Silver linings among rolling onions

The final week of January 2023 will go down in New Zealand’s history as one of the worst weather events on record. This is even more so for Pukekohe growers and those in neighbouring regions, who watched 265mm of rain wash away their valued crops in a matter of hours.

The devastation was and still is very real. Fresh produce littered the roadside, glasshouses and equipment were damaged and fields remain very, very wet. Many of you are still assessing damage and many are yet to be able to access the tools and assistance needed to begin clean-up.

Despite smashing the previous 24-hour record of 161.8mm back in February 1985, there was still a silver lining: the progress and resilience of New Zealand’s horticulture sector shined bright.

The vegetable industry has made considerable progress over the last 25-plus years, not least in the area of erosion and sediment control.

Growers, councils and the wider horticulture industry have worked closely together since Pukekohe’s large 1997 storm, resulting in the formation of the Franklin Sustainability Project and an Integrated Stormwater Management System for parts of Pukekohe Hill.

Other initiatives have included the industry’s Don’t Muddy the Water programme, Vegetated Buffer Code of Practice, and Farm Environment Plans – all of which have resulted in a significantly more sustainable growing system.

These industry initiatives and growers’ infrastructure were put to the test in the most recent flooding events. While there was sediment and the obligatory onion in drains, the silver lining was that the extent and degree was significantly less than experienced previously – despite the storm being on top of Auckland’s wettest month ever, dating back to 1853 and the beginning of records.

As council roads, drains and stormwater pipes failed to cope with the deluge, growers’ integrated stormwater systems, correctly sized culverts, drains and sediment retention ponds – for the most part – seemed to work.

That can be attributed to the great work from growers – years of investment, effort and commitment to prevent and minimise the effect of these events – all at the cost of the grower, so they can continue to supply New Zealanders with local, fresh healthy produce.

Each new event brings new insights and reemphasises the tried and true: Plan, coordinate, act.

With climate change, urban sprawl and seemingly endless red tape, the challenges of growing fruit and vegetables commercially in New Zealand are not set to become easier. Our resilience, industriousness and growing community will continue to be our biggest asset in overcoming these challenges now and in the future.

Please remember we are here to support you wherever we can. Your product groups and HortNZ share your frustrations in what has already been a challenging season and will continue to be here, supporting you, listening and doing everything we can to advocate on your behalf.

Thank you for your on-going massive efforts to supply New Zealanders with fresh healthy produce, ‘no matter the weather’.