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New Zealand’s horticulture industry is a dynamic sector, producing world-class fruit and vegetables for both export and domestic markets.

Renowned globally for our premium kiwifruit and apples, New Zealand exports most of its fruit to markets around the world. In contrast, the majority of vegetables grown here are enjoyed locally, with key exceptions like potatoes, onions, and buttercup squash, which have strong international demand.

The industry’s value continues to rise, reaching approximately $7.48 billion in 2023/24. This growth is driven by ongoing investment in innovative new varieties, advanced growing techniques, and cutting-edge harvest and post-harvest practices -- ensuring New Zealand remains a leader in horticulture.

Our industry’s key strategic challenges are the environment, risk and workforce.

 

Growing success, advocating for growers

HortNZ is the voice of New Zealand’s 4,500+ commercial fruit and vegetable growers, working to ensure they have the support, environment, and opportunities to thrive.

Our aspiration: Healthy food for all forever - Oranga kai, oranga tangata, haere ake nei

Our vision: To create an enduring environment where growers thrive

With a strong presence across the country, HortNZ collaborates with product groups and local and regional grower associations. As an incorporated society, we champion growers’ interests at every level -- providing leadership, advocacy, and influence for grower success. We also deliver essential administrative services to key vegetable product groups and related organisations.

At HortNZ, we don’t just represent growers -- we stand alongside them, driving a stronger, more sustainable future for New Zealand horticulture.

 

Important information about HortNZ and its operation 

About us dropdown

HortNZ strongly supports the Government's push for economic growth and doubling the value of exports in ten years. The Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan is a partnership between industry, Government, Maori and science that has a goal to double the farmgate value of horticulture by 2035. To achieve this, we want to work with the Government to create and maintain conditions for our industry to thrive. We welcome the Governments positive progress on issues that matter to our industry.

In 2025/26, we want to work with the Government in six priority areas that will support horticultural export growth and a thriving New Zealand:

  • Water security and supply
  • Reliable supply of healthy locally grown fruit and vegetables for New Zealanders
  • Access to crop protection tools
  • Effective assurance
  • Align education with industry needs
  • Certainty for Pacific workers and employers

You can read more in our current manifesto here.

 

has developed a manifesto outlining what the commercial fruit and vegetable growing sector needs from Governments in terms of policy and practices for the sector to double farm gate returns to $12bn by 2035. 

Read the Manifesto here.

Read our 2023-2027 strategy here. 

Read our 2023/24 Annual Report here. 

HortNZ is an incorporated society, governed by a Board. 

Read our constitution and rules here. 

 

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 comes into effect by 31 March 2026. The Act requires us to review our constitution to ensure it is compliant prior to registration under the new Act. 
 
Click here to read our proposed new constitution and here to read the explanation of proposed changes. The changes have been split into required by the Act and further recommended by the Board of HortNZ.
 
Feedback on proposed changes can be sent to info@hortnz.co.nz.

 

Find out more about our Board members here.

Click here for the details of the HortNZ management team

HortNZ works in partnership with product groups and district associations to create an enduring environment where growers prosper. 

You can view the product groups and access their websites here

HortNZ was formed by a merger of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation, the New Zealand Vegetable and Potato Growers Federation, and New Zealand Berryfruit Federation on 1 December 2005.  

You can read more about the merger here.  

The New Zealand Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust was set up in 1985 following the sale of 50% of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation's share in commercial trading and export activities. The trust offers grants to further the fruit growing industry in New Zealand. Find out more about the NZFGCT here. 

Facts about the horticulture industry (year ending 31 March 2024)

05 rewarding set

4,500+ growers in New Zealand

02 product

100+ types of fruit and vegetables grown in New Zealand

10 value set

Horticulture exports are valued at $4.67bn annually

04 reporting

New Zealand's horticulture industry is valued at $7.48bn

Facts about HortNZ (year ending 31 March 2024)

04 reporting

61 written submissions to central and local government

13 people

15 pan-sector working/governance groups participated in

03 community

24 scholarships awarded

08 cooperation set

There was no leadership programme held in 2023.