Presidents Report
By all accounts we have had an excellent winter with chilling units working in our favour. Let’s hope we can get back to some sort of normality as spring is just around the corner. Green tip has emerged already on some varieties. As the previous season has shown (even though most of us sprayed more than we ever have) diligence will be key to keeping our orchards clean and bug free. Market access has once again been an issue with growers and exporters this past season so it’s imperative our spray programmes are robust and fit for purpose for the 24/25 season.
The RSE scheme has had some very positive changes which I am sure our RSE employers are welcoming. Our industry bodies led by HORTNZ have done an excellent job in helping to bring this about. Please see link below for more information.
Immigration New Zealand’s RSE Newsletter dated 14 August 2024.
HBFA are always looking at ways we can serve the industry (our members) better. Over time, naturally, things change (or should change). There are too many stories of organisations / companies who refuse to change or adapt – Yahoo, Kodak and Blackberry to name a few. Now we are not in this league or business of course but the principals of needing to change and adapt remain the same. Status quo will only work for so long. In the past few years HBFA have grown in membership and sponsorship and our events such as the HB Young Grower add much value to our industry in recognising emerging talent. We work well with NZAPI and HORTNZ – as it’s imperative to build strong relationships and collaborate as much as we can with other industry bodies because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing really – to build a better future for horticulture. Our board of executives along with Callum are looking towards the future, what do we need to let go of to move ahead or what can we add to bring value to our industry!
We have thrown our support behind the “HB Regional Economic Development Agency” in their submission to the Government’s Vocational Education and Training Consultation. It’s extremely important to us and our industry especially, that we have a strong independent, EIT that supports our workforce and community needs with a vocational training system that is fit for purpose, affordable and supports our industry. EIT is the training hub for our people and it’s part of the preparation season for our future emerging leaders. We have an array of excellent tutors absolutely committed to the training and development of our future foreman’s and managers.
Our AGM is set down for Thursday 19th September. Details will come soon. I encourage as many of you to come and hear how our past year has gone and what we are looking ahead to into 2025.
I want to congratulate Dean Smith (Our previous GM) on his recent appointment to the Summer Fruit New Zealand’s new CEO. Dean had been an outstanding contributor to HBFA and I am sure he will add tremendous value to SFNZ
Keep an eye out for all of our up-and-coming events. The purpose of these events are for people/growers to connect, share and have some downtime.
Kia Kaha
Brydon Nisbet
New Zealand Apples and Pears wants to acknowledge Kelvin Taylor, who was named as the 2024 recipient of the New Zealand Apples and Pears Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award.
Kelvin received a standing ovation as he was honoured at the New Zealand Apples and Pears Conference Dinner on Tuesday, July 30.
A long-standing supporter of the New Zealand Apple and Pear industry, Kelvin is someone who has a very strong sense of community, said outgoing NZAPI director Evan Heywood.
“His leadership benefits not just Taylor Corp, but the entire industry,” he said.
“Kelvin’s family has been growing, packing, and exporting premium apples for over 100 years. He has always been a grower at heart and at the forefront of new ideas and technology.
“After Cyclone Gabrielle, he showed unwavering commitment, courage, and dedication to his company and the industry. When many would have walked away from the devastation and losses, he refused to let it be the end of his legacy. His priority was the community – offering the company helicopter for rescues and supply drops – and he stood up for horticulture, rallying local and central politicians, and hosting them onsite to see the devastation firsthand.
“This award is a symbol of our gratitude for Kelvin’s contributions and as an inspiration to all of us to continue striving for excellence in our industry.
“Kelvin’s passion, dedication, and vision have left a mark on our industry, and his legacy will continue for many years to come.”
Kia ora koutou,
We are in the heart of our busiest months with all courses half complete, mountains of assessments to mark as well as classes to prepare for, and already having to plan for 2025.
Our first year students have completed their program (CPIOS) and some have moved on to Level 3. We still have plenty of courses running for CPIOS, meeting employer requests. Warren Hales is now managing this course, so please direct your questions to him.
Level 3 fruit production students are at differing levels of completion – we start crop health this week that sees the overlap/log jam of new students with some who started in August last year and are almost complete. Classroom spaces still remain difficult to access which is why this course has not been split into two. Practical work students could be involved with includes repairing fruit supports, grafting, tree planting, pruning (of course) and irrigation maintenance, that class is coming up soon.
The Level 4 Growing Environment course kicked off the month. The class have been examining adverse weather and the various risks the current climate can pose to the orchard in a normal season and to extreme events. They are looking at weather such as frosts to understand how these conditions can be managed and the potential threat to our production goals.
Last week they visited an orchard that was arranged by Lara and Hannah at Fruitfed. We gave a Visual Soil Assessment practical and discussed soil tests to understand the capabilities of our soil and the management tools available to the grower.
The Level 5 Post-Harvest Diploma has started a new year. Labour Management is the first of four subjects this year. The course will delve into relevant legislation in which to manage our human resource with best intentions. The cost of labour, training and retention are significant; so we consider processes that may help to retain staff to improve the packhouse skill set and efficiency and performance.
The leadership and relationship management course will start on August the 23rd at Hastings. This will focus on what makes a good, (and Bad ) leader, and looks at the different aspects of leadership. By breaking these down we allow students to understand their leadership styles and think about how they can use this learning to improve their leadership skills.
Level 5 fruit production students have visited L.E.Cooke nursery to look at stool beds, grafting, and production of new trees for orchard development. This week the students are being hosted by Plant and Food to look at their variety breeding programs, disease breeding and disease management research programs. A big thankyou to these local organisations for giving the students this experiences.
Noho ora mai
Clare, Chris, Steven and Warren
Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Association Newsletter
Carl O’Brien
August 2024
Water water everywhere, but not enough in the TANK
As everyone is no doubt aware, water allocation on the Heretaunga Plains is being reassessed during the replacement of resource consents and many growers are facing significant reductions in their previous allocations. If you’re in that boat, a reminder that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has requested further information response be submitted by 01 September 2024. Note they have extended the timeframe until 30 December 2024 (you should have received an email from waterpermits@hbrc.govt.nz late last week telling you this). This extension will allow more mediation to occur, and it is likely to continue for the rest of this year. . Hawke’s Bay Regional Council have released guidance on situations where additional allocation may be justified within the policy framework, and these should form the base of response. Specifically, growers should be looking at:
The assessment process looks to bring a significant reduction in available allocation across the plains and with it potential for significant economic impacts, so AgFirst recommends putting your best foot forward in determining an appropriate allocation need for your enterprise. August has rolled around quickly and with the high degree of winter chill, comes the risk of an early season so be sure to budget the time to address Hawke’s Bay Regional Council prior to the season kicking off. If you’re unsure on what’s next or need some help, contact your rural professional for assistance.
A two-month run of wet weather came to an end in July. Most of the region received below normal July rainfall, apart from the Ruataniwha Plains and Northern Hawke’s Bay where totals fell within the normal range. The western ranges received only half the month’s average, while the Heretaunga Plains fared better with about three quarters.
The shortfall in rain didn’t trouble soil moisture, which remained above median levels for the time year and, for most sites, at or near field capacity. July’s river flows tracked a little below normal but groundwater levels were solidly near or above average. Daytime air temperatures were a balmy 1.5°C above average. Nights were warm too but only by an extra 0.5°C.
We remain in neutral ENSO conditions. A La Niña emerging in spring is favoured by forecast models but it isn’t a totally done deal. They’ve been gradually nudging development a bit later and notching down their certainty a peg or two.
For the time being though, the main influence on our weather appears to be the sudden stratospheric warming event that occurred over Antarctica. It disrupts the wintertime polar vortex, puts New Zealand firmly in the firing line of the westerly wind belt and results in the occasional blast of polar air. Sea surface temperatures are above average around New Zealand though, which should help to moderate the air temperatures. Recognising a westerly bias, the seasonal forecast for spring leans toward rainfall being near or below average and temperatures near or above average. Temperatures may end up near normal, but expect a wild ride between real highs and lows.
All the best,
Kathleen
Presidents Report
July has come around very fast, and we only have 10 or so days to go until August. This growing season looks like it’s tracking early because of early winter chilling days. I’m already seeing yellow daffodils out and about this last week. Everyone will be in the middle of pruning albeit with a lot of stop / starts due to the rain we are experiencing.
I’m looking forward to the NZAPI conference in 10 days’ time and hope to see many of our growers there. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Lesley Wilson on being confirmed as the chair of API and to Karen Morrish who has accepted the permanent role of CEO. HBFA are based within the API building, and we have an excellent relationship with Karen and all the staff. I would also like to encourage our growers to attend the RSE / Horticulture NZ Conference 28 – 30 August. Registrations are still open so please check it out on-line as there are some excellent speakers and topics that will be covered. This will take you to their website for information. https://www.hortnz.co.nz/news-events-and-media/events/new-zealand-horticulture-conference-2024/
I am aware things aren’t easy for many of our growers. We are in tough times – costs have skyrocketed in every arena and most of us are still waiting to how see how this year’s prices will pan out. One thing I know is that touch times don’t last forever, and better times are coming but, in the meantime, I encourage our growers to get the support they need around them and stay involved and connected with other growers. HBFA overseas the affairs of HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) and is chaired by Callum. Funding that was applied for is allowing us to host some exciting events that will be coming up over the next few months. The intention of our events is to bring growers together, get them out of the field, pack shed or office to connect with each other and have some fun. There is also a well-being thread involved with guest speakers set to talk on relative subjects. (More info on these events are in Callum’s Report)
HBFA has set the date of the 19th of September for our 2024 AGM – 7pm at Toi Toi, Everyone is welcome so please put these dates in your diaries.
Thank you to all our members for your on-going support of our association.
Kia Kaha
Brydon Nisbet – President HBFA
New Zealand Apples and Pears is very grateful to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for conducting a new report into the needs of the Hawke’s Bay horticultural sector a year after Cyclone Gabrielle.
The report found that at least $410 million in additional funding was required to recover the wider Horticulture sector to its pre-cyclone state by 2030.
This pro bono work and the support of BCG, at a time when horticulture is facing a multitude of challenges, is invaluable.
BCG’s report, Hawke’s Bay Horticultural Sector: Economic recovery update: a year after Cyclone Gabrielle, found that while the short-term, critical response to the cyclone was a success, thanks to a timely, joint response between the public and private sectors, at least $345 million more was needed for replanting and reinstatement and $65 million more was needed for on-orchard clean up.
NZAPI has already used this report and the resulting information in our ongoing advocacy work for the sector and have shared the report with multiple ministries as well as Minister Nicola Griggs who has recently returned from maternity leave. She read the report with interest.
The report was valuable as it confirms that growers in Hawke’s Bay continue to struggle in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. We know that the cyclone hit at a time when the industry was already facing pressure on profitability due to inflation, and replanting orchard blocks requires significant time and money.
We also know that growers are critical to the Hawke’s Bay community. They are deeply enmeshed, with their lives and families here, however for them to reestablish what was lost, they must be provided the right environment to work within and currently, this is not the case.
The full report can be found here:
As we move through July and look ahead to the challenges of 2025, it’s essential to stay informed, prepared, and resilient. The phrase “survive until 2025” resonates deeply, emphasizing the need for innovative thinking and agile readiness to meet upcoming challenges. The relentless and often unsustainable costs and the need for effective solutions add strain to an already pressured industry. Adapting to economic shifts has always been a hallmark of our growers, but finding balance in an ever-changing world remains a constant challenge. Let’s navigate the path to 2025 together, equipped with innovative solutions and ready to face whatever comes our way. We have some great events coming up for Wellbeing and Technical, sponsored by HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) including a new Cyclone relief fund for growers. For more information on these events keep reading!
Explore – Water allocation concerns in Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay growers are urging the Regional Council to pause the implementation of the TANK water plan while mediation is ongoing. Despite being in official mediation with 16 appellants, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has issued new water allocations under TANK guidelines, which growers argue are based on unbalanced interpretations of “actual and reasonable” volume calculations.
With mediation expected to run until the end of 2024, HBFA and NZAPI have expressed frustration over the Council’s decision to move forward with new allocations. We are calling for a halt to the plan’s implementation until mediation concludes.
Growers are not against managing the region’s water supply effectively but feel disregarded by the Council’s actions during this challenging period, which includes the aftermath of Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle. Hawke’s Bay is critical to New Zealand’s apple production, accounting for 60% of the nation’s output. Decisions impacting this industry have significant long-term implications for the region’s economy and the broader Pacific area.
We have recently created a toolkit designed to use grower voice to reinforce their role within the HB community, their care for the people, community and environment, and support the collective call from HortNZ, NZAPI and HBFA to halt the allocations of TANK water rollouts. For more on key messages and contacts email manager@hbfa.co.nz.
Grow – Supporting Horticulture Education
We train people to do tasks; we educate them so they understand why. Despite the tough times in the horticultural sector, with challenges like Covid, a cyclone, and economic headwinds, the staff at EIT have continued to deliver essential training and education programs for our horticultural employees. These programs are crucial for both new entrants and those upskilling in the industry. The HBFG’s awards night celebrates the achievements of young people and underscores the importance of continuous education, which is vital for advancing our industry. As Henry Ford wisely noted, “The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.”
During tough times, professional development budgets often get squeezed, but investing in education is essential for nurturing future industry leaders. Without proper training, we risk losing potential talent and facing a shortage of qualified people. Supporting the aspirations of our young workforce through education ensures they understand the importance of their roles and are prepared to innovate and lead our businesses in the future.
EIT’s tutors and staff have consistently supported our industry’s educational needs. However, financial constraints and declining student numbers put these vital programs at risk. It’s crucial for the industry to recognize the value of EIT’s programs, which provide comprehensive, industry-wide education rather than company-specific training.
The decline in student enrolment in the Level 5 Post Harvest and Fruit Production programs threatens their sustainability. These programs have produced over 30 graduates in the past five years, many of whom continue to contribute significantly to the industry. With no new students currently signed up for the upcoming Post Harvest Level 5 course starting in July, the situation is dire.
We must actively support these programs to ensure they continue to develop the future stars of our industry. If anyone is interested, EIT staff are available to visit sites and discuss the commitment required for interested employees. Let’s not take these valuable educational resources for granted.
Thrive – HAG Post Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Fund!
The HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) is seeking applications from Hawkes Bay growers effected by Cyclone Gabrielle for a new recovery fund!
We are aware that post Cyclone Gabrielle has impacted people in different ways and to assist us in refining how we deliver this fund, we would like to better understand your individual circumstances, specifically the needs where expert advice has been required to re-build reliance infrastructure, land use and plant variety. If you would like to apply we require you to answer the questions in our application (link below).
The applications and insights provided will also assist us in understanding the Post Cyclone impact on growers. We will individually assess each applicant that meet the criteria outlined in the form. Please click here to apply today!
If you have any questions in relation to this fund, or would like to access support, please contact us on manager@hbfa.co.nz
Mental Health and Resilience:
We are thrilled to announce an event series sponsored by HAG, in partnership with HBFA and Core partners, featuring the renowned speaker Elen Nathan. Elen Nathan is a Sensory Integration Occupational Therapist, founder, and director of The Playful Place – a neuro-diverse affirming paediatric practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. Elen is a passionate therapist whose practice centers around building and protecting young persons’ self-esteem and the whole family’s well-being. We have a limited number of tickets available for our Grower family. Please see the event details below:
Event One: Is it Sensory or Is it behaviour?
Date: August 8th
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Taradale Town Hall
Join us for a workshop series with Elen Nathan, Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration specialist! Wondering about the connection between sensory and behavior? Discover the nine sensory systems and their role in self-regulation, emotions, and behavior. This session is perfect for understanding what self-regulation is and why some children find everyday tasks more difficult.
Event Two: Connecting with Kids Through LEGO
Date: September 19th
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Taradale Town Hall
Building emotional resilience, self-esteem, social skills, and strong family relationships has become harder in this busy, fast-paced world. Anxiety, big feelings, and technology-fueled stressors are impacting our kids’ development and resilience. Join Elen Nathan, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, to learn what the latest neuroscience tells us about emotional regulation development, and ways to use your child’s love of LEGO to support the development of these skills at home. This hands-on workshop includes building with LEGO throughout the evening as we learn and build together – no building skills required! Each ticket holder will receive a complimentary LEGO set. Please note that ticket numbers for this event are extremely limited. For further information on these events, please visit www.healhb.co.nz.
To reserve your ticket for one of these events, please fill out the form below. We will get in touch with you shortly to confirm your attendance. RSVP here
Reach out for support:
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact me, Callum Ross, at HBFA, or directly 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 & Chairman HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group)
Winter Wet and Management Considerations
After a dry start to Autumn on the back of El Nino, this last week of June has brought a significant rain maker to bed in the wet season. Traditionally Hawke’s Bay receives most of its rainfall through June, July, and August and with soils now water logged, heavier soils are expected to remain water logged through to spring. The wet season can’t be avoided; however taking a look at what measures are possible to set up for the best possible spring start should form part of the winter programme.
While growing is often at the mercy of weather conditions, careful planning across the winter season to balance each of the operational and development tasks leads to successful execution and builds a strong foundation for a successful season.
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Its great to have busy classes back at EIT – the Level 4s are suddenly half way through their study, after a busy month. We expect their first three course assessments to be completed by the end of this month – if they are not, we will be contacting managers to discuss whether students should start new courses this year.
We have a large, mixed group of Level 3s: some started in August last year and will be finished by the end of this September, others didn’t start until after harvest. They have completed the pruning and growing environment courses already, and move on to block development over the next month, with a two day workshop for propagation and block layout. Attendance and participation has been really great from this diverse group, and we hope many will continue to Level 4 next year.
Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills students that started in January will be completed by the end of july, and there is the option to start straight into Level 3 fruit production with propagation as mentioned above. We have two other groups starting this year for this introductory course.
The level 5 fruit production students have completed the Leadership and relationship management course and will be starting their level 5 crop protection course in July. On the 28th of August they will present their research topic and we are encouraging the students managers to come along and support their staff. We will send you details nearer the time.
The level 5 Post Harvest program starts at the end of July. Anyone interested in joining this program should contact Chris Thorman at cthorman@eit.ac.nz for more details. Chris is happy to come out to meet anyone interested to talk through the commitment and work load.
Manawatia a Matariki nā
Clare, Chris, Steven and Warren.
