We are aware that many of you are currently running on adrenaline as you digest and respond to the trauma of recent days. Trauma is an emotional and psychological response when a person experiences high levels of fear or stress without having the chance to remove themselves from the situation. Some of the symptoms of trauma include:
If you are affected by stress reactions and symptoms to the point where they are continuing for longer than two weeks and/or are of increasing concern to you or those around you, it may be helpful for you to access further assistance to aid you in moving through them in a more proactive and healthy way.
HBFA has engaged Wanda Douglas to provide free and confidential psychological support to our members and their families. Wanda is a Registered Psychologist with the NZ Psychologists’ Board. She is based locally in Taradale.
HBFA will fund the first three one-hour sessions for any member of the association and/or their direct family members. Wanda can be contacted via her mobile on 021 1700 506
We also remind members and the wider rural community that they can also contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 if they have any wellbeing concerns.
Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association is proud to present Pick The Bay on behalf of our industry and with the support of a large group of sponsoring parties including Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, MSD, MPI, MBie, NZ Apples & Pears, NZKGI, Summerfruit NZ, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers and EIT.
Pick The Bay is a series of Job Fairs where jobseekers can connect directly with employers in the Hawke’s Bay Fruit growing Industry.
In February 2023, we are hosting two casual “pop-up” events in both Napier & Hastings (details below). Our employers are keen to meet you – so come along for a chat and score yourself a job!
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
If you can't make it to the Napier or Hastings Job Fairs in person - fill out the form below and we'll get in touch with you to talk about potential job opportunities.
The future of Hawke’s Bay’s horticulture industry was on display at the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Industry Awards last night.
The Awards recognise the achievements of students studying at Te Pukenga – the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) and Primary ITO, scholarship recipients and contributions to the horticulture sector.
The Emerging Achiever Award was presented to Kurt Livingston, from Fern Ridge Fresh for his demonstrable ability to positively impact horticulture through significant industry immersion and leadership skills that have strengthened not only his capability but his ability to develop and grow industry relationships.
“Kurt has developed strong relationships within the industry” says Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association (HBFA) president, Brydon Nisbet. “He has always made himself available to growers for a chat or orchard walk and participated in any industry meetings, field walks and horticultural field days such is his non-exhaustive quest for knowledge of all things in the pipfruit industry.
“He is always going the extra mile to ensure growers are supported and ensuring added value opportunities are sought and exhausted”.
David Styles, from Hawk Technology, earned the Fourneau Trophy for innovation in horticulture with the development of de-nesters, inserters and robotic packers – technology that is considered world-class and took five years to refine and test.
The Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Association Charitable Trust, in conjunction with funding from the Horticentre Charitable Trust, also provide 20 scholarships for Hawke’s Bay students working towards their Level 4, or higher, Industry Training Qualification. Excellence among those scholarship recipients was also recognised at the Awards night.
Horticulture New Zealand extension and engagement manager, Kate Longman, presented the HortNZ scholarships to eight Hawke’s Bay students.
“Each year HortNZ selects 30 learners from across the motu who are interested in the fruit or vegetable industry and are undergoing vocational training,” Kate says. “The recipients of these scholarships have demonstrated commitment and skills that HortNZ is proud to support on behalf of growers.
“The next scholarship round is open on our website – applications close 20 March 2023.”
Adam Bourke, formerly from Bostock NZ was awarded the Hawke’s Bay Organic Trainee of the Year Award. The Horrocks Memorial Award for overall excellence in Horticulture was presented to EIT student Lochie Dew and Primary ITO student, Navneet Kaur.
New Zealand Apples and Pears Inc chief executive, Terry Meikle, spoke at the awards ceremony, saying it was great to recognise and celebrate industry excellence.
“These award events are always the highlights in my calendar, as we get a chance to celebrate the future innovators, thinkers and leaders of our industry.”
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From a sprayer built in a garage in NZ in 1972, 50 years later Croplands and Cropliner have become a major contributor to the commercial spraying industry in New Zealand, Australia and further afield.
Croplands Equipment was founded in New Zealand by Miles Deck in 1972. He developed the now market-leading Cropliner airblast sprayer in response to New Zealand’s horticulture boom and the brand has since grown to become one of the most popular sprayer brands on the market, servicing the horticulture, viticulture, arable, compact and home garden sectors in New Zealand, Australia and beyond.
Croplands General Manager Sean Mulvaney said Miles’ initial motivation for producing the Cropliner sprayer 50 years ago was to create a machine specifically designed for NZ conditions, believing imported sprayers at the time were inadequate.
“Croplands has a long history of delivering practical solutions for farmers stemming right back to the development of the Cropliner in 1972,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on being resourceful and adaptable in meeting the needs of our customers – something Miles instilled in the company from day one.
“Croplands has been owned by Australian company Nufarm since 1988, but we continue to be guided by the strong family values that marked our beginning 50 years ago.”
“Our equipment is designed to help crops and farmers thrive. For example Croplands’ Quantum Mist sprayers are another example of cutting-edge technology being developed to meet the needs of customers.” he said.
“With its axial driven hydraulic fans, the Quantum Mist creates a turbulence among the leaves of vines or trees that produces unrivalled coverage and has been a game-changer in vineyard spraying,” he said.
“The Cropliner also remains one of our most popular products, demonstrating just how innovative Miles’ original idea was.”
Mr Mulvaney adds the collaboration with Nufarm and long-standing relationship with PGG Wrightson and Fruitfed Supplies in New Zealand has meant customers receive the best support possible from machinery purchase right through to application in the field.
“Together, we have a major focus on chemical stewardship. That means our customers don’t just get the sprayer, they also get the best advice in nozzle selection and best practice spray application as well.”
Here in Hawke’s Bay there is a special link to Croplands roots through Croplands Spray Shop owner Greg Deck, who is Miles’ son.
Croplands Spray Shop builds and sets up a majority of the new Croplands spray units for the New Zealand market and provides servicing and maintenance of these units for a large number of key Hawke’s Bay growers.
“I’m really proud to be able to continue the family legacy through my independent business Croplands Spray Shop.” says Greg. “After all it carries the name of something that has been a huge part of my life. Dad (Miles) recently moved to Hawke’s Bay and now pops in from time to time, to keep an eye on things!”
You can watch a great little 50-year history video interview with Miles Deck on the Croplands Spray Shop website, sprayshop.nz.
Croplands will be celebrating its 50th year by expanding its Australian operation in Adelaide and a number of new product releases.
“We will continue to partner with farmers across New Zealand and the world to bring them the equipment they need to be profitable and productive,” Mr Mulvaney said.
“Key to that will be our strong relationships with our dealer network.”
Earlier this month, NZAPI hosted “A Taste of India in the Bay”. The event was honoured with the presence of the High Commissioner of India to New Zealand, Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan (appointed September 2022), who made her first trip to Hawke’s Bay to engage with our apple and pear industry. The event also provided an opportunity for new and old exporters to India to hear from Chandan Ohri from Duco Consultancy, and Stephen Jacobi, Executive Director of New Zealand International Business Forum (NZIBF) following his first trip to India the previous week.
The High Commissioner’s visit started with a tour at Craigmore Sustainable’s Springhill orchard in Central Hawke’s Bay. The visit was led by Graeme Hodges and Ben James, and showcased the excellence in apple production in Ongaonga. Discussions with the Craigmore team included fruit quality, varietal opportunities, workforce training and upskilling, the industry’s young grower network, and international movement of leaders. Craigmore Springhill has an excellent set up and is ready to welcome the future in orchard management and automatization. The visit was wrapped up with an outstanding lunch of premium NZ lamb (courtesy of gourmet chef, Graeme) and a selection of seasonal vegetables picked for the occasion!
The High Commissioner reminded us that India is one of the fastest (and largest) growing economies in the world, following a swift recovery from Covid-19. The top imports from India to NZ are pharmaceuticals, travel and tourism, followed by machinery. Our main exports to India are timber, then travel, with fruits, nuts and wool following in third place.
The High Commissioner made it clear that we must step up our trade between both countries, and quickly. Trust and relationships are important. She recommended traders go and experience for themselves, interact with the locals, and learn how easy it is to do business in India.
The demand for goods – specifically high-quality, organics food items – is increasing rapidly. Fifty percent of India’s population is under 35 years old. It is estimated that fifty percent of the population are vegetarians, so fruit has a key role to play in their diet. There was emphasis that India is urbanising at a very rapid pace, buzzing with interest and demand for high-quality food products. Future premium apple and pear varietals could find a nice home in India!
NZAPI were pleased that HE Neeta Bhushan recognises New Zealand’s high-quality apples and pears, and to hear her express positivity for our relationship moving forward. The message on the importance of growing a mutually beneficial partnership was clear and the HC emphasised the counter-seasonal nature of our harvest.
Deals including joint ventures, seasonal tariffs, strategic alliances, and foreign direct investments should be contemplated. Stephen Jacobi made a clear observation that India is well-resourced with talented people and young people are India’s future and will be the path in our international relationship.
During the meeting we had the chance to showcase the ongoing efforts to maintain and deepen the apple industry’s partnership with India through the launch of the G2G video from Himachal Pradesh World Bank project. This has certainly laid an excellent foundation from which we can all lean in on. The partnership and collaboration captured in the following video speaks for itself.
Himachal Pradesh case study video LINK HERE
Sharing the NZAPI strategy with HE Neeta Bhushan and the members created clear views of possibilities for partnerships, collaboration and exchange to reinforce commercial links and strengthen future trade. This event laid an excellent foundation to continue our work together as we strive towards new approaches to help reduce or remove tariffs. We know it won’t happen overnight, but this relationship matters greatly! India is only going in one direction.
Finally, we would like to thank The Apple Press for the lovely gift presented to the High Commissioner. We look forward to having Her Excellency back again in the region once the harvest starts.
NZAPI Int Engagement Mgr. Dr Elena Duter
I hope this report finds you all well and looking forward to Christmas, which is a time (at least for a day), when we can forget about what’s happening in our growing world, relax and enjoy the company of our loved family and friends.
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t yet even turned on my irrigation this season – the rain just keeps coming. Warm, humid, and wet conditions usually mean a good size year but also a year where we will need to keep an eye on the potential for rots to occur and if there is blackspot in your trees a robust spray programme will be needed.
I’m aware our fruit returns for different varieties are all over the place this year with many still waiting for their finals to come in. Many growers are feeling the pinch of lower-than-expected returns and I’m even hearing of clawbacks on some varieties which isn’t nice.
I would like to encourage any growers who are struggling at this time to please reach out to your friends, other growers and neighbours and try not to let things get on top of you. We here at HBFA are also available, even if it’s just for a chat – remember, we are here to help.
Well, what a year we have had – here’s a quick recap.
2022 Harvest time was one of the most challenging seasons we have walked though – omicron outbreak, wettest season in decades which has ultimately affected the quality of our produce in market.
In May we had an amazing HB Young Fruitgrower of the year competition – with Maatu Akonga winning our section and going onto compete in the national grower of the year competition in Nelson. The event also afforded me the privilege of awarding Leon Stallard the Joe Bell trophy for his outstanding service to the industry.
In June we held our annual Industry Awards Evening. Congratulations to all the graduates – you are the future leaders of our industry! Well done also to Emma Sherwood, the inaugural recipient of the HBFA Emerging Achiever Award and Brendan Hamilton from H2ortigator who was awarded the Fourneau Trophy for innovation.
October saw the sad passing of Lawrie Cooke. Lawrie was a life member of HBFA and made a huge contribution to our industry – he will be sorely missed.
Our annual fishing comp was held in November. This (as usual) was a well-attended event with a packed shelf of prizes for our winners. Thanks again to our wonderful sponsors.
November also saw Regan Judd from T&G named 2022 National Young Horticulturist of the Year – the first time since Dean Astill in 2005 that a HB contestant has gone on to win the national title.
Midway through the year we welcomed Dean Smith to HBFA into the role of Business and Grower Engagement Manager. Dean is bringing a new level of professionalism to our organisation and is expanding our presence and influence.
Under Dean’s management we have established an Industry Resilience Project courtesy of funding from MPI, NZAPI, NZKGI and the NZ Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust. This project has already yielded the Pick the Bay employment expo and a suicide awareness workshop that was delivered in partnership with local program Mate4Life. Our Industry Resilience Project will be further ramped up in the New Year as we endeavour to offer additional support to the industry.
I recently picked up the book “100 Harvests” which was written by Rose Mannering to celebrate HBFA’s centenary in 1999. While thumbing through this book, I reflected on some of the immense challenges our industry has previously navigated, I found former HBFA president J. H Milne’s account of the 1936 season particularly poignant when he wrote “This year major calamities, including a destructive gale, a frost, and low export prices seem to be more than we can bear”.
For additional context, the pre-season export forecast for 1936 was for 200,000 cases – the quantity exported was 9,035 (less than 5%). The point is that our industry is resilient, we have overcome challenges before and by pulling together, we will overcome them again.
Finally, I would like to thank all our members, contractors, tenants, and newsletter contributors for their continued support of the association, and our executive committee who generously give up their time to serve our industry. A special note of thanks also to Graeme Hodges who recently stood down from the committee after many valued years of service.
As president it’s been a privilege serving HBFA and the industry this last year. I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and New Year.
Take care and kia kaha
Brydon Nisbet
HBFA President
This is an open invitation to all those involved in our industry – The Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Industry Awards Night is scheduled for February 2nd from 6pm – 9pm at Toitoi in Hastings.
This free event (no tickets required) recognises the achievements of EIT and Primary ITO horticulture graduates and scholarships recipients. It also acknowledges contributions to the local fruitgrowing sector with the presentation of both the Fourneau Innovator and Emerging Achiever awards.
Fourneau Award
This award recognises innovation in the fruit growing sector, which contributes to improved efficiency, sustainability or safety in the fruit growing community. The trophy itself represents the linkage between “man, fruit and innovation” and was created in memory of Kevin Fourneau and donated to the Association by the Fourneau Family.
This trophy is only awarded when applications meet the criteria:
Emerging Achiever Award
This new award recognises an up-and-coming individual who has positively influenced others in their workplace and has demonstrated qualities and outcomes that has positively impacted the business.
The recipient of this award will have worked in the kiwifruit, pipfruit or summerfruit sector for less than 10 years, whilst living and working in Hawke’s Bay. The candidate must be nominated by a HBFA member (company, grower or business) and demonstrates a keen ability to positively impact horticulture:
Horticulture Scholarships
Every year, the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Charitable Trust provides considerable funding to support Hawke’s Bay students studying horticulture. This year we are grateful for support from the Horticentre Trust to support funding towards 31 scholarship recipients. For more information visit here here.
In May 2022, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) announced new regulations on dam safety. The regulations provide a nationally consistent approach to ensuring dams are kept safe, and removes risks to your livelihood, property, livestock, and the community, should your dam fail.
Most farming and irrigation dams won’t be impacted by the regulations, as they don’t meet the height or volume thresholds. However, you will need to determine if your dam is impacted.
The regulations focus on keeping a dam safe once it is built, meaning they are separate to any requirements under the Building Consent and Resource Consent processes.
The regulations come into effect on 13 May 2024. This gives you time to prepare for your new dam safety responsibilities.
Actions you will need to take
Prior to 13 May 2024, there are two key things you will need to determine:
If your dam does not meet either of the thresholds above, then it is not impacted by the dam safety regulations and there is no further action you need to take regarding these regulations.
Where to go for further information and resources
MBIE has developed information and resources to help you understand whether your dam is impacted by the regulations and if so, what you need to do to comply with your new responsibilities.
These are available on MBIE’s Building Performance website and include a resource to help dam owners calculate the volume of their dam, an online learning module which provides an overview of the regulations, and a detailed guidance document.
Information and resources: Building Performance website.
Ministry for Primary Industries is proposing to hold a marae based workshop, to build cultural competency across the agribusiness sector.
Topics covered will include Te Ao Māori concepts and worldviews, Tikanga Māori values and practices/protocols, Māori land ownership dynamics and governance. This ‘beginners’ workshop is a safe place to ask questions and learn together.
This is a free one-day marae based wānanga (location and date TBC).
Registration of interest by contacting: slu.team@mpi.govt.nz
When Solomon Islander Brodie Hayward was a 25 year old in 2005, he knew he wanted to see the Pacific and to do that he needed to earn to learn.
Brodie was one of the first to come to New Zealand with the RSE scheme to Hawkes Bay in 2006 with Unipak. He met one of the recruiters in the pub in Honiara and he’s never
looked back.
“My first time on a plane, it was all a bit of sensory overload to be honest’ says Brodie. My primary school English came in handy as I and others tried to navigate work instructions and pay slips!”
I joined one of the first Vakameasina Essential Learning night classes and it definitely helped with confidence, budgeting, and life in New Zealand. I especially liked using the computer. I enjoyed it, I love learning and it helped me set goals”. “By 2007 and my second season I became a supervisor and tractor driver. I and others who have completed a Vakameasina course have a real season of pride and I have seen certificates hanging on walls when I’ve gone back home!” On the way Brodie learned abit more of his heritage and met local relatives, ’I am Solomon/Kiribati and Maori from my father who is Ngati Tuhoe.’
Unipak and his New Zealand connection meant Brodie could become a citizen. “One regret was I could no longer attend Vakameasina classes being a citizen rather than a seasonal worker!” However he loved being involved so helped out with translation and ongoing support of RSE workers.
Brodie has been with Unipak now T&G for 16 years. “They are a great Company and helped mentor my journey from an RSE worker to supervisor, leading hand to labour foreman and RSE Co-ordinator”
Brodie has since gone on to further study and completed up to Level 4 Horticulture certifications and been able to bring over his wife Mei and children to Hawkes Bay. “I had little milestones – be a good worker, learn new skills, advance in my Company whilst still sending money back home to support my wider family and buy our first home”. So far he’s hit all his milestones.
Background:
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s New Zealand Aid Programme, the Vakameasina RSE Worker Training Programme offers free education and development opportunities for all RSE workers across New Zealand. Vakameasina is an integral component of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, and supports both RSE workers and employers with foundational courses for living and working in New Zealand.
The larger outcomes of the programme are aimed toward participants leading development opportunities in their home countries. Vakameasina aims to support individuals to pursue their own learning and development pathways by helping to grow confidence with new learning here in New Zealand, and developing goals and action plans for applying learning and resourcing at home. Small Business Development, Leadership, Women’s Leadership, Youth Leadership, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Resilience, House Design and Build, Portable Water Solutions, Solar Power, and Small Engines are some of these elective avenues RSE workers can pursue.
