The New Zealand horticulture industry comprises growers of fruit and vegetables for export and domestic consumption. 

New Zealand is well known for its kiwifruit and apple exports. Indeed, most of the fruit grown in New Zealand is exported to markets around the world, whereas most of the vegetables grown in New Zealand are for domestic consumption, with some notable exceptions like potatoes, onions and buttercup squash. 

The value of New Zealand horticulture industry has increased to over $7 billion (2022/23).  This growth is thanks to investment in new varieties, growing techniques, and harvest and post-harvest practices. 

Industry challenges include labour, access to freshwater, meeting new regulations, and responding to climate change and other environmental factors. 

Please note that the New Zealand wine industry is considered separate to the New Zealand horticulture industry. 

 

Pictured: Chief Executive Nadine Tunley with President Barry O'Neil.

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) advocates for and represents the interests of New Zealand’s 4,200+ commercial fruit and vegetable growers.

HortNZ’s vision is Oranga kai, oranga tangata, haere ake nei. Healthy food for all, forever. 

HortNZ has 20 affiliated product groups and more than 30 affiliated local and regional grower associations. HortNZ is an incorporated society and has staff based in Wellington and regionally.

HortNZ provides administrative services to some vegetable product groups and other related organisations.

HortNZ’s purpose is creating an enduring environment where growers thrive.

 

Important information about HortNZ and its operation 

About us dropdown

HortNZ 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.

Find out more about HortNZ’s 2023-2027 strategy, goals and priorities here

You can read HortNZ most recent annual report here

HortNZ is an incorporated society, governed by a Board. 

Read our constitution and rules here

Find out more about our Board members here.

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 30 March 2023)

05 rewarding set

4,200+ growers in New Zealand

02 product

100+ types of fruit and vegetables grown in New Zealand

10 value set

Horticulture exports are valued at $4.85b annually

04 reporting

New Zealand's horticulture industry is valued at $7.17b

Facts about HortNZ (year ending March 2023)

04 reporting

60 written submissions to central and local government

13 people

13 pan-sector working/governance groups participated in

03 community

44 scholarships awarded

08 cooperation set

23 people attended the HortNZ leadership course