Presidents Report

I hope this month’s report finds everyone in good spirits and that the recent hail events haven’t caused to much damage for our growers. Other than that, we have once again experienced excellent spring growth leading into the start of summer. As I get out and about talking to different growers, there is a positive and confident vibe that we are heading for another very good harvest of apples with clean, large fruit on the horizon. The Stone fruit season is currently in full swing with high volumes of fruit moving into the domestic market. Kiwi fruit is shaping up to be an excellent season having high bee activity during the spring which we know is vital for fruit size and quality. They have had very good canopy growth due to the excellent growing conditions.

A couple of weeks ago I was in Wellington and attended the 20-year celebration of Horticulture NZ. They were formed in 2005, when the NZ Fruit Growers Federation (est 1916), NZ Vegetable & Potato Growers Federation (known as Vegfed est 1957) and the Berry Fruit Federation (est 1978) merged to become HORTNZ. Andrew Fenton was the inaugural President and Chaired the role until 2013.    I started on the board in 2020 as the “future director” and was then voted on the following year in August 2021 as an elected grower. Barry O’Neil was the Chair of HORTNZ at this time. (Barry recently stepped down after finishing his 9-year term on the board and is currently the newly appointed chair of the “Environmental Protection Authority” (EPA).  Bernadine Guilleux is the current chair of HORTNZ, and I serve as deputy chair.  We have a diverse board of directors coming from different growing areas in NZ. They are involved in a range of horticulture crops. But I can honestly say when we meet for board meetings, all the directors are focused on the growth, prosperity and concerns of all growers in every area of horticulture throughout NZ. The board also has 2 appointed directors who have various skills, experience and expertise adding real value to HORTNZ.

Here’s a little about what the team at HORTNZ do with your growers’ levy.

HORTNZ is the primary governing body representing about 4500 fruit and vegetable growers in NZ.

Some of the Core functions and activities are:

• “Advocacy and Leadership”. They are the national voice on behalf of growers working with central and local government to influence policy and regulatory decisions, advocating for workable environmental policies, RMA reforms & Biosecurity.

• Environment and Sustainability – HORTNZ helps growers adapt to environmental regulations and promotes sustainable practices. Key areas of focus are water quality, soil health and climate change.

• Biosecurity – HORTNZ is a signatory to the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) allowing partnership with govt on biosecurity readiness and response to protect industry from pest and diseases.

• Labour, Careers & Events – HORTNZ takes the lead on RSE, working with multiple government departments to ensure the long-term viability of the scheme.  They provide regional representatives and regional extension offices to help bridge the gap between growers and HORTNZ (Wellington) – (This will roll out to all areas in 2026) They support the development of young people by leading the Young Grower & Young National Grower competitions and the annual “Horticulture NZ Leadership course” They also host the RSE and Horticulture conference  (28^th-29^th July, 2026 – Wellington)

This is just a glimpse at what HORTNZ do for growers – They take the lead and support the product groups such as NZAPI and associations like HBFA in many of these areas.     Much of the work HORTNZ do is unseen, but you can be sure the team at HORTNZ and passionate and committed in what they do for you and work tirelessly on your behalf everyday.  Here is a one-page link to the “Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan” (AHAP) – If you go to the HORTNZ website they have the entire plan there for you to read.

https://www.hortnz.co.nz/assets/About-Us/Aotearoa-Horticulture-Action-Plan/A4-one-page-summary.pdf

On February 4^th we will be holding out annual “Industry Awards” evening in conjunction with EIT, to be held at Toi Toi. This is a great event celebrating our horticulture students who have completed their studies with certificate presentations and scholarships awarded. We also have our “Emerging Achiever” award and “Innovation” award presented on the night. All members are welcome.

On a final note – I want to thank all our members, sponsors and especially our HBFA executive team who give much of their time to serve our great industry.

Have a very Merry Christmas, take care of yourselves, enjoy your celebrations with family and friends, and remember our best years are always ahead.

Kia Kaha

Brydon Nisbet

President

It was a dry spring and it was rounded out by below normal November rainfall, which was only 71% of the month’s average.  The low rainfall was accompanied with impressively hot temperatures, both daytime and overnight temperatures were approximately 3°C above average.  It was scorching for the time of year, which doesn’t help the land retain the moisture it has.

River flows were well below average during November and groundwater conditions across the region were also below normal.  Soil moisture ended the season near or below average and the Heretaunga Plains remained a particularly dry spot.

The hot November temperatures were stoked by sea surface temperatures that were and continue to be much higher than average.  Apart from warming our land temperatures, they also raise the likelihood that storms hitting New Zealand will bring significant amounts of rain.  That relies on the storms reaching us though but so far high-pressure systems have been mostly successful fending them off.

That’s likely to be the pattern through early summer but eventually La Niña conditions are expected to become evident as summer progresses.  Therefore, the region could expect more northeasterly winds and a few more rain-makers visiting the region. Hopefully not Christmas Day!  Overall, summer rainfall is forecast to be near normal and temperatures near or above normal.  The La Niña event is expected to wane towards the end of summer, though its influence may linger a bit longer.

Presidents Report

Just a short note from me as I’m currently sitting in Addis Ababa Airport waiting to fly to Cape Town and then home next week. This year has gone so quickly and what a great spring growing time we are having. Thinning is well underway, and the different crops look good.

Early November saw our annual fishing competition get going. A big thankyou once again to all our faithful sponsors and the new ones that came on board. We cannot hold such events without your support. Thanks to all the anglers who came out for the day and congratulations to all our prise winners.

Our next scheduled event is the HBFA awards evening in conjunction with EIT in early February.

Well, I said it would be short – I need to get moving.

Have a good read of the other articles in the newsletter to find out what’s happening around the sector.

Kia Kaha

Brydon Nisbet

September turned out to be another dry month, with the region receiving only around 60% of its normal rainfall.
Rainfall was well below normal across most areas, with the Heretaunga Plains and Southern Hawke’s Bay receiving only
35% and 38% of average rainfall, while the Ruahine Range was the only area to record above average numbers at 130%
of normal September rainfall. The regional hydrology also mirrored these rainfall patterns, with river flows across most
catchments dropping to less than half of their typical September levels. Groundwater conditions, which had shown
slight recovery in August, deteriorated again this month, particularly across the Heretaunga Plains, with some sites in
both the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains recording lowest ever levels for the time of the year. Soil moisture levels
also echoed the dry conditions, sitting near or below average across the region.
On a positive note, air quality remained good, with no exceedances of PM10 standards recorded in any of the airsheds
this month. Temperatures brought a more spring like feel, with warmer than average days and slightly above average
nights for most of the region- hinting at warmer times ahead!

Presidents Report

It’s been a while since we last sent out our newsletter – August was our last one so a lot has happened in the Association since then.                                          So far, we have had an outstanding spring with the likelihood of another early harvest season. I’m sure everyone will be getting over the winds we have been having recently and what we really need is some rain – (I wouldn’t have been saying that 3 or 4 years ago but that’s growing – it’s either to dry or to wet. Stone fruit thinning is underway and apples wont be far behind.

We held our AGM back in September at our new premises Food East situated down Elwood Rd. Thank you to all those who came along.   Here is a brief from the night.

• HBFA acknowledged the passing of John Scott, Ross Duncan & John Moffit
• HBFA’s New constitution was presented and passed with a majority. If anyone would like a copy of the new constitution, please reach out to us and we will make sure you receive a copy.
• There were also two new executive nominations: Jayne Shearer and Greg Evans, both growers in their own right – they were automatically elected to the executive as there were no other nominees requiring us to have a vote. Since then, the executive’s have also nominated Hannah Grieves (Fruit Fed Supplies) as an independent executive for one year. We welcome them to the team here at HBFA.
• Tom Dams has been re-elected as vice president for another 2 years.
• The role of CE has recently been disestablished. We thank Callum for his contribution over the last 18 months.
• We also gave a special recognition to Richard Pentreath who has decided to finish his tenure with HBFA. Richard has been with us for around 10 years, during this time he has served as both vice president and president. Richard will carry on supporting us in various roles such as chairing the HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) and representing us at on-going water meetings. He will also continue as a trustee of the HBFACT.

On September the 19^th we held our second HBFA golf tournament. This is a great way for growers and suppliers to re-connect outside the orchard gate. We will be building on this event next year with the date being bought forward to sometime in May. So, keep an eye out for the date

Next Tuesday on the 4^{th of} November – (weather permitting) we will be holding our annual fishing competition. Another great day on HBFA’s event Calander.

We will soon be asking for nominations for HBFA’s Emerging Achiever award. I encourage all our growers to look out when its advertised and consider who in your organisation may fit the awards criteria.

Please see article from HORTNZ re the current RSE court case decision that will likely have some effect on RSE employers going forward. Let us know if we can help in anyway.

I attended the National Young Grower down in Christchurch back in September. All contestants performed extremely well, and it was great to cheer Sam Carter on from HB. The eventual winner was Phoebe Scherer representing the Bay of Plenty.

Brydon Nisbet

President

September turned out to be another dry month, with the region receiving only around 60% of its normal rainfall.
Rainfall was well below normal across most areas, with the Heretaunga Plains and Southern Hawke’s Bay receiving only
35% and 38% of average rainfall, while the Ruahine Range was the only area to record above average numbers at 130%
of normal September rainfall. The regional hydrology also mirrored these rainfall patterns, with river flows across most
catchments dropping to less than half of their typical September levels. Groundwater conditions, which had shown
slight recovery in August, deteriorated again this month, particularly across the Heretaunga Plains, with some sites in
both the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains recording lowest ever levels for the time of the year. Soil moisture levels
also echoed the dry conditions, sitting near or below average across the region.
On a positive note, air quality remained good, with no exceedances of PM10 standards recorded in any of the airsheds
this month. Temperatures brought a more spring like feel, with warmer than average days and slightly above average
nights for most of the region- hinting at warmer times ahead!

Presidents Report

We are once again on the cusp of another spring (although you wouldn’t think so it’s 11 degrees as I write this report) Green tip is just around the corner – Lets believe for another excellent growing year as was 2024/25. I’m hearing mixed reports of how fruit sales are going – some good reports and some not so good. I have always been a great supporter of industry collaboration in all senses of the word. We will always be better and stronger if there is alignment in our common goal of selling apples to the world.

I attended the NZAPI conference and AGM back in late July. Congratulations to the team at API who out on such a great event. There was plenty of takeaways from the array for speakers and good networking opportunities throughout the event. Congratulations to Richard Hill for receiving API’s services to the industry award. Richard also received HBFA’s Joe Bell trophy a few years ago for outstanding services to our industry. So well done to Richard to be doubly honoured.

The Horticulture New Zealand and RSE conference is set to begin next Tuesday and Wednesday at the new Takina Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wellington. HORTNZ’s AGM will also be held on Tuesday Afternoon at 4pm. This will be live streamed.

HBFA have been working hard to get our new constitution updated with the new Incorporated Societies Act. 2022. We will endeavour to put this forward at this years HBFA AGM on Thursday 25^th September. We hope to see as many of our members there as possible. Papers will be in early September. We have a new category of membership in our new constitution which will open more industry related people to join HBFA and potentially come onto the executive team. There will be more information on this coming out soon.

We have our HBFA golf day coming up on the 19^{th of} September. Please register your team and come along for a great day of golf, prizes industry networking.

All the best for the up-coming start to the growing season.

Kia kaha

Brydon Nisbet

President HBFA

Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association Update  

Explore, Grow & Thrive – Welcome to August 

August is nearly behind us, and with it another cold snap to remind us just how unpredictable the weather can be. As we look ahead, the team is turning its focus to some key events just around the corner, ones you’ll definitely want to lock into your calendar. 

The first is our HBFA Golf Day on Thursday 19 September. This year we’re adding a new twist. Along with the usual fun and friendly competition, we’re putting the spotlight on mentoring and connection. It’s the perfect chance to bring along a younger team member or someone new to the industry. Expect a relaxed day out, plenty of laughs, and an opportunity to share knowledge across generations. Golf Registration here 

Not long after, our HBFA Fishing Competition returns on Tuesday 4 November (1st attempt). Always a crowd favourite, the comp is one of our most popular events and we know plenty of you are already keen to get out on the water again. Registrations and full details will be coming soon, so keep an eye out. Both of these events are about more than just golf clubs or fishing rods they’re about taking time away from the orchard, connecting with others, and supporting wellbeing across our grower community. 

On the policy front, water use and compliance remain hot topics. HBFA has been at the table making sure growers’ voices are heard. Our message has been clear: rules need to be practical, affordable, and fit for the orchard. We’re pushing for risk-based compliance frameworks that support growers rather than working against them, and we’ll keep standing up to make sure policies reflect the realities of growing. 

There are also some national changes happening in the Resource Management Act (RMA). The Government has introduced a Bill aimed at making the current system easier to work with until a full replacement comes in 2027. One of the big changes is that Councils won’t usually be able to start new plan changes that would only be in place for a short time, but key processes already underway, such as the TANK Plan Change and the Napier Proposed District Plan will continue. At the same time, the Government is reviewing all the feedback it has received on proposed changes to freshwater and farming rules. The next step will be drafting wording, followed by another round of public input. 

For growers, the good news is there are no immediate changes to deal with right now, but there will be more shifts coming over the next couple of years. HBFA will keep across it all and make sure you know when it’s time to have your say. You can also read more detail from Charlotte below. 

RMA update: 

A couple of updates in the RMA space – these are both at the national level: 

• Changes to the Resource Management Act (to be enacted through the Resource Management (Consenting and other System Changes) Amendment Bill) were introduced to Parliament last week where they are currently being debated. There are lots of little changes – aimed at making the RMA more workable until the RMA replacement legislation comes into force, which is expected to be by the end of 2027. One of the changes proposed is to stop Councils carrying on notifying or hearing plan changes ahead of the new RMA being introduced (as these plan changes would be in place for really short amounts of time), but there are a few situations when this wouldn’t apply.  One of those situations is when a plan change has already been notified and heard, like the TANK Plan Change and the Napier Proposed District Plan.   When the wording of the bill is finalised, we will provide a summary of main changes that are likely to affect growers. 

• The Ministry for the Environment is now considering all of the feedback that was provided on the proposed changes to national policy for Freshwater and the Primary Sector. The next step in the process is that the actual wording of these changes will be drafted, before more public feedback is sought. Again – we will be keeping across these changes and let you know when there is a chance to have your say on these important changes.   

As always, if any growers have resource management related questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with and I will do my best to assist you. My contact details are 027 3225595 and Charlotte.Drury@hortnz.co.nz 

What can you do? 

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

Advocacy updates:    

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

Warm regards,  

Callum Ross 

Chief Executive Officer 

Some areas of Hawke’s Bay have now had three consecutive months (May, June and July) of below normal rainfall.  They are the Ruahine Range, the Heretaunga Plains and southern Hawke’s Bay.  It’s not a great situation heading into spring.  July’s rainfall found its way to northern Hawke’s Bay okay, the area receiving 138% of it’s July average.  So it’s a mixed picture across the region. July’s river flows were within the normal range for the month but again that was top heavy with northern areas near or above average and southern areas below average.  Groundwater levels are below average for the time of year.  Soil moisture is below median levels for the time of year on the Heretaunga Plains and far south of the region but near or above average in northern parts. The odds of a brief La Niña in spring or summer is edging slightly high than those of neutral conditions but it is still uncertain.  A negative Indian Ocean Dipole seems likely for spring though, which is another circulation pattern that raises the chances of wet rather than dry weather.  Seas are also warmer than average all around New Zealand which supports more rainfall if rain-bearing weather systems come our way.  Add to this a pressure pattern that favours more onshore easterly winds, whereby lower than average pressure extends towards northern New Zealand from across the Coral Sea and higher than normal pressure lies to the south of us.  It spells near or above rainfall for the region during spring while temperatures should be near or above average.

Kind regards,

Kathleen

Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association Update  

Explore, Grow & Thrive – Welcome to July 

As July brings its cold snap, we’re reminded once again of the ever-changing climate and the challenges it presents to our industry. Our thoughts are firmly with our Tasman growers and their communities, who have endured not just one, but two weather events in quick succession, and we stand alongside them during this difficult time.  

Closer to home, HBFA is looking ahead to some key events that bring our grower community together. We’re excited to confirm dates for a few favorites including, one of our most anticipated events is back! HBFA Golf Day Friday, 19th of September. This year’s event will include a special focus on mentoring and connection, supporting the next generation of industry leaders in a relaxed, social setting. As well as HBFA Fishing Competition Tuesday the 4th of November. Stay tuned for more details, registrations will open soon. These events are more than just a day out, they’re about strengthening our industry ties, supporting wellbeing, and creating space for growers to connect beyond the orchard. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Advocating for Growers: Water policy & compliance 

HBFA remains active at the policy table, particularly in the complex space of water regulation and compliance. Over the past month, we’ve contributed to critical discussions, supporting industry-wide positions to protect growers’ rights to manage their own water supplies in ways that are practical, affordable, and orchard-fit. 

Our message to decision-makers is clear: regulations must be risk-based, proportionate, and realistic. We are committed to ensuring any new policies work with growers not against them. HBFA will continue to represent your voice and work toward fair and sustainable outcomes for our sector. 

Wellbeing support: Continuing care for our Growers

We’re pleased to share that HBFA has extended our partnership with Wanda Douglas, continuing her wellbeing support services for another year. Wanda is here for our grower community who needs a confidential ear or guidance, whether it’s personal or work-related stress. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. Her support is available, free of charge, please see below contact details if you need help.  

Consultation Reminder 

Reminder that consultation on the proposed changes in national direction remains open until midnight on Sunday 27 July 2025.  Growers are encouraged share their thoughts on the proposals – either by providing comments to HortNZ or the district associations for inclusion in their submissions, or making their own submissions. Further information is available here: Package 2: Primary sector – Discussion document | Ministry for the Environment; Package 3: Freshwater – Discussion document | Ministry for the Environment 

What can you do? 

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

Advocacy updates:    

Upcoming event: Staff Management Seminar – 23 July 

FMG is hosting a Staff Management Seminar to help employers better understand and manage employee-related risks in horticulture and agriculture. 

Event Details:
📅 Wednesday, 23 July 2025
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Foodeast Haumako, 4 Hanuī Road, Hastings 

Topics include: 

• Loss prevention and claims trends – FMG 

• Fundamentals of staff management – No8 HR 

• Employment disputes and legal compliance – Kirsty Wallace (Employment Lawyer) 

Enjoy a morning tea on arrival, followed by lunch after the session. 

Spaces are limited, so please RSVP to advice.services@fmg.co.nz or use the registration link provided. This is a great opportunity to build your knowledge in staff care, documentation, dispute resolution, and workplace compliance. 

Thinking about entering the East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards? Or just keen to learn more? 

We’d love to invite you to one of our upcoming networking functions. These relaxed events are a chance to: 

• Hear directly from past entrants and Regional Supreme Winners 

• Learn how the programme works (and what it’s really like to take part) 

• Connect with sponsors, committee members, and other local farmers and growers 

• Ask questions, connect with others, and find out how we can support your entry journey 

This programme is about the journey – not just the outcome. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your farming or growing story, celebrate what you’re already doing, and be part of a community that values progress and good practice. This year we’ve also introduced a new initiative – some of our past Regional Supreme Winners have volunteered to act as informal mentors, offering first-hand advice to anyone interested in entering. 

Event Details 

Hawke’s Bay Function 

• WaterForce Hawke’s Bay – 2068 Pakowhai Road, Napier 
• Wednesday 24 July 
• Doors open at 5:00pm for a 5:30pm start 
• Light refreshments provided 

RSVP by Monday 22 July 

Gisborne Function 

• Venue TBC (Gisborne) 
• Wednesday 13 August 
• Doors open at 1:00pm for a 1:30pm start 
• Light refreshments provided 

RSVP by Monday 12 August Please RSVP for catering purposes: https://forms.office.com/r/HqBR4QZr7Z 

All are welcome – whether you’ve entered before, supported someone who has, or are curious to see what it’s all about! If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch. 

Brunch On Us – Connecting Our Grower Community 

Take a break from the orchard and join us for a casual morning catch-up over coffee and a bacon buttie. The Brunch On Us series is running across the Heretaunga Plains this month, providing a relaxed space to connect with other growers, share stories, and support one another. 

Upcoming Dates & Locations: 

• Twyford – Wed 23rd July
  Twyford Hall, Thompson Road 

• Omahu – Tues 29th July
  Shamrock Park, Omarunui Settlement Road 

• Bridge Pa – Wed 30th July
  Ash Ridge Wines, 2543 State Highway 50 

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm 

These events are for owners and managers—no need to register, just turn up.
Questions? Contact: hbadmin@ruralsupport.org.nz 

Reach out for support:  

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

Warm regards,  

Callum Ross  

Chief Executive Officer HBFA