Welcome back to level one!
What an awesome feat, that we, as a team of 5 million have achieved. We have the worlds attention once again for being good at what we do, a view that we are a very determined nation with a great community spirit and tautoko.
This has some real advantages when it comes to food exports. Whilst some of the countries we export to are experiencing a somewhat sluggish economy due to Covid-19, the demand for New Zealand fruit, particularly kiwifruit, in countries such as Europe, are hitting records sale volumes. Healthy, nutritious, clean Covid-19 free food from New Zealand is in demand globally. It is on us to sell this and to continue to strengthen our position as a global leader in fresh produce.
Quality of Hawke’s Bay export fruit across the board was exceptional this year. With harvest now complete and very little moisture replacement, the need to look after our precious biological assets is very important if we aim to maintain this quality product and increase volume.
NZAPI are working closely with the government and agencies to navigate through the current RSE repatriation programme and looking for ways to get these people back home to their families. Some great initiatives are on the way to help increase the rate of return. Further discussions are being held around the stand down period (currently 5 months).
Some big changes for the region are coming. Submissions to the TANK Plan Change have now been extended 6 weeks, with the closing date Friday 14 August 2020. Be sure to have your say and follow this space, as it will affect your horticultural operations and require our extraordinary ability to adapt and succeed.
Further pressure is coming from the HBRC to ban outdoor burning all together. We, along with NZAPI and industry stakeholders are working in this space to ensure growers are heard and represented fairly. Air quality is every property’s responsibility to maintain and every property’s right to enjoy. If you are a property owner that burns materials you should not- such as plastic, tanalized timber and sopping wet wood, then we fully support the HBRC in their actions.
In this ever-changing world full of disruption and change, we as your Association need to adapt also. Over the past 12 months, we have made significant changes to the Association – changes in the way we operate and how we communicate, driving and inspiring the next generation of emerging young horticulture talent using HBFA social media platforms and communication tools to achieve this. We have real enthusiasm from the team to drive the Association into the next decade and beyond. I would like to thank the executive committee, the Executive Officer and Marketing Infusion for all the hard work they have put in. This has been no small feat and is still not 100% finished but we are nearly there. Thank you, team. YOU ROCK.
Protect
Bio Security
The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback on the proposed amendments to the Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Parts.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) is a temperate or subtropical species of stink bug native to Asia (China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan) and is closely associated with imported vehicles and machinery. Whilst BMSB is not present in New Zealand, it is considered one of New Zealand’s most significant regulated pests that requires management that is irrespective of country of origin. The proposed amendment comes at a time when the BMSB ‘high risk’ season begins in September.
MPI propose to add Moldova, Portugal and Ukraine to the list of BMSB risk countries and will continue to closely monitor vehicles, machinery and parts appropriately from countries where BMSB is a native pest. Likewise those non-native countries that are likely to experience much higher populations of BMSB over time due to lack of native competitors and predators will also be closely monitored.
The proposed Import Health Standard for Vehicles, Machinery and Parts was released for consultation on 14 May 2020 and will remain open for consultation until 17 July 2020. For more information visit: Import Health Standard for vehicles, Machinery and Parts
Foster
Employment/Labour
NZAPI are currently working very hard with government to fast track our RSE labour force to ensure they can return home as soon as possible. The cumulative effect of the pandemic and cyclone that hit the island communities of Tonga and Vanuatu in April, means it has been a long time since our RSE workforce have seen their loved ones. NZAPI are doing a great job of working through a priority list and we are all eager to ensure families can be reconnected shortly.
Education
Back to Level 1! Its been great to transition back to near normality for EIT staff and students. Face-to-face classes have started again as well as orchard visits.
A huge boost this month has been the announcement of governments support for vocational training, through a fees free scheme that will last until the end of 2022. It will cover all of the levels of course that the school currently offers from Level 2 to 5. From the 1st of July all programmes offered by the School of Primary Industries will be fees free. This is a great opportunity to train new employees that have come from a different sector without cost. If there is sufficient interest, EIT will have to look at creating a separate cohort.
Year 1 trainees are about to embark on fruit support structures. Pruning is very specific and often personal to a style so it is important that they adapt to the workplace procedures and show an understanding to the goals of the manager.
Year 2 trainees have started their Introduction to Soils and will be working on their weed identification.
Year 3 trainees have almost completed two of their six courses and with a condensed timetable this year , due to Covid-19 , there is a lot to get through before the end of the year.
Fruit Production Diploma consists of eight courses over two years, with the third course, Crop Protection due to start at the end of June. For those enrolling prior to the 1st of July, the courses would be fees free.
For further information, please contact EIT Tutor Gordon Reid on greid@eit.ac.nz or 06 8301851.
Promote
Many businesses, including ourselves can thankfully start planning our event calendar for the coming year, as we move out of Covid restrictions.
The renowned Fishing Competition will be held at the end of October/early November, the Industry Awards Night will be held in an exciting new venue on 28th January and the Young Fruitgrowers’ Competition on the 3rd-4th June 2021. Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds have also confirmed the National Horticulture Field days will take place on the 2nd and 3rd June 2021. Further dates will be released on our Facebook page and website so make sure you follow us and spread the word!
To make these events even greater, we are seeking sponsorship and have an array of digital benefits available to your business. The regions ability to attract young horticulturists into this dynamic, progressive industry, requires commitment from businesses and events to showcase what makes horticulture a great industry to be involved in. We’d love to hear from you!
We’re also excited to offer members advertising in our monthly newsletter. If you are interested in aligning your business with a dynamic and progressive industry association, please contact us for further information marketing@hbfa.co.nz
With the new branding and digital strategy in place, we’re pleased with the strong response to our new social media presence to date. Thank you, to all of our members new and old, for taking the time to check us out! If you have not already done so, please subscribe to our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, as we regularly send information through these social media channels – most of all, if you like what you see, give us the thumbs up!
With the focus now on winter pruning for orchardists, it has been exciting to see some key projects and initiatives that have been endorsed by government.
In September 2019, the Government released a discussion document on a national direction for freshwater called Action for healthy waterways. Contained in this document were proposals for a National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, and Proposed National Environmental Standards for Freshwater.
At the end of May and after months of consultation, an updated National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management has been released. For horticulture, the new regulations recognise the importance of the sector, enabling the industry to expand to diversify, as long as environmental bottom lines are met through audited Farm Environment Plans. A complex document, the plan will come into force later this year.
HBFA also applauds the governments backing of a new $27 million project aimed at boosting sustainable horticulture production.
“A Lighter Touch” project is a research programme that will shift the focus from traditional crop protection, to integrating biological and ecological processes into food production in New Zealand.
It is a collaboration between government and industry across the horticulture, arable and wine sectors which will enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a sustainable food producer by providing growers with methods and tools to manage their crop protection in new and more sustainable ways.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is a key funder contributing $10.8 million to the $27 million project. The rest – $16.2 million over the seven-year life of the project – is coming from New Zealand’s food and wine producers.
At a regional level, submissions on the Karamu Master Plan close on 30th June. This long-term strategic plan will ultimately guide future land use and development of the eastern side of Hastings. AN area rich in history and well known for its productive capacity, extensive engagement and consultation is critical to develop a plan that best represents stakeholders, communities and the long-term land use of the area. You can find more information on the Karamu Master plan on the HDC “my Voice, My Choice” website: https://www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz/hdc/
Last month we reported that HBFA made a submission to Variation 7 of the Hastings District Plan regarding seasonal workers accommodation. Both HortNZ and HBFA are contesting Part A, Issue 6. The Council is rejecting the notion that sites of less than 12ha in the Plains Production Zone should be able to provide RSE Accommodation. HBFA strongly believes that it should be the landowners right to choose the most suitable site for their business operations.
During 1 May to 31 August each year, specific burning rules apply to orchard properties both within and outside the Napier and Hastings Airsheds.
Some local Councillors are very keen to ban all open fires on orchards so it is critical that the industry adheres to good practices, if we want to retain our current privileges as an industry.
There are a number of alternatives to burning currently being used for orchard redevelopment, for example large commercial wood chippers and mulching.
Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers’ Association is working closely with Council and other stakeholder groups to help review current best practice guidelines for this winter.
In the meantime please follow these basic rules:
The current guidelines for orchardists can be found on this Burning Information Sheet and Quick Facts- what and when to burn
Immigration New Zealand has put together a short survey to help understand issues for RSE workers and Pacific temporary migrant workers. This survey will help inform policy and operational work that is underway within the horticulture and other industry sectors.
Please forward this link INZ Pacific Survey to your RSE workers and direct them to the Toso Vaka O Manu Facebook page if you haven’t already done so.
COVID-19 is having a significant impact on how we interact with others, go about our lives, our work, study and many other aspects of our lives. We know that a combination of stress and uncertainty can have significant and wide-reaching impacts on the mental wellbeing of people in New Zealand.
Workplaces that prioritise mental health have better engagement, reduced absenteeism and higher productivity, while people have improved wellbeing, greater morale and higher job satisfaction. The Five Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give) are simple and proven actions that workplaces can introduce to help their people find balance, build resilience and boost mental health and wellbeing.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing can also support workplaces to meet their health and safety obligations to manage risks to mental health and wellbeing. In this toolkit you’ll find a range of fact sheets, tips, tools and templates to make it easy for you to support your teams to build the Five Ways into their day-to-day lives.
To view a copy of the Five Ways Toolkit visit Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Hawkes Bays Endless Summer
Feed levels are extremely low for stock in Hawke’s Bay this year due to the prevailing drought conditions. Recent rainfall, although welcome, has not been enough to promote grass growth for winter. Farmers are keen to hear from anyone who may have grazing available or fruit, vegetables, or other types of stock feed to be distributed where the need is greatest. If you can get on board and help with drought assistance, please contact Ali Forbes Ali@ruraldirections.co.nz
Tile Drains Project
Improving the quality of our water in drains and streams in Hawkes Bay has been a focus for Hawkes Bay Regional Council for a number of years. High sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus loads in the Waitangi estuary (fed into from catchments such as the Karamū), are surrounded by predominately dry stock farming and intensive horticulture.
The overarching science required to develop robust rules around water quality has yet to be fully realised. More comprehensive data is required to fully understand the relationship between horticultural management practices, tile drains and lowland stream water quality- this information is either weak or non-substantiated.
The Tile Drains Project, an initiative developed by Agfirst Hawkes Bay, aims to provide scientific understanding of tile drainage effects on surface water bodies over time; to understand the specific timing, scale and source of the nutrients and sediment from when it leaves a cropping or orchard system through to tile drains and entering surface water.
Growers can then use this to decide whether actions are or are not necessary.
The Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Charitable Trust has committed $2,000 per year for the three years of the project.
Biosecurity
Technology is looking very promising in the control of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). Palmerston North Tech consulting company Beta Solutions has BMSB firmly in their sights with the company involved in the development of ‘Bugkilla’ – a one-stop solution for identifying, attracting and killing the BMSB.
Using pheromones and light waves, the stink bug is attracted into a chamber, a photo taken, then drawn in by a fan into an electric grate which then zaps and ejects the dead bug. Power is delivered to the trap through a small solar panel charging a lithium battery. Watch this space!
Employment
As an industry we have been extremely fortunate that our businesses were classed as “essential” and were given approval to carry on during harvest. Fruit production and growth in our industry is still growing which means more jobs will become available in all of our different sectors. This is great news for us.
With all the Covid-19 restrictions especially around immigration/boarders shutting up etc, our valuable RSE work force have not been allowed to return home to their own countries. There are also RSE workers who were due to come into NZ who now of course cannot due to the same restrictions. Because of this there had been a rallying around between those who have large numbers of RSE workers to distribute them around the country. Many workers (during L4) were re-deployed down to the South Island for grape harvesting and others which have been sent up north into the kiwi fruit sector.
Our local businesses/growers have done a great job in keeping the RSE workers employed amongst themselves with harvesting, juice picking, stone fruit pruning etc – well done to all our growers for stepping up and beyond to keep these workers employed.
In saying that, our RSE workers are really missing their families especially in Vanuatu and Tonga where the cyclone has caused much damage. Let’s hope the borders can open up soon so our workers can get back to their loved ones.
EIT Trainee Update
Covid-19 has created an opportunity for the industry to overcome the shortage of labour, but not necessarily the skill shortage. EIT (NZIST) is very keen to help both issues by attracting workers with a work ethic into the industry and training them in the core skills. Last week’s budget provided $1.6 billion for training and retraining, so there is plenty of opportunity in these areas.
Covid-19 and the consequent lockdown resulted in EIT classes being delayed and rescheduled. There is currently a revamped timetable in circulation. If anyone wants a copy, please email greid@eit.ac.nz
Classes resume this week with a combination of face-to-face and some on-line learning. On-line classes require trainees to have internet access/computer. We can help with the latter if required. Due to lock-down and the subsequent condensed time frame, a concerted effort will be required to get the trainees through this year which will put some pressure on everyone. However, we will remain supportive and flexible.
Year 1 trainees are heading into a busy time, with pruning in May and Fruit Support Structure classes in early June. The harvest part of their diaries should now be completed.
Year 2 trainees also have pruning and Soil Properties that start in May. The Botany classes that were scheduled have been delayed to August.
Year 3 trainees are also starting with pruning and next week the first class of Crop Protection.
Diploma in Fruit Production have been successfully joining classes online using the EIT on-line platform. There has been exceptionally good attendance and response to on-line activities.
The past three months have been testing times for businesses. The horticulture sector has been navigating their way through a world pandemic during harvest, which during any ‘normal’ year is challenging.
As an Association, day one of lock down at Level 4, was launch day for the website. Launch day represented 6 months of hard work, remodelling and a fresh new look for the Association. However, it also offered the Association the ability to deliver relevant and timely information to our members, particularly during these unprecedented times. All of the greater industry partners – APNZI, HortNZ and Zespri have also actively engaged in supporting our platforms and the delivery, of consistent information flow.
Industry events have been cancelled but as an Association we are passionate to see these events continue when the time is right. Keep an eye out on our events calendar on the website which is updated regularly https://hbfa.co.nz/news/
We have also reworked our sponsorship packages. Sponsors now have the opportunity to support all three events inclusive of one sponsorship package and we have incorporated plenty of benefits for our sponsors. For more information email executiveofficer@hbfa.co.nz. It is highly likely the timing of these events will change due to Covid-19, but we are excited for businesses who will be joining us in this next phase of HBFA’s journey!
Our new website www.hbfa.co.nz should be your first port of call for regional industry information. We’d love to get your feedback, photos and comments for our social media platforms: HBFA Facebook Page and HBFA Instagram Page or click on the social media icons on this page.
The Small Business Cashflow (Loan) Scheme (SBCS) has been introduced to support businesses and organisations struggling because of loss of actual or predicted revenue as a result of COVID-19. They must have 50 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees.
Organisations and small to medium businesses, including sole traders and the self-employed, may be eligible for a one-off loan with a term of 5 years if they have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Inland Revenue will administer the payments and repayments of this scheme. Applications will be open from 12 May 2020 to 12 June 2020 inclusive.
Eligible businesses and organisations are entitled to a one-off loan. The maximum amount loaned is $10,000 plus $1,800 per full-time-equivalent employee. The annual interest rate will be 3% beginning from the date of the loan being provided. Interest will not be charged if the loan is fully paid back within one year.
You can read the terms and conditions at IRD SBCS
So far 2020 has presented us with a world of new challenges and hurdles to overcome as an industry, as a country and as a global society. As we move through these troubling times it is impossible to know what the world will look like post Covid-19.
Covid-19 has taken the main focus for all since lock down but this has not been the only emergency happening across the country, wide spread drought conditions have also put extreme pressure on some growers and has effected our neighbors in agriculture quite severely. We at the HBFA are a part of the HBRAG which helps with responses to things such as droughts.
As I sit here writing this, our industry in Hawkes Bay has reached the end of harvest. This has been no small feat in the current climate.
Growers, packers and exporters have all had their seasons turned upside down and have had to adapt and react in a very short space of time, we are good at this as an industry as we deal with disruption on a daily basis when dealing with the range of variable of growing such as the weather. Nevertheless, the shift within business to ensure safety of staff and product has been nothing short of amazing. You all need to pat yourselves on the back. No, it was not perfect, some mistakes were made but we hunkered down, we have adapted and we will succeed.
With fruit off the trees the focus now is on cool store capacity, packhouse throughput, quality control and our export and sales plans. Covid-19 social distancing practices inside packhouses is challenging and from what I have seen and been told this part of our industry is also shining and leading the way. As we have moved into alert level 2 and hopefully level 1 in the foreseeable weeks, the world will start to come back online and operate. We are in a great place as an industry to share our learnings and help the recovery of our economy.
HBFA has launched our online communication platforms such as Facebook and Instagram as well as updating and refreshing our website www.hbfa.co.nz . This has helped us communicate important information out to you. It has helped share stories of success and innovation during these trying times. Collaboration on noncompetitive aspects of our business is a key attribute of horticulture in New Zealand and Hawkes Bay. Please check out our pages, like, share and follow to support your local association and to stay up to date with the latest news and information.
Lastly HBFA would like to thank Alan Pollard and his team at NZAPI for their tireless work representing apples and pears and helping growers navigate these trying times to harvest, pack and sell their fruit. Thank you to Mike Chapman and his team at Hort NZ for all of their hard work supporting NZAPI, KGI and the wider industry through this major disruption. Most importantly I would like to thank all of you for your efforts during Covid-19, rallying as an industry and shining. That is all on you. Well done.
Kia Kaha
Ben James, President HBFA
As we welcome the end of the season and the gradual movement out of lockdown, the impact on seasonal workers has been noticeable. Workers unable to travel home due to border closures, have shifted into other sectors and other regions, learning new skills until such time the borders are relaxed and travel is imminent.
At the start of the month , HBRC publicly notified the proposed TANK Plan Change. which is now open for public submissions. This extremely important plan proposes new allocation limits for ground and surface water. Horticulture NZ and HBFA are working together on the plan change. Submissions close 5pm July 3rd and we strongly encourage you to put forward a submission by visiting the HBRC website: TANK Plan submission
HBFA has been active in the Plan Change (Variation 7) to the Seasonal Workers Accommodation. RSE employers are being actively encouraged to move workers out of urban accommodation, and variation 7 has been created to assist with more options for accommodation sites. HDC have now released their decision following the hearing and the changes are summarised below.
Later this year the government is set to release the National Environmental Standards for Highly Productive land. It is hoped that this will give better protection for food producing land in New Zealand. We anticipate more activity around the proposed Karamu Masterplan later in the year.
HBFA made a submission to Variation 7 of the Hastings District plan regarding seasonal worker accommodation. In general, it will be possible to create RSE accommodation facilities in most of Hastings Industrial areas except for Whakatu, Tomoana and the Tomoana food hub areas. Plains zone limitation have changed with the ability to apply to accommodate up to 80 RSE workers on sites greater than 12ha.
There have been some wins and some losses for industry with both HBFA and Horticulture NZ submitting but overall the outcome is pretty good for industry and good recognition from Hastings District Council of the importance of the fruit industry and its people to the districts economy. To read the Hearing Committees Recommendations visit HDC Hearing Outcome
HBFA has been involved in initial consultation on the Industrial Land Strategy document drafted for the Napier and Hastings urban areas. The objective of this strategy is to recommend a plan that will accommodate industrial development over the next 30 years, but with land demand projections focused on the next 10 year period for the Hastings District and Napier City local authority areas.
The strategy will provide guidance to Napier City Council in its district plan review and to Hastings District Council for future plan changes involving industrial land.
HBFA requested consideration on:
