson. Nadia Cregeen is absent.
them before that.”
Moab Heynekamp, also part of the creative team, says
their research showed the younger students needed to
get as much exposure as possible to potential careers it’s a fun way to learn about the wide
in the primary industries for them to make those subject
choices later.
range of careers in the industry
A pack of cards is made up of 40 different jobs in the “For us, seeing all those jobs in horticulture opens up
horticulture industry and each gives the job’s salary those pathways in the future.”
potential, length of training, hands-on level and rates its ChampION++® is a unique WDG
Their business group is part of the Lion Foundation Young
job opportunities. The card then gives a short description copper formulation, proven to control
Enterprise Scheme which is an opportunity for budding
of that career. The graphics were designed by the team’s
entrepreneurs to experience the start-up world first hand leaf spot and Psa first time, every time.
graphic whizz, Toby Collett. Up to five people can play the
and run a real business.
game together and in the classroom setting, it’s designed For more information contact your
as a fun way to learn about the wide range of careers in the The card game has excited the GoHorticulture careers
Farmlands TFA, Nufarm Territory Manager
industry that go beyond the image of simply picking fruit. team at HortNZ which has financially partnered the
business enterprise. GoHorticulture will now take the or visit us at nufarm.co.nz
Bree Anderson admits they didn’t know most of the
orders for the cards and distribute them, working with
horticulture careers outlined on their cards even existed
CATE (Careers and Transition Education Association NZ).
and that is typical for their age group. Such as a career
as a geneticist studying the role that genes play in Within the first week the cards were made available,
disease and health. In their survey among students, more Nelson Tasman Careers Progression manager, Robyn
ONF204690NF
than 70% did not know what primary industries meant Patterson, says 400 orders were received from schools
and what they involved. around the country.
® ChampION++ is a registered trademark of Nufarm Americas Limited.
16 The ORCHARDIST : SEPTEMBER 2020You can also read
