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Presidents Report

I want to start this report with congratulating Grace Fulford currently working at T & G Global for winning the 2024 National Young Grower of the year competition held on the 10th of October at Toi Toi. Grace also took out the winner of the young fruit grower section and the overall practical section of the competition. Well, done Grace we are all so proud of you. Later next year Grace will compete in the supreme “New Zealand Young Horticulturist of the year which will be held in Auckland. This competition includes other young growers from the Wine industry, NZ Arborists, Master landscapers, Amenity, Florist & Flower & NZ young plant producers. The past 2 winners of this competition have been won previously from our own National Young Grower’s competition. Our own HBYFG event is planned for early next June, so I encourage all our employers out there to encourage your standout employees and rising leaders to consider entering our comp. Details will be available early next year.

HBFA turns 125 this year – 1899 – 2024. To celebrate this, we are gathering many past presidents, executives, life members, dignitaries and key people who have been involved in our association to a cocktail event to celebrate this milestone. There is also a book getting written which will cover the last 25 years of the fruit growing industry in HB. This follows on from the first book written which covered the first 100 years of HBFA. This book will be made available to all our members once it comes out.

11th of November will see our annual Fishing competition get going. This is a standout event with over 100 keen fishermen from our industry enjoy a great day out and compete for outstanding prizes supplied by our sponsors – we so appreciate their willingness to support our industry.

As I drive around HB, I note the orchards are looking great. My blocks are currently around 20 days earlier than last year and I’m sure many other orchards are in a similar situation. This is good news, with everything pointing to early thinning and harvest windows. It’s shaping up to be a year where we will be needing to irrigate – “foreign” considering the last few years of very limited irrigation needed on most orchards.

I note the report put out by NZAPI in the media shows just how valuable the apple and pear industry are not only to our region but also to the national economy. This is great for NZ but as growers we need our orchard gate return (OGR) to significantly increase to make for happy growers. Currently our on-orchard and post orchard costs are so high that our margins for profitability are very narrow. This to me is the most important issue we are facing as growers, and we need to work together with industry and Govt to find solutions.

Take care – enjoy your time off this labour weekend.

Kia kaha

Brydon Nisbet

President HBFA

 

Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association Update  

Explore, Grow & Thrive – Take a breath, and grow! 

As October rolls on, the HBFA team is in full swing, gearing up for our 125th anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 2nd. In addition to the anniversary festivities, preparations for our annual Fishing competition are sailing along just as smoothly. Boats are already lining up, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the weather plays nice for the event! We’re thrilled with the steady flow of sponsorships and early registrations, and it’s been fantastic to see so much excitement.  

While we’re looking forward to these exciting events, we’re also deeply advocating some critical industry challenges. One of the most pressing issues right now as you know is water, particularly as it relates to the TANK plan and water allocation across our region. We’ve been working tirelessly to communicate essential water information to growers, so be sure to review the latest updates below. Additionally, we’re closely involved in shaping the Future Development Strategy (FDS), ensuring that our industry’s needs and concerns are front and center in these plans. 

From my perspective, having seen firsthand how these issues directly impact the livelihoods of our growers, there’s no time to lose in addressing water security, resource management, and sustainability. That’s why the council is also asking for your feedback on the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, and how we manage resources moving forward see summary below. The next opportunity for you to provide input on the plan will be at the consultation stage, anticipated in April 2025.  

We’re collaborating closely with partners like HortNZ, our office buddies at NZAPI:), and many other product groups, key stakeholders to tackle these challenges head-on. Together, we’re making sure our growers have a strong voice in these discussions and are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of our changing industry. Our shared goal is to ensure a prosperous future for growers, both in the immediate term and for years to come. 

Applications to replace TANK water permits that expire in May 2025 – Provided by Charlotte Drury 

Anyone whose water permit expires in May next year (2025) needs to make sure you get replacement applications into the regional council by Friday 29 November 2024.  HortNZ has spoken to the regional councils consents team and they have confirmed that as part of those applications, they will not require an assessment of the volume applied for against the definition of actual and reasonable water use. This is because the definition may change as a result of the TANK mediation that is still going on. The council said that when you lodge your replacement application they will calculate your reasonable use (using Irricalc) and also your actual use (based on the water meter data HBRC holds) and provide that information to you. 

Further information for water permits currently being processed by HBRC – Provided by Charlotte Drury 

The regional council are not asking for further information by 1 September 2024 any longer.  They will provide an update in early December about whether and/or when you need to provide it. You do not need to do anything in the meantime. If you have engaged a consultant to help you prepare a response to the further information request, and that work has been completed, then you should still send that into the regional council but if you were thinking about engaging a consultant to help you, you may want to hold off until December as there could be a change in what information the council asks for. 

Waste Management and Minimization Plan 2025-2031 review 

The Joint Waste Management and Minimization Plan for Hastings District and Napier City Councils is up for review.  Having a waste plan helps us prioritize our goals and activities. By law, it must be updated every six years. 

Instead of writing a plan and then seeking public feedback through consultation, we want the community to help shape the plan from the start. This will help us create a plan that is in line with what the community wants to see happen here in Heretaunga Hastings and Ahuriri Napier. 

To give us your ideas and feedback, go to myvoicemychoice.co.nz by 30 June. 

Video link: https://youtu.be/OOF1YjYDVHU 

HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) Innovation Lab & Hackathon event 

On Friday, the HAG group, in collaboration with its esteemed partners NZAPI, HBFA, The Brave Venture, and Workplace Wellness, successfully hosted the Innovation Lab & Hackathon event. This dynamic gathering brought together a diverse group of growers, students, and industry professionals, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and innovation aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing our industry. 

A special thanks to our sponsors, Galaxy Group with their picking platform and VSS (Vertical Spraying Solutions), for showcasing their cutting-edge equipment, providing valuable insight into the latest technological advancements driving efficiency and sustainability in horticulture. It was inspiring to see these new innovations, offering participants a hands-on look at how technology is transforming the future of our industry. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to EIT for the incredible students who brought their enthusiasm, creativity, and energy to the event—you truly helped make the day a success! Thank you Dave and Jen from The Brave Venture for running the days program you did amazing job for all involved. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated local Tukituki MP, Catherine Wedd. Her presence and her words, delivered with conviction and genuine empathy. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to have her join us, we appreciate her continued commitment to our community and support in addressing the issues that matter most to us.

Throughout the event, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, exchanged innovative ideas, and collaborated in teams to develop practical solutions to key industry challenges. By the end of the day, both growers and students had the opportunity to pitch their inventive and forward-thinking solutions to the wider group, highlighting the dedication, creativity, and teamwork that flourished during the Hackathon. 

We’re excited to provide a detailed update in next month’s newsletter, where we’ll dive deeper into the innovative concepts and strategies that emerged from this exciting initiative. Stay tuned for more insights into the groundbreaking solutions that could reshape the future of our industry. 

The feedback was great! 

“It was a great day, would love to see more of that. Connecting with young students who are passionate about their interests and have a lot of skills was really great! And they had good ideas. Also the facilitators were really good, well done to them.”  

HBFA Protect Foster and Promote dashboard below shows the number of projects are we across: 

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. 

Grower notice: WANTED Hydralada removable picking frame. Please contact Robert Best 0272310222 or 06 8367983. 

Enjoy the long weekend, 

Warm regards, 

Callum Ross 

Chief Executive Officer & Chairman HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) 

 

 

Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Newsletter

Jack Wilson

9th October 2024

Post Blossom Thinners

What keeps chemical thinning interesting  is the fact it’s just as much an art than a science. A great chemical thinning result is often caused by a plan based on history,  a good analysis on the seasonal conditions you have in front of you and plenty of walking blocks.  This season we are going into an early compressed bloom with great spring conditions allowing the bees to go hard and therefore the probability of fruit set being high.

With a number of primary thinners been used in those early weather windows we are starting to see their effects, some better than others.

Getting out and walking blocks is critical at this time of year to ensure that any tweaks you make to your plan are based on good observation.  Because of the current trend of  planting large blocks of single varieties, I am seeing a  fruit set gradient across blocks with headland trees and those in rows near adjacent varieties showing heavier set than trees further into the block.  Blocks need to be carefully checked for fruit set gradients and the thinning programme adjusted accordingly.

The post blossom thinning window is quite wide so there is no need to panic about getting thinning sprays on if the weather doesn’t allow. Weather always trumps fruitlet stage for secondary thinners and these days we are lucky because we have chemistry for most weather conditions.

Benzyladenine (BA) thinners are not very effective on fruitlets less than 7 or 8mm diameter, irrespective of weather conditions.  10 to 12mm diameter king fruitlet size is the preferred  size range and I have also seen good results out of 18 to 20mm diameter fruitlets ,  due to the tree being under significant stress at that time. The addition of NAA to BA will give you more effective thinning, particularly if you are going in at the smaller fruit size end of the desired range, however do not use BA with NAA on Fuji. BA and BA+NAA is temperature sensitive requiring >18oC for the next 2-3 days post application.

Metamitron is another post blossom thinner with a photosynthetic inhibitor mode of action. It has a wide window of application (6-20mm), with the best effect at 10-12mm. Metamitron has a greater thinning result under carbohydrate  deficit favouring conditions, including  warm nights, cloudy overcast days, high interfruit competition, shaded trees and general tree stress (waterlogging, frost etc.).

Keep walking blocks and observing, some say it’s the best chemical thinning strategy out there.

 

HAWKE’S BAY APPLE AND PEAR INDUSTRY INJECTS ALMOST $1 BILLION TO REGION

New research reveals pipfruit export growth is outstripping national export growth

Today, we release the results of a recent study into the economic impact of our industry.

The Economic Contribution of the New Zealand Apples and Pear Industry 2024 tells a great story.

It reveals how our pipfruit industry contributes almost $2 billion of total revenue impact to the New Zealand economy, and what’s more, it shares how the value and contribution of our industry is growing.

At a regional level, this is equally true for Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay’s apple and pear industry is the third highest contributor to the regional economy, injecting $991 million of total revenue impact into Hawke’s Bay, according to the research.

With 65 per cent of the nation’s apple and pear plantings, Hawke’s Bay’s pipfruit industry employs more than 6,000 people and makes up 77 per cent of the region’s horticulture revenue.

The report, conducted by MartinJenkins to reveal the economic contribution of the industry to national and regional economies, also found that the industry as a whole had grown its national export value from $347 million in 2012 to more than $892 million in 2023.

The growth in this export value has largely come from increased productivity, investment in high value varieties as well as the diversification of international markets, which means our sector is well placed to further align with the Government’s desire to double export value in 10 years.

However, while you might see a largely optimistic story in your local media, we know that this doesn’t reflect the difficulties the industry is facing.

We know that in the last two years, direct revenue growth has contracted to -0.5 per cent (from +8.2 percent between 2015-2020); we know that cyclone recovery is ongoing; and we know that conditions remain challenging across the board.

But this is exactly why we must use this report to showcase the value of the industry.

We are demonstrating what our industry can achieve when the conditions are.

We will use this new report to further encourage both local and central governments to recognise the value of the industry and work with us to ensure there is an operating environment that is conducive to growth.

With the right settings, the valuable role of our industry can be secured, and we can continue to produce the world’s best quality fruit right here in New Zealand.

So, while you might see a largely optimistic story in your local media, please know we see and recognise the difficulties, and will continue to advocate on your behalf to address these.

Discover key statistics here

Kia ora koutou,

Our teaching at EIT is winding down, with only one course left for the Level 4s, Human resource, which sits well at the end of their study year, looking at employment requirements and leadership skills such as conflict management.  These students have completed their plant growth regulator project that they will present to you, and evidence of this is part of the assessment, so please ask some challenging questions.  The fruit crop management assessment runs on through thinning time, and they will be gathering data on products used, information on pollination, and ending up with some crop estimation thoughts. Thanks to Garry Burlace from Horticentre for his lecture on chemical thinning, it would be helpful if they can now walk the blocks and listen to your opinion on how your products have performed this year.

Most level 3 students have one course to complete, with harvest and thinning classes over the next few weeks.  They have plenty of assessment work to complete, with irrigation and crop health due at the end of this month.

The level 5 fruit production students are on the final stretch of this years teaching.  They are completing the labour management course and now have the last of their assessments to hand in.

We had a fantastic visit to the very supportive staff at plant and food to see the root stock and apples variety breeding programs, and an informative visit the L.E.Cooke to see the commercial aspects of tree production. Thank you to all who have given their time to host us and give the students a wider understanding of the industry. 

The Post Harvest students are currently working through the Plant and machinery course where they learn about efficiencies, budgeting and developing a CAPEX proposal, not forgetting the OPEX requirements of any new bit of kit may require.

We have had some fantastic industry visits, Thanks to T & G for hosting use and showing use the new pack house in full flow. The box making, delivery, collating and palliating line is truly impressive. We will be visiting Hawk packaging tomorrow to look at the efficiency gains from the tray packing robots. Again a big thank you to all those who host us and give the students the wider perspective of the industry.  

The government has announced that horticulture will be supported by apprenticeship boost funding in 2025, but along with all other programs, only available for the first year of study.  We are still awaiting information on what fees for 2025 will be, our application for reduced fees, to try and keep them in line with 2024, is yet to be approved.

 Kia pai tō koanga

Clare, Steven, Chris and Warren.

We are seeing the influence on our weather of the “Sudden Stratospheric Warming” events that occurred over Antarctica during July and August.  The phenomenon has the effect of pushing an unsettled westerly flow over New Zealand, from which Hawke’s Bay can be sheltered at times by the western ranges.  The upshot so far is that July had below normal rainfall across the region, reaching 75% of the month’s long-term average.  August delivered a near perfect 102% of the month’s average rainfall but the Heretaunga Plains and Northern Hawke’s Bay were two areas that missed out and were below average for the month.  The end of September is almost upon us and we have received only 50% of average rainfall for the month.  The Heretaunga Plains could therefore clock up three consecutive months of below normal rainfall.

Soil moisture levels are holding up quite well nonetheless, with many sites sitting near median levels for the time of year.  Groundwater levels were near or above normal at the end of August and similarly river flows.  Air temperatures were balmy in August, especially daytime temperatures which were 1.5°C above average.

A La Niña event is still possible but hasn’t eventuated just yet and is expected to be relatively weak if it does.  The Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to remain neutral and not majorly influence our weather.  Sea surface temperatures are warmer than usual around New Zealand.

The predicted sea level pressure pattern for the next three months has an area of higher than normal pressure extending over New Zealand from the east and south, which suggests a switch from the current westerly regime to a northeast wind flow.  The warm sea temperatures should aid continuation of warm air temperatures, while rainfall forecasts are mixed amongst the forecast models but mostly settle on near normal rainfall over the three-month period.  My bike rides in the blustery westerlies have been hard going and borderline wild at times, so I’ll be quietly thankful for a respite.

All the best,

Kathleen

Presidents Report

Blossoms are a buzz with bee activity. The road to harvest is well underway. The 2023/24 growing season is now in the past. it was another challenging, but now we look ahead.

So, is the 2024/25 season our time to shine. It’s a new year – a new season – a new day where everything comes together, and we produce an outstanding crop and put HB back on the national and global map as the best place in the world to grow fruit. So far everything is looking good. We have gone through a very good winter, ideal winter chilling which helps with bud set. A cold winter with frosts helping to contain disease and pests within the orchards. Earlier than usual bud break occurred in stone fruit and pip fruit this spring which points to an early harvest season and an opportunity to get our produce into the local and world markets early.

HBFA held our AGM last week. We had a good turnout of growers come along to hear how our past year has gone. Here are some snippets of how your membership at HBFA has been working for you.

Since February, we’ve been working diligently submitting five formal submissions on behalf of the industry. These include addressing critical issues like the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s proposed rates increases and contributing to the TANK submission in partnership with HortNZ and NZAPI. We have also submitted alongside the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency on the future of EIT’s education and training system, aiming to strengthen the industry’s workforce. Additionally, we’ve supported growers through the recent changes to the RSE scheme and the Fast Track Bill.

The association is also concerned with Future Development Strategy (FDS) proposed by the Hastings District Council (HDC) and Napier City Council (NCC) for developing housing on high-quality productive land. We support the “Save the Plains” draft response to the FDS. If anyone would like a copy of this, please get in touch and we will send you a copy. It’s imperative that our good horticulture land is preserved for future generation.

HBFA have also focused on enhancing our digital presence. We’re working hard to refresh our website and social media content, resulting in a significant increase in online engagement—up by 22% over the past 90 days. Interestingly, our digital audience skews are younger, with most viewers falling within the 25 to 44 age brackets. We see this shift as extremely positive and shows a growing interest among the next generation. We aim to build on this momentum to secure a successful future for HBFA.

We also said goodbye to 3 of our executives. I’d like to acknowledge Andrew Mason, Shane Flynn and Tom Keefe. They have all had various lengths of time on the board and their input over the years is much appreciated. Cindy Dixon and Wendy Dowling were both re-elected for another 3 years and my role as President was also up for re-election. (President and vice President are up for re-election every alternate year) I put myself forward for another 2-year term and was re-elected. I’m grateful for the support of our industry.

We have the National Young Grower Competition being held in Hastings this year – 9th and 10th of October. Grace Fulford from T&G was our HB winner back in June and will be representing us all in the up-coming competition. Good Luck from us all Grace.

When I was a kid growing up in Hastings (Raureka was my suburb), as you were driving into town our slogan was “Hasting the Fruit Bowl of New Zealand” – and so it is, as growers we produce outstanding fruit for NZ and the wider world, whether it’s summerfruit, pipfruit, kiwifruit, citrtus, table grapes and berries of all kinds, we grow the best and should all be proud of what we do.

When our industry succeeds, our region succeeds – our people succeed

Kia Kaha

Brydon Nisbet

President HBFA

Growing Future Horticulturalists Internship Programme Evaluation

By Dr Lesley Petersen

Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (Food and Fibre CoVE) has recently completed the evaluation of the Growing Future Horticulturalists (GFH) Internship Programme, which is an initiative designed to engage Hawke’s Bay secondary school students in Years 11-13, offering them valuable exposure to the horticulture industry.

Launched in December 2023 as a pilot, the initiative is sponsored by Sow the Seed (Agricultural and Horticultural Science Advisory programme), Mr Apple, the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association, and, in collaboration with the Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA). The programme aims to address a significant challenge facing the horticulture sector: a declining interest in horticultural careers. By providing hands-on experiences, the programme seeks to inspire young people to consider horticulture as a viable and rewarding career path whilst also helping to bridge the workforce gap within the industry.

The pilot programme allowed students to immerse themselves in various aspects of the horticultural supply chain, including orchard management, post-harvest operations, and supply logistics. Its core objectives were to give students meaningful industry exposure and to prepare them for the workforce by enhancing their technical skills, core transferable (soft) skills, and their employability. A qualitative evaluation was conducted through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders: the intern students, parents, the programme coordinator (Sow the Seed), the co-coordinator and host organisation (Mr Apple), and industry leaders including the past CEO and programme founder, and current CEO of Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association. This approach provided valuable insights into the programme’s impact on students and its potential contributions to the horticulture sector.

The findings of the evaluation were highly positive. One of the most significant impacts of the programme was on students’ career aspirations. For instance, one student who began with little knowledge of the horticulture sector expressed a newfound interest in soil management and horticultural operations after participating in the internship. Students gained practical skills such as operating irrigation systems, driving forklifts, and understanding pest management, alongside core transferable (soft) skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

The hands-on learning approach, combined with opportunities to shadow department heads in areas such as marketing and quality control, offered students a broad perspective on career possibilities within the horticulture industry.

The evaluation also found that industry stakeholders, particularly Mr Apple, benefitted significantly from co-coordinating and hosting the internship programme. The company was able to showcase the diverse career opportunities available within the horticulture sector, positioning itself as a leader in workforce development and youth engagement. Hosting the programme also created opportunities for positive public relations, as seen when the programme was featured at the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Industry Awards night. However, some logistical challenges were noted, particularly in coordinating student schedules and ensuring continuous engagement throughout the internship. Improved communication between schools and industry sponsors, and a more structured approach to daily activities were recommended to enhance future iterations of the programme.

In response to the evaluation’s findings, a two-round model has been proposed for future iterations of the programme. Round 1, scheduled during the Christmas holiday period, would introduce students to core horticultural activities such as irrigation, pest management, and orchard operations. This phase would also offer elective modules aligned with students’ interests, such as marketing, project management, or quality control, culminating in a project-based assignment. Round 2, planned for mid-year school holidays, would build on the foundations established in Round 1, offering more advanced training and further immersion into the industry. This second phase would encourage students to present their project findings to their schools and the host organisation, deepening their understanding of the industry and reinforcing the skills they’ve developed.

One of the programme’s long-term goals is to create a scalable and adaptable model that can be used by other food and fibre sectors in New Zealand. For example, sectors such as dairy, viticulture, or forestry could benefit from implementing similar internship programmes to attract young talent and address workforce shortages. The inclusion of micro-credentials, such as certifications in forklift operation or food safety, has also been suggested to improve students’ employability and provide them with industry-recognised qualifications that are immediately applicable in the workforce.

To enhance the effectiveness of the programme, several recommendations have been made. Strengthening partnerships with vocational and tertiary institutions such as Primary ITO, Private Training Establishments (PTEs), and Massey University, would allow for clearer pathways from secondary education to tertiary horticulture programmes. Improving communication and outreach strategies, especially between schools and industry sponsors, would help ensure better coordination and attract a more diverse group of students. A more structured approach to daily activities, combined with weekly check-ins between mentors and students, would also ensure that students remain fully engaged and supported throughout the internship.

The pastoral care and mentorship components of the programme are also crucial for its long-term success. Mentors need to be provided with adequate resources to guide students effectively, offering support and helping them navigate any challenges. Regular feedback sessions between mentors and interns would allow for timely adjustments and help ensure a positive learning experience.

In conclusion, the GFH Internship Programme has shown great potential to address key workforce development challenges within the horticulture sector by providing students with meaningful exposure to the industry and helping them develop both technical and core transferable (soft) skills. The insights gained from this pilot programme have led to the development of a clear and scalable model that can be applied to other sectors within New Zealand’s food and fibre industries. By continuing to foster industry partnerships, improve communication, and enhance programme structure, the GFH programme can serve as a blueprint for engaging young people in horticulture and related fields. With its long-term commitment to nurturing young talent, the programme has the potential to positively shape the future of the horticulture industry, offering students a dynamic and rewarding career path.


For more information and to read the full report, visit
www.foodandfibrecove.nz. Stay up-to-date on all projects by following Food and Fibre CoVE on LinkedIn.

The new season is upon us and that means there’s plenty of key dates to mark in your diary. Ensure you don’t miss a thing by registering for the below field days and events now!

NZAPI Orchard Manager/Spray Operator Field Days

Tuesday 1st October, 9:40am or 1pm, Raupare Orchard (Ngai Tukairangi), 382 Twyford Road, Hawke’s Bay

As we start our first sprays on for the new season it’s a great time to check you’re setup for success with the NZAPI Orchard Manager/Spray Operator practical

These field days are for orchard managers and sprayer operators to engage in demonstrations and discussions around sprayer set-up, and to use tasks that are important in achieving effective spray application outcomes.

This is a 2.5 hour practical session that tackles the following topics;

 

Further information available here

NZAPI Market Access Forum

Wednesday 30 October 2024, Havelock North Function Centre, 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North.

The 2024 Market Access Forum will discuss industry market access performance, updates from PMAC, MPI, and the Ports, as well as market access updates for Japan, South Korea, and pears to Viet Nam.

In-person attendance is encouraged, however, a livestream will also be available (registration still required).

Further information here

Postharvest 2024

November 11-15 2024, Rotorua

Three conferences will come under the banner of Postharvest 2024 in Rotorua in November this year – Postharvest Symposium, Postharvest Pathology Symposium, and Fruit and Vegetable Health.

Thursday 14 November is the industry-focused day with morning sessions covering such areas as non-destructive assessments, food waste, consumer perception, pre-postharvest interactions, preventing disorders, gene editing, phytosanitary and disease cycles. Friday 15 November will focus on Food Safety.

Discover more, including the conference programme here

Kia ora koutou,  it’s wonderful to have such a cracking start to our growing season, fingers crossed it lasts.

Our Level 3 students have a lot of EIT work in progress – the final class for block development (irrigation) that goes with fruit supports, block layout and propagation, has just finished, and this assessment should be straight forward.  It asks students to describe standard irrigation pre-season and maintenance checks, so please get them involved in this.  Any opportunities to repair posts and wires, to be involved in grafting and tree planting will also help reinforce the class learning in these subjects.  This class are also half way through crop health, and should be documenting pest, disease and weed control methods for their portfolio, and again any opportunity to be involved in these tasks will be helpful.

Level 4s have completed growing environment and have three assessments with this course around extreme weather events, block layout and soil analysis.  They have just started fruit crop management which includes running a small trial at EIT observing the effects of different growth hormones on a crop.  They need to present this information back to you for feedback, so get some curly questions prepared.

The level 5 fruit production students all gave their research talks last week. The students have to carry out a small scale research proposal as part of the research course and present this to an invited audience. Steven and Chris mark the delivery on a range of requirements. The students all did a great job, despite a few nerves, and the invited guests were impressed with the quality of the research questions, the way the research was carried out and the final presentations. All great skills to have as a potential leader in our industry. The students are currently working through the labour management course with Steven, where they get to discuss the law and how it works among other labour management skills. This leads on from the leadership course, bringing together two key skills required in todays orchards.

The level 5 Post Harvest students have completed their labour management courses and are now working through the leadership course where we un-pick what leadership is and what are the key elements of effective leadership. This allows the students to reflect on their own leadership style and look for ways they can develop to make them more effective in their leadership roles. This week we are delighted to welcome Clare Reid (Easton) who will be doing some leadership development exercises with them.   

EIT has put in an application to Te Pūkenga for a fees discount again for next year. We hope the fees for 2025 will be similar to 2024. We will let you know when the 2025 fees are confirmed. We had good support from industry this year which enabled a discount on the planned 2024 fees and we hope to carry this over to 2025.

EIT is planning on being a regional polytechnic again with the proposed disestablishment of Te Pūkenga. We will know more about this in the new year. 

Noho ora mai

Clare, Chris, Steven and Warren