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

NZAPI Newsletter – March

By now, you will have surely seen and heard about exceptional apple harvest current underway in Hawke’s Bay.
Not only are numbers up, but so is size, and flavour and storability are proving to be the best in years.
It’s just what the Hawke’s Bay’s apple and pear industry needs – not only as an economic injection into our sector, but also as a morale boost for growers who have weathered a number of challenging seasons. But, don’t just take my word for it. TVNZ’s Seven Sharp was in town this week and put this year’s harvest to the test.

See the clip here:

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/seven-sharp/episodes/s2025-e31

Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association update
Explore, Grow & Thrive – The month is almost over!

A strong finish, it’s all about timing!

As we move further into March, the changing weather patterns have brought a mix of challenges and opportunities for the horticulture industry. Across orchards, growers have had a good run with exceptional fruit quality, a testament to the favourable growing conditions that have supported healthy crop development. A combination of somewhat normal rainfall, optimal temperatures, and well-timed sunshine has contributed to enhanced fruit size, flavour, and overall yield. These conditions have not only benefited current harvests but also reinforced New Zealand’s reputation as a global leader in premium horticultural production. With international markets increasingly demanding high-quality produce, the industry’s ability to maintain excellence despite economic environmental shifts highlights the dedication and expertise of local growers. As the season progresses, continued monitoring and adaptability will be key to sustaining this success and maximizing market opportunities.

With that in mind, New Zealand’s economy showed slight growth in the final quarter of 2024, with a 0.7% increase in GDP, technically lifting the country out of recession. However, the economy contracted by 0.5% for the full year, weighed down by struggling sectors such as construction (-7.3%) and mining (-10.3%). In contrast, agriculture, forestry, and fishing grew by 4.4%, alongside gains in education, tourism, and healthcare. For Hawke’s Bay fruit growers, this resilience in primary industries is encouraging, though rising costs, compliance pressures, and market fluctuations remain key concerns. A positive sign was the first increase in GDP per capita (+0.4%) in two years, indicating improving productivity, even though annual figures remained down. Banks also seem to be playing catchup and, in some cases, interest rates decreasing five times from this year alone.

Despite economic challenges, New Zealand’s 0.7% quarterly growth outperformed key trading partners such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and Europe, sitting above the OECD average of 0.5%. While China led with a 1.6% increase, New Zealand’s positioning suggests relative strength in global markets. As the economy stabilizes, Hawke’s Bay growers must remain adaptable to shifting market conditions. HBFA continues to support members through advocacy, industry updates, and events, ensuring they remain informed and prepared for the evolving economic landscape.

A recent report from Boston Consulting Group which I’m really excited about called, “Future of NZ Inc: What Will New Zealand Be Known for in 2050?”, identifies sustainable food production as one of five key opportunities for New Zealand’s economy. The report emphasizes that New Zealand’s agriculture sector, which contributes approximately NZD 40 billion in annual exports, can enhance its global leadership by adopting sustainable farming practices.
To achieve this, the report suggests capitalizing on the growing demand for premium, environmentally friendly food products by improving sustainability and transparency in supply chains. Additionally, it recommends investing in research and development to reduce agricultural emissions, thereby maintaining competitiveness amid the rise of alternative proteins. By focusing on these strategies, New Zealand’s horticulture sector can strengthen its position in the global market and contribute significantly to the country’s sustainable economic future.
This report is the first stage of BCG’s investigation into the future of NZ Inc. Drawing on the robust expertise of BCG’s New Zealand team and the wealth of resources and access enabled by its global network, the study identifies five ecosystems for further exploration and many in our back yard here in Hawkes Bay:

• Agriculture 4.0
• Space and satellites
• Green tech
• Future of medicine
• Creative industries

See more here

Supporting horticulture:

The Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP) – a vehicle for collective progress

The AHAP was launched in 2023 to provide a framework for sector transformation. It acts as a guiding compass to achieve the ambitious goal of doubling the farmgate value of horticultural production by 2035 in a way that improves prosperity for our people and protects our environment. The plan was developed collectively, with input from industry, government, Māori and research providers. It belongs to everyone involved in the New Zealand horticulture sector. The plan enables organizations and individuals associated with the industry to align their efforts and investment towards a series of united actions to grow the horticulture sector sustainably.

Benefits from the framework are being seen already – many partners and stakeholders are actively aligning their strategic plans and work programes to deliver on the collective aspirations of the AHAP.

Launch of the AHAP progress update

The first progress update was launched at the Horticulture conference last month, and can be found here. The progress update contains a range of information including:
• the AHAP journey so far and next steps
• achievements to date
• insights from the stocktake and gap analysis
• the evaluation framework
• case studies

Further information on the AHAP (including the plan itself, FAQs, and projects completed) can be found here.

Looking ahead: FDS & TANK

Advocacy updates
• Napier-Hastings Future Development Strategy (FDS)
o The hearings on the Future Development Strategy are being held next week (Monday 24 March until Wednesday 26 March) in the Hastings District Council Chamber.
o Submitters who have asked to be heard will already know the time that they are going to appear, but if anyone else wishes to attend to listen, you are welcome too, as the hearings are public. Submissions from HortNZ, HB Vege Growers and HB Winegrowers are being heard around midday on Tuesday 25 March.
o Further information re the timetable and the Council’s reports is available here: Hastings and Napier Future Development Strategy | Hastings District Council

• Update from HortNZ re TANK water permit application process
HortNZ meet with HBRC earlier this week regarding the TANK water permit application process and can provide the following updates:
o The regional council confirmed they are not intending to push the date that you have to provide information by again, so if you don’t agree with you’re A& R volume (and you haven’t already provided information), you will need to do that by 31 May 2025.
o We are working with HBRC to organise an information session for growers to get clearer direction about what information you do need to provide. It is likely to be a webinar. The date has not been confirmed yet, but will be in the first half of April. Please watch your emails for details of this which we will share once confirmed. As always, if anyone has any resource management type questions please do not hesitate to reach out to either Charlotte Drury 027 3225595, Charlotte.Drury@hortnz.co.nz or Leanne Roberts, 027 546 1655, leanne.roberts@hortnz.co.nz

Again, a heartfelt thank you to our members, partners, and sponsors for your continued support. As you know contributions enable HBFA to champion growers’ interests, host meaningful events, and drive initiatives that strengthen our industry.

Wishing you a prosperous season,

Warm regards, 

Callum Ross 

Chief Executive Officer HBFA 

Presidents Report

No doubt everyone is in the thick of harvest and what a great season we are having. The weather is playing ball, colour seems to be good for all varieties, kiwis, back-packers and our RSE workers are here in abundance and doing a fantastic job of harvesting our summer fruit, kiwifruit and apples and pears. Theres something about growing produce that you know will go out into the world and allow millions of people to taste and enjoy our wonderful HB fruit.

Most will know that the HBRC have proposed a new dam and proceeding with a water storage proposal. Using pre-feasibility funding provided by MBIE, this dam would store around 27 million cubic metres at a site off the main stem of the Ngaruroro River. Pre-feasibility work has identified the site as technically, environmentally and commercially feasible. The dam would cost $225 million to build, with $6 million in annual operating costs. We also have the revised Ruataniwha Dam which has also received fast-track status, as well as receiving up to $3 million in Government funding to come up with a new feasibility study and detailed business case. Proponents – the Tukituki Water Security Project led by both farming and horticulture representatives. This dam would be built to store 100 million cubic metres of water. One thing we know is that there is growth in horticulture, and we will all need more sources of water for our crops.

You may have read in the paper the Future development strategy committee have had a submission from the “Heretaunga connection project” re to build 2000 homes (approx. 470ha) on our fertile lands between Hastings and Flaxmere. HBFA stands apposed to this along with HORTNZ. We will be submitting against this and represent our members at a special meeting held next week. We need to do what we can to save our fertile soils.

Our HBFA young grower applications went live end of February so please encourage any excelling staff you have (under 30) to give it a go.
All the best for the remaining harvest season – we all need this.

Kia kaha
Brydon Nisbet

Fortunately February, being the last month of summer, actually felt like summer. Unlike January, which had an identity crisis and made like winter.  February was drier than average, with the region getting only 58% of average rainfall and the Heretaunga Plains a lowly 38%.  It rounded out a summer that ended up with near normal rainfall courtesy of a wet start, an average middle and a dry end. 

River flows in February were below average for the time of year, while groundwater levels were near normal.  Soil moisture held up well in northern parts of the region and Central Hawke’s Bay but on the Heretaunga Plains were below median levels for the end of summer.  February’s daytime temperatures were near normal and pleasantly summery.  Overnight temperatures were 1°C above average.

ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to dominate through this year.  There are currently equal odds of neutral or La Niña conditions for next summer but it’s still a long way out.  Sea surface temperatures have been higher than average around the South Island and west coast of the North Island but closer to normal off the North Island’s east coast.

Over the three months ahead, the picture looks dominated by higher than normal pressure centred east of New Zealand, which gradually weakens and possibly shifts more to the south of the country with time.  Seasonal forecast models differ a bit though, which makes the outlook even more uncertain than usual.  Higher pressure in the east means we’ll still often see winds from an easterly direction, potentially bringing us moisture.  The strength of the highs, at least at first, could act as a barrier to lows hitting us significantly.  Near normal rainfall and near to above average temperatures over the period could be the result and near to above average temperatures.

All the best,

Kathleen

Progress towards improved access to new crop protection tools:

Insect pests and fungal and bacterial diseases love to feast on the fantastic produce that Hawke’s Bay grows – but we can’t share our fruits and vegetables with every organism. Crop protection products remain an integral part of good agricultural practice to ensure high quality, clean fruit. Over the past decade, the availability of new crop protection products has been hindered by slow approval process through government agencies responsible for approving new use claims and novel compounds. Although robust scrutiny is important, it has been taking more than five years for approvals to be granted – and that is after several years of field and lab testing for efficacy, safety, and residues.
In February the Ministry of Regulation released their report on agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review that aimed to improve the approval process for crop protection products in New Zealand by enhancing efficiency within the agencies and manage associated risks appropriately. The review found that the current system is effective at managing risks to human animal, and plant health, trade, biosecurity, and the environment. However, the current system does not allow for efficient and timely assessment of new products and results in excessive delays and uncertainty. These delays and uncertainty increases regulatory costs for new product approvals which are ultimately absorbed by growers. At the core, there is room for improvement through improved resourcing and strategic alignment between the two main agencies – Agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines (ACVM) and the environmental protection agencies.

Overall, the review’s recommendations aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and responsive regulatory system, which will ultimately support the growth and sustainability of New Zealand’s fruit-growing industry. Growers are expected to benefit in several ways.

1. Timely access to new products. Improvements to the efficiency of the approval process should result in faster access to new products. This can improve management of pests and diseases, leading to better quality and yield.
2. Enhanced global competitiveness. As an export nation, faster access to new products will help NZ fruit growers stay competitive on the world stage.
3. Improved Risk Management. Through better use of international data, risks associated with crop protection products will be efficiently managed without imposing excessive burdens on growers.
4. Strategic guidance and engagement. By establishing a sector leaders forum, engagement between regulatory agencies and stakeholders should be improved so that industry concerns are addressed strategically.

In summary, there are plans afoot to improve the efficiency of the regulatory system for new crop protection products and new use claims for existing products. Hopefully growers will see the benefit in the near future once the recommendations are adopted. If you want a long read, you can access the full 119 page report or the 16 page summary at www.regulation.govt.nz

Author: Dr. Sean Gresham, AgFirst Consultants Hawke’s Bay. Ph. 0274736015,
e. sean.gresham@agfirst.co.nz