Supporting growers through challenge and change

Growers are known for their resilience. But the severe weather events we’ve seen in recent years, and again in recent weeks, are pushing even some of our seasoned growers to the limit.

The widespread flooding and landslips caused significant damage across parts of the Nelson-Tasman region in June and July.

Growers in areas such as the Motueka Valley/Tapawera, Riwaka, Brooklyn and Wai-iti are facing major challenges, with the cumulative impact of extreme weather events taking a heavy toll.

This time, the damage is not just to orchards and crops. Homes, sheds, packhouses, cool stores and worker accommodation have also been affected. Blocked roads and broken infrastructure cut off access to properties and disrupted business operations and community life.

Over 20 growers were affected by the recent floods, with 10 experiencing severe losses. Many have told us of feeling overwhelmed and needing clear, practical support.

HortNZ is working closely with local councils, recovery agencies and central government to ensure growers' needs are understood and addressed. We’ve advocating for co-ordinated assistance now and strategic investment for the future.

That future must include better protection of our productive land.

The growers I’ve been talking to over the last few weeks want long-overdue improvements in river management, including more consistent gravel extraction, to reduce the risk of future flooding.

They have also highlighted the urgent need for investment in stop banks and other flood mitigation measures. These aren’t just local issues, they’re national ones, and solving them will require strong partnership between industry and government.

As always, HortNZ will continue to stand alongside growers and product groups in advocating for solutions and helping ensure the sector has the support it needs to recover, and to keep feeding New Zealand.

In other news, August is Biosecurity Awareness month. This is a timely reminder of the importance of strong biosecurity systems and the need to remain vigilant when it comes to biosecurity risks.

The risks were brought home earlier this year when Biosecurity New Zealand responded quickly to the detection of a single male Oriental fruit fly in Papatoetoe and then again in Birkdale, Auckland. The efforts of Biosecurity New Zealand, and the co-operation of the community in each area, were a testament to our shared commitment to protecting our growing regions.

And finally, I look forward to joining growers at the Horticulture Conferences in Wellington later this month. The two-day event will provide valuable insights into the issues that matter most such as innovation and sustainability to workforce development and succession.