Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association update
Explore, Grow & Thrive – Welcome to May!

As we welcome May, the chill is definitely in the air, and it’s time once again to pull out those trusty Norsewear socks and put another log on the fire! While the temperature drops, our spirits remain high as growers wrap up a productive and promising harvest season. The optimism around Hawke’s Bay is buoyant, reflecting the determination that our community consistently demonstrates. Our President Brydon Nisbet is currently overseas, and the team here have been busy with preparations for the 2025 Young Fruit Grower of the Year event on the 5th and 6th of June are progressing and anticipation is building! As we collaborate closely with our industry partners, we’re organising a dynamic competition that will test technical expertise, leadership qualities, innovative thinking, and resilience among our upcoming horticulture leaders. The event includes practical challenges, invaluable networking opportunities, and the ever-popular speech competition. We’re also delighted to announce a special presence from our friends at Mates4Life, an organisation dedicated to mental health awareness and wellbeing support within our industry. 

Mates4Life will be active throughout the event, providing resources, information, and valuable support to any of our attendees. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a sausage sizzle provided for a koha, with all proceeds directly supporting the crucial work done by Mates4Life. Join us in celebrating the bright future of Hawke’s Bay horticulture and help us support a fantastic cause. For event details, contestants, and a look back at last year’s highlight videos, check out the new website here. 

Despite this successful season, we remain mindful that critical issues such as water access, as it continues to challenge our industry. HBFA remains committed to proactively engaging with policymakers to address these concerns effectively. Our advocacy on water allocation and land use continues to be a primary focus. Please read the below Advocy updates on TANK, this is important for growers (can’t stress this enough!). 

Heretaunga Sustainable Water Group launches draft 100-Year water management strategy 

A full house gathered Thursday the 8th of May, as the Heretaunga Sustainable Water Group unveiled a draft strategy aimed at securing effective and efficient water management across the Heretaunga Plains for the next century. Formed in response to significant concerns from local water users, particularly growers impacted by proposed cuts to water allocations, the group is advocating for sustainable and strategic water management solutions. 

Following considerable pressure from industry stakeholders, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council recently announced a reprieve, extending the existing water allocation model until an Environment Court ruling expected in late 2026. In the interim, the Heretaunga Sustainable Water Group is working collaboratively with iwi, mana whenua, councils, and growers to develop robust and forward-looking water management strategies, including aquifer recharge, recycling, storage, and efficiency improvements. 

Group spokesperson Greig Taylor emphasized the critical economic implications highlighted in the HB Regional Water Assessment 2023, warning of potential GDP losses of $70 million annually by 2040 due to climate change and water allocation restrictions. Greig stressed the necessity of a comprehensive, long-term strategy to safeguard the region’s environmental health and economic prosperity. See more in advocacy section below. 

FDS Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) 

On this topic, the Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) recently concluded its review of the Draft Napier-Hastings Future Development Strategy (FDS) 2025–2055, having considered 139 submissions from landowners, developers, iwi, and various community and industry stakeholders. The submissions underscored broad interest in balancing urban development with environmental, infrastructure, and economic considerations. Key concerns raised included urban housing capacity, protection of highly productive land (HPL), management of natural hazards, and accommodating Māori-led development initiatives. 

In response, the panel largely supported safeguarding Class 1–3 productive land from development, making exceptions only for strategic, expansions such as Middle Road and Wall Road. They also cautiously included specific flood-risk areas (like Riverbend NC4b and Ahuriri Station), contingent upon stringent future risk mitigation requirements. Industrial land expansions were selectively approved, notably the Irongate North Extension, while requests for new wet industry zones were declined due to adequate existing capacity and policy constraints. 

The panel emphasized strengthening engagement and partnership with Māori communities, endorsing more robust integration of Te Tiriti principles and support for Papakāinga and Māori-led initiatives. Ultimately, the amended FDS was commended as a balanced, strategic framework intended to guide sustainable urban growth, infrastructure development, and resource protection over the next three decades. The strategy is designed as a dynamic document, subject to review every three years, ensuring ongoing community input and adaptability to emerging development needs. 

Looking ahead: A year of opportunity to interact 

As we turn our focus to the months ahead, 2025 presents significant opportunities, from the potential for regulatory reforms to improved access to water. HBFA will continue to advocate for our growers, facilitate meaningful industry discussions, and provide the support needed to help you succeed. Please see below what’s happening in the region: 

Advocacy updates:   

YFGOTY – Reminder

On behalf of the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association, we are pleased to invite you to the 2025 Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower of the Year competition and awards dinner — a prestigious annual event that recognizes the skill, knowledge, and leadership potential of emerging talent within our industry.
We encourage you to attend, share the details with your networks, and support your teams in getting behind this important industry event.

Competition Day
Date: Thursday, 5 June 2025
Time: From 8:30am
Venue: Ranui Sports Field, 600 Pakowhai Road, Frimley, Hastings

Leadership Panel & Awards Dinner
Date: Friday, 6 June 2025
Leadership Panel: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Venue: Toitoi – Hastings Events Centre (Main room)
Open to the public
The leadership panel offers insight into the contestants’ perspectives as they respond to questions on key industry issues in a facilitated discussion. This session forms part of the official judging and is an opportunity to see how contestants approach leadership and strategic thinking in horticulture.

Awards Dinner: 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Venue: Toitoi – Assembly Ballroom, Hastings
The evening features dinner, entertainment, and the highly anticipated speeches from each of the eight finalists — a judged component of the competition. The night culminates in the announcement of the 2025 Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower of the Year.
Tickets: $150 per person (+ booking fees)
Includes welcome drinks, canapés, two-course dinner, and wine.
Bookings: Email us directly or purchase via Eventfinda:

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/young-fruit-grower-of-the-year-awards-evening-2025/hastings

HortNZ Update re TANK water permits 

HBRC consent process 

All growers who have TANK water take consents being processed by HBRC should have recently received a letter from the council outlining the extra option that is now available to applicants. There are now three options: 

1. 1. Ask HBRC to stop processing your application until the Environment Court decision on the TANK Plan Change is released (expected to be 12-18 months away). This is the new option 
   2. Accept Actual and reasonable 
   3. Provide further information to HBRC by 31 May 2025 if you want to try and increase your A&R volume

HortNZ recommends that applicants take Option 1 (the timeframe extension). To do this, email waterpermits@hbrc.govt.nz and say that you want the processing timeframes extended for your consent application. Make sure you quote your application number/s in the email (it will start with APP-….).  You do not need to provide any further information in relation to A&R if you ask for the extension. HBRC will come back to you after the Environment Court decision to explain what (if any) further information you need to give them. 

If you want to take Option 3, HBRC hosted a webinar to explain what type of information they want applicants to provide. Here are the slides that council presented: TANK-Watertake-Consents-Webinar-05.05.2025.pdf.  There is further information available here is well: TANK Water Take Consents | Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Further information (to support an increase in your A&R volume) still needs to be provided to HBRC by 31 May 2025. If your A&R volume doesn’t get increased by HBRC after you provide more information, you can still then ask to take Option 1 (ask HBRC to stop processing your application). 

Heretaunga Sustainable Water Group 

HortNZ strongly encourages growers to explore what membership of the newly established Heretaunga Sustainable Water group may be able to offer them. 

There is a great deal of uncertainty around the allocation of water for irrigation and industrial use and no agreement has been reached on an allocation model. Environment Court proceedings are unlikely to be decided until late 2026. In the interim, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) implemented an “actual and reasonable” model for consents and for many, “actual and reasonable” represents a substantial reduction in water allocation, profoundly impacting their ability to carry out normal operations. Against this backdrop several of the region’s growers and industrial users met, at the end of 2024, to look for a better way. One of the first initiatives of the group was to promote the formation of a water users collective – Heretaunga Sustainable Water (HSW).

What is the current situation?

Several industry representatives and local politicians have advocated strongly, on behalf of water users, to HBRC.
HBRC has taken this on board agreed to pause* the implementation of “actual and reasonable” until the outcome of the Environment Court process.*except for those who wish to accept the actual and reasonable allocation.

Why is it necessary to form a representative group (HSW)?

To be successful in governing our future, it is important that water users can speak as one group, providing effective and efficient pathways directly to major decision makers in water allocation – especially HBRC and if necessary, central government. This is a huge challenge to tackle alone and a united group carries more weight.
What will HSW do?

• Be the spokesperson for water users and lobby on their behalf
• Undertake and implement the strategic planning necessary to develop a fair allocation model. (The “founders” of HSW have already committed $50,000 to a strategic plan, compiled by AgFirst)
• Represent users in exploration of water security initiatives including water storage, aquifer recharge, recycling, efficiency and other demand/supply levers
• Raise funds and engage personnel (executive officer) to implement the strategy
• Be the administrative centre of HSW’s activities including management of the group database and communication with water users

What can you do?

The best thing you can do is join HSW. You can do this by scanning the following QR Code or via the following link:  Click here →

More updates:

• Growing Change Irrigation workshop in Hawke’s Bay – Orchard Grower Workshop and All Grower Meeting will be held on Irrigation workshop we have planned for 28th May 10:00am – 2:00pm: Irrigation Workshop (orchard growers only) 2:00pm – 3:00pm: HortNZ Policy Meeting (all growers welcome) at Armadale Orchards, 598 Te Aute Road, Hastings. Leanne Roberts and the Policy team present on regional policy activities. More info coming on this event – stay tuned.   

The Growing Change project invites Hawke’s Bay orchard growers to participate in a workshop focused on effective water and irrigation management. This workshop aims to assist growers with on-farm practices and support with compliance requirements. In collaboration with Irrigation New Zealand, the grower workshop will provide growers the opportunity to engage directly with water and irrigation experts. The workshop will be facilitated by Nick Adams, Principal Technical Advisor at Irrigation NZ, bringing over 25 years of experience in the irrigation industry. His background includes working with supply companies on irrigation system design, construction, and support for farms. As spaces for the workshop are limited, early registration is encouraged. To participate, please complete the registration form- RSVP here Following the orchard grower workshop, the HortNZ Policy team invite both fruit and vegetable growers to a meeting where the team will be seeking grower perspectives on current national policy activities, the Codes of Practice review and how it all fits together 

• Food & Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence Society Incorporated 2025 AGM will be held online at 2:30pm on Tuesday 10th of June 2025 – Call for submissions by 4pm Friday 9 May email admin@foodandfibrecove.nz 

• Freshwater Risks – Primary ITO Micro Credential – The micro-credential is suitable for growers, employers, horticulture advisers or those interested in furthering their knowledge in this area. It provides the ability to assess potential risks to freshwater values and ecosystem health from horticultural activities; identify biophysical and management risk factors; and recommend best practices to manage these risks effectively. 

The learning uses a scenario-based approach and can be undertaken entirely online. It takes three months to complete. The micro-credential was developed in collaboration with Horticulture New Zealand, to support the sector to understand and respond to increasing legislation and regulatory requirements to protect rivers, lakes and streams. Contact Gareth email gareth.howard@primaryito.ac.nz 

Reach out for support: 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with Wanda Douglas at 021 1700 506 or wandspsychology@gmail.com. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support each other. 

Warm regards, 

Callum Ross 

Chief Executive Officer HBFA 

NZAPI Newsletter – May

The promise of an excellent harvest has well and truly been exceeded, with one of the best years on record for New Zealand’s apple and pear industry. National harvest began in February with early varieties, including Royal Gala coming off the tree is excellent condition, with the last of the late season fruit heading to the packhouse as we speak. Packhouses themselves are a hive of activity up and down the country. The exceptional quality and fruit size from this year’s harvest has the potential to push the industry to exceed the billion-dollar revenue from last year, and has brought a real sense of optimism to the sector.

For the first time in many years, certainly since pre-COVID, everything aligned to set the stage for a remarkable year. Textbook winter and spring conditions were nothing short of ideal, particularly for our North Island regions of Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti; and while Tasman and Central Otago have faced a handful of – mostly weather-related – challenges, the overall crop remains excellent. In February, we estimated the national crop would likely come in at 21.0 million TCE (Tray Carton Equivalents). This was a significant increase of 10 per cent on the 2024 crop of 19.1 million TCE and a jump of 21% increase from the 2023 crop of 17.4 million TCE.

Judging on the crop coming through our nation’s packhouses now, we feel comfortable with the increase. This growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our growers, who have consistently strived to produce the best quality fruit. This year’s harvest has exceptional colour, eating quality, and flavour. It is incredibly clean and the storability will be as good as ever. The first shipments of this season’s fruit are already in markets overseas, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Demand in key export markets remains robust, with consumers consistently returning for New Zealand fruit.

As the picking season nears completion, there is confidence that this year’s crop will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of international customers. Looking ahead, while this season brings with it a real sense of optimism, it is a bounce back, not a leap forward. Sector growth and success remains reliant on getting the conditions right, and there are undoubtedly potential headwinds on the horizon. At NZAPI, our key strategic focus is ensuring the right levers are activated to deliver maximum grower return. Upholding the high standards that have made New Zealand apples and pears a preferred choice for consumers around the world, will become increasingly difficult if growers do not have access to efficient water takes and working capital, effective agrichemicals, confidence and commitment to the industry’s vital RSE scheme and sustainable, research-based solutions.

Market access and the confidence of global markets must also be carefully managed to allow trade to be conducted efficiently. NZAPI continues to advocate for our industry, ensuring these needs and priorities are heard loud and clear. However, it must be said, that when a season like this comes along, one so spectacular that the fruit looks like bright red Christmas baubles on a tree, it makes the task that much easier. This year’s harvest is a testament to industry resilient. It showcases how grower dedication is amply rewarded when the seasons align, and when that happens, New Zealand’s pipfruit industry truly lives up to its reputation as a world leader.

Jack Wilson

May 2025

Pruning, the first cut to next years success.

I like to think of pruning as the first and arguably the most important step to setting our croploads for the following season. It is a critical part of the entire production process.  Objectives need to be clearly defined and communicated to the pruning team.  Historical performance data is a good starting point.  Past performance needs to be carefully analysed on a block by block and variety basis to determine what pruning needs to be done.

Canopy volume, tree vigour and crop load balance drives yield and quality.  High yield performance comes from a full, consistent canopy volume, with low vigour but adequate early leaf area to drive fruit size.  High fruit quality is generally associated with calm canopies and good light levels throughout the canopy.

Vigour o many Hawke’s Bay orchards is far too high.  Once full canopy is achieved, only 20-30cm length of annual shoot growth is required.  Many orchards are giving shoot lengths of 50cm and more.  This represents wasted potential in terms of yield and quality. Looking at the previous year’s growth behaviour will give you indication on this years objectives as well as the response to last years pruning techniques.

Kia ora Everyone,

Its great to have heaps of students back in with the Fruit Production team this month.  Our Certificate in Primary Industry Skills has 20 students already completing their tractors and managing workplace risks courses and have fruit support structures coming up soon.  Another cohort will be starting next month.

Level 3 Fruit Production students start with soils next week, and the level 4s are starting crop protection.  They should have completed their first course of Complying with Market Needs.

The Level 5 Fruit Production Diploma has kicked off again with Horticulture Business skills, students are learning about budgeting and CAPEX planning. It was great to see the students after a ‘normal’ harvest season with them all commenting on the quality of the crop.  We would like to thank Allan Mouat for taking us around the packhouse and really delving into the efficiencies that can be attained and improved packout performance by fully understanding pack house class and reject standards.

We are looking to engage with your promising Post Harvest staff to find enrolments for the Post Harvest Diploma that starts in July. We need enrolments as soon as possible to keep our career pathway going. If you or your staff are interested, please get in touch at SHartley@eit.ac.nz. and see the link for a summary of the course.

Finally have a look at this excellent resource developed by the Food and Fibre CoVE, to help attract retain and grow staff https://www.employertoolkitnz.org/

All the best

Claire, Steven and Chris

April delivered Hawke’s Bay near normal rainfall after being a little underdone over the past couple of months.  The western ranges benefited the most, while the Wairoa area wasn’t so lucky and received only half the month’s average rainfall. 

Soil moisture across the region is near or above median levels for mid-autumn.  Bridge Pa, on the Heretaunga Plains, and Porangahau are the main exceptions.  Both are below median levels for the time of year and have been for about the last four months, meandering near wilting point for most of it.  Despite the rain hitting the ranges, river flows during April were below normal. Groundwater levels were mostly normal on the Ruataniwha Plains but evenly split between near and below normal on the Heretaunga Plains.  Air temperatures were very warm for April, especially overnight temperatures, which were 2.5°C above average.

The El Nino-Southern Oscillation is neutral and is expected to remain neutral throughout winter. That situation may continue through spring and summer, with no clear picture of an El Niño or La Niña emerging yet. There aren’t many key influences on our weather currently, though sea temperatures are above average for the time of year around New Zealand and through the Tasman Sea.   Seasonal forecast models tend to place us in an area of near normal sea level pressure and largely opt for near normal rainfall and near or above average temperatures. Hopefully, the next three months are as uneventful as it seems they might be.

All the best,

Kathleen

Presidents Report

As president I sit on the committee for the Napier Port Primary industry awards. I am also part of the judging panel for 2 of the awards. This is an outstanding event which only started to include horticulture in 2020. Leon Stallard was the inaugural winner of the Horticentre HB Horticulturist of the year. This is the only award specific to Horticulture, so it was a real pleasure to see our industry do so well in the other 3 open categories. A special congratulations to all 4 winners listed below

• Horticentre Trust Hawke’s Bay Horticulturalist of the Year: Liam Sykes, Ngāi Tukairangi Trust.
• Craigs Investment Partners HB Emerging Leader: Grace Fulford, T&G.
• Unison Hawke’s Bay Primary Sector Professional of the Year: Gary Speers, PGG Wrightson – (Fruit Fed)
• Heretaunga Hastings Primary Sector Industry Leader: Bruce Beaton.

We really punched above our weight on the night, and it was so good to see so many there from our industry in support.
Back in my Presidents report in September 2024 I wrote the following statement – truly believing this could be a great year for all growers – and a year that we all desperately need.

“So, is the 2024/25 season our time to shine. Is this a new year – a new season – a new day where everything comes together, and we produce an outstanding crop and put HB back on the national and global map as the best place in the world to grow fruit”

Well as we know it has been an outstanding growing year – our harvest season is in its last few weeks and for some has already concluded. We had outstanding spring growing conditions (without the abundance of rain we’ve had in the past) Budburst, blossom and thinning were all early this year. Size was shaping up to be above average, so everything was pointing to not only a good harvest but an early harvest. The cooler/rainy weather in January slowed things down (growth wise) but, the flip side to the colder weather was it brought our colour development earlier than usual in the apples. Harvest season for apples was early and from all accounts we had the labour we needed to get the crop off in a timely fashion. On that note I want to extend and big thankyou to all our fulltime orchard staff who work extremely hard through the year to help produce such a great crop. A big shout out to our harvest crews, our kiwis who come out to pick and tractor drive, the backpackers from overseas and of course our very much loved and valued seasonal workers from the pacific. Our overseas workers scheme (RSE’s) is an outstanding programme which benefits both growers and RSE’s.

Millions of dollars are earnt by our workers and taken back to the islands where it is invested into new business ventures, building houses resulting in the economic growth and prosperity for their communities. This is a win-win for everyone involved. The next vertical stage of our industry is packing the fruit. Reports from packhouses are extremely promising, with great quality fruit, high colour and yields resulting in high pack out rates of 80-90 percent. The next phase of course is the selling of our produce overseas. Our exporters had an excellent start, early harvest equals early fruit on the boats and into our global markets. The growers have done their part in producing an outstanding crop, the packers are hard at work preparing the best possible fruit to send overseas while our exporters are out in the world markets displaying, marketing and selling our fruit to the world.

We all needed a good growing year, our growers, our packhouses, our exporters, our region and our people. This is our year – our HB growers have had it tough – very tough over the past 5 years, but I’m believing we have an outstanding next 5 years. I’m a firm believer in that our best years are always ahead.
Coming up on June 5th 6th is our annual HB Young Fruit Growers Competition. We have our 8 finalists sorted and ready to go. Look out for where to book your tickets for this awesome night celebrating our young people and of course our long standing “Joe Bell” recipient for services to the horticulture industry.

Kia kaha
Brydon Nisbet – President – Hawkes Bay Fruit Growers Association

Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association update
Explore, Grow & Thrive – Welcome to April!

As April unfolds, things begin to get colder, and I dig deep into the sock drawer to find my Norsewear socks (my go to this time of year). With favourable conditions supporting harvest activity, growers are poised for an upbeat season. The sense of optimism is clear, and so too is the need for ongoing focus, preparation, and advocacy. Our region has demonstrated resilience in the face of past challenges, and now we’re seeing the rewards of that persistence.  

Still, as you know, a productive season doesn’t eliminate the broader issues growers continue to face, particularly when it comes to national policy consistency and water access. These remain at the forefront of our minds as HBFA continues to engage with key decision-makers on behalf of our members. Land and water advocacy is one of our top focus areas and recent discussions and submission on the FDS for our growers at HDC chambers on the 25th of March. Alongside our industry partners and grower members in support of Horticulture New Zealand’s concerns for the FDS process. It was great to see many of our wider industry presenting on the day.  We highlighted the lack of meaningful consultation with growers, particularly given the poorly timed submission period during peak harvest.  

HBFA strongly opposed the suggestion that ‘unproductive’ LUC 1 and 2 land on the Heretaunga Plains be opened for urban development, noting that much of this land is only underutilised due to lack of water access, not a lack of potential. We stressed the importance of prioritising water for food production over urban growth, warning that continued development without proper water infrastructure risks undermining the region’s horticultural future. We called for better consultation, smarter water policy, and a long-term strategy that puts food production first. In many cases, this land is highly productive or has the potential to be, pending access to water infrastructure. The core issue lies in water allocation, which currently prioritises domestic supply over food production.  

On a different note, preparations are well underway for this year’s Young Fruit Grower of the Year event on the 5th & 6th of June, and excitement is building across the region. We’re working closely with sponsors, judges, and industry partners to deliver an engaging, high-energy competition that not only tests technical skills but also showcases leadership, innovation, and resilience among the next generation of horticultural talent. From hands-on challenges to networking opportunities and the popular speech competition, the event promises to be a memorable celebration of our future leaders. Stay tuned for updates – and mark your calendars to come along and support these rising stars of Hawke’s Bay horticulture. Check out the details and winners from last year and our new website Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower of the Year Competition 2025 

Looking ahead: A year of opportunity to interact 

As we turn our focus to the months ahead, 2025 presents significant opportunities, from the potential for regulatory reforms to improved access to water. HBFA will continue to advocate for our growers, facilitate meaningful industry discussions, and provide the support needed to help you succeed. Please see below what’s happening in the region: 

Advocacy updates: 

• Water storage user group meeting – Communications for the event are coming next week (please keep an eye on our update for this)  

• Hort day out (Schools supporting Hort) 7th of May – is an exciting industry immersion event designed for Year 12–13 students from Hawke’s Bay and Tararua, aimed at showcasing the wide range of career opportunities in horticulture beyond traditional roles like picking and pruning. Held across Mr Apple, T&G, and Horticentre sites in Whakatū, students will rotate through six interactive modules covering topics such as robotics, crop economics, post-harvest science, and marketing each led by experienced mentors from across the sector. It’s great to see schools actively engaging in horticulture in Hawke’s Bay, helping inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, tech experts, and business leaders for our industry.  

• Water Allocation (TANK) – HortNZ are urgently working to clarify with HBRC the requirements of TANK consent applicants and will provide an update to growers as soon as they have that clarity. HortNZ is very aware that the 31 May 2025 date is fast approaching and want to give really clear advice to growers about what to do. 

• Food & Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence Society Incorporated 2025 AGM will be held online at 2:30pm on Tuesday 10th of June 2025 – Call for submissions by 4pm Friday 9 May email admin@foodandfibrecove.nz 

• Growing Change Irrigation workshop in Hawke’s Bay – The orchard growers workshop will be held on Thursday 19th of June from 10:00am – 1:00pm at Armadale Orchards, Hastings. Leanne Roberts and the Policy team present on regional policy activities. More info coming on this event – stay tuned.  

• Update on the Gene-Tampering Bill by GE Honesty – GE Honesty is a coalition of New Zealand farmers and consumers advocating against the proposed Gene Technology Bill. The group believes the bill threatens the country’s GMO-free status. They argue that the bill could undermine New Zealand’s agricultural economy, health standards, and international reputation by allowing the introduction of genetically engineered organisms without sufficient public consultation or oversight. GE Honesty emphasizes the importance of maintaining current regulations that have supported the nation’s GMO-free advantage for over two decades. They call for a cautious approach to genetic engineering, prioritizing natural and proven solutions over untested technologies. The group urges the public to join their campaign to preserve New Zealand’s natural advantage and ensure that any changes to GE regulations are thoroughly evaluated and publicly discussed. For more information, please see link below: The Gene-Tampering Bill | GE Honesty 

HBFA Grower Survey results:  

Our grower members unanimously support the introduction of a new worker membership category within the association to help expand our membership base. This initiative will strengthen industry representation, foster greater engagement across the horticultural workforce, and build a more connected and resilient grower community, more to come on this. We also asked our members some of the following questions.  

Reach out for support: 

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with Wanda Douglas at 021 1700 506 or wandspsychology@gmail.com. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support each other. 

Wishing you a prosperous season ahead, 

Warm regards, 

Callum Ross 

Chief Executive Officer HBFA 

HBFGA April 2025

Change is Coming –TANK Actual and Reasonable Assessments Forging Ahead
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council are starting to process on hold resource consents in the TANK Catchments. HBRC have requested further information by 31 May 2025 and view to process the bulk of these consents by 31 August 2025. What do Grower’s do now? If you have accepted the ‘Actual & Reasonable Use’ assessments made by HBRC or already provided further information, nothing is needed and HBRC will be in touch in due course.

If you have yet to respond, have a close look at the HBRC assessment and determine whether the volume is sufficient. If it isn’t, further justification to argue an increase utilising the seven matters of discretion HBRC have outlined must be provided to HBRC by 31 May 2025. These include accuracy of data, water sharing, crop rotation / redevelopment, and low flow bans. Cyclone recovery, and investment post 2 May 2020 can also be considered, but this will trigger a change in activity status. If you need assistance, speak to your rural professional.
Change is coming, and in the immediate term this appears to be reductions in allocation. However, with change also comes opportunity to improve.

At the individual scale; how efficient is your irrigation system? Can a better understanding of demand and site-specific conditions lower use and lower costs? Can those same improvements control vigour? Drive colour?
At the regional scale; how can you collaborate to drive the success of the primary sector? Does water sharing have a role to play? How efficient is the region and its produce and does this give a market access strength?
There is no doubt that the regulatory framework is going to deliver challenges with immediate effect to the Heretaunga Plains. Industry is going to need collaboration, communication, and resilience while this challenge is navigated.

Carl

Our March rainfall snuck into the “near normal” category, although it wasn’t evenly distributed across the region.  Northern Hawke’s Bay saw the bulk of it, getting 140% of the month’s long-term average, while most areas received approximately two thirds of their March average.  No wonder then that soil moisture in the north has been looking mostly okay but the likes of Bridge Pa, on the Heretaunga Plains, Te Haroto and Porangahau have been running at or near wilting point.   March river flows were below normal and ground water levels were dipping into below normal status too.  Daytime temperatures were about 0.5°C warmer than average but overnight temperatures were close to the March average.

Ex-tropical cyclone Tam is influencing New Zealand’s weather as I write.  Parts of the region could definitely do with some rain and at this stage it looks like we may get helpful rather than worrying amounts.  Hopefully, that remains the case.  The La Niña is history and we are in neutral conditions, although a bias to easterly flows is still likely.  This is due to seasonal forecast models favouring higher than normal pressure centred southeast of the country and lower than normal pressure to the northwest of New Zealand.  Sea temperatures around us are warmer than average and expected to largely remain that way.

Easterlies plus warm seas suggest rain might be forthcoming for our region, but they will be battling high pressure systems that have been reasonably effective in steering bad weather away.  We’ll soon know whether Cyclone Tam made inroads, otherwise the forecast for the next three months reflects a balance in the battle, giving us near normal rainfall and near or above average temperatures.

All the best,

Kathleen

Kia ora koutou,

I wish I could tell you what the future of EIT looks like . . . currently we are still in limbo as we work to show financial viability so we can regain our status as a ‘stand-alone’ organisation that runs its own budget and makes its own decisions.    If we become part of a centralised service, the regional autonomy will be lost, and benefits such as reduced fees for our fruit production program, and the actual continuation of the L5 diplomas may be at risk.  We also have the future of the work-based learning model in the melting pot – hopefully we will soon have some direction as to how the ITO and EIT work together in the future.  It’s all a bit of a worry to be honest!  We will be keeping you informed as the future becomes clearer.

We look forward to welcoming back students through May and can take new students at any level.  For more specific information contact Clare or Steven.

All the best

Claire, Steven and Chris