Industry Statistics

New Zealand's horticulture exports have grown from $NZ100 million in 1980 to $NZ2.23 billion in 2011. Total area of only 100,000 hectares is used for horticulture crops. Including domestic sales, the horticulture industry is valued at $NZ5 billion, and it employs 50,000 people in eight key growing regions.

The organisation

Horticulture New Zealand represents 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers, providing strategic direction and focus, building strong relationships with product groups and associations and working at both a national and regional level.

The organisation acts as an advocate on national industry-wide issues such as:

• Industry profile and promotion
• Border security
• Trade policy
• Environmental issues
• Resource management plans
• Education, training and careers promotion
• Leadership development
• Labour and employment – including seasonal labour
• Compliance costs
• Food regulations
• Emergency response

It also carries out a number of other functions, including:

• Providing advice and support for grower initiatives
• Developing industry-wide strategies to address key issues
• Providing contract administration and secretariat support for grower groups
• Publishing The Orchardist and Grower magazines
• Weekly email newsletter, subscribe here: info@hortnz.co.nz