14 September 2021
The past few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster for the industry. Lockdown has created obvious challenges, both short term and more long term.
7 September 2021
Kia ora koutou Among the media coverage about the lockdown and our industry, there has also been some coverage about the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
31 August 2021
For me, the past seven days have been spent working across the horticulture sector and with Government, to ensure that vegetable and fruit growing can continue with as little disruption as possible.
24 August 2021
New Zealanders, the Pacific and the rest of the world need fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables, even more when their health is at risk. That is what we are constantly reminding the Government of.
17 August 2021
The world is still being ravaged by Covid and the new Delta variant is very virulent. Like all good business people, growers need to have contingency plans and at least one, well-thought-out Plan B.
10 August 2021
Thanks to the growers, sponsors and others from the horticulture industry who made the Horticulture Conference such a success last week.
3 August 2021
Yesterday, I welcomed the Government’s decision to allow Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from the Pacific to enter New Zealand without the need for managed isolation.
27 July 2021
Climate change is an emotive subject, but for young people – tomorrow’s buyers of New Zealand’s fruit and vegetables – it is black and white.
20 July 2021
Farmer and grower frustration with the Government became much more visible to the whole of New Zealand last Friday.
13 July 2021
Sir John Kirwin will be speaking at grower mental health workshops. I’m very conscious of the pressure our growers are under with all the uncertainty and apprehension surrounding us.