I hope this report finds you all well and looking forward to Christmas, which is a time (at least for a day), when we can forget about what’s happening in our growing world, relax and enjoy the company of our loved family and friends.
I don’t know about you, but I haven’t yet even turned on my irrigation this season – the rain just keeps coming. Warm, humid, and wet conditions usually mean a good size year but also a year where we will need to keep an eye on the potential for rots to occur and if there is blackspot in your trees a robust spray programme will be needed.
I’m aware our fruit returns for different varieties are all over the place this year with many still waiting for their finals to come in. Many growers are feeling the pinch of lower-than-expected returns and I’m even hearing of clawbacks on some varieties which isn’t nice.
I would like to encourage any growers who are struggling at this time to please reach out to your friends, other growers and neighbours and try not to let things get on top of you. We here at HBFA are also available, even if it’s just for a chat – remember, we are here to help.
Well, what a year we have had – here’s a quick recap.
2022 Harvest time was one of the most challenging seasons we have walked though – omicron outbreak, wettest season in decades which has ultimately affected the quality of our produce in market.
In May we had an amazing HB Young Fruitgrower of the year competition – with Maatu Akonga winning our section and going onto compete in the national grower of the year competition in Nelson. The event also afforded me the privilege of awarding Leon Stallard the Joe Bell trophy for his outstanding service to the industry.
In June we held our annual Industry Awards Evening. Congratulations to all the graduates – you are the future leaders of our industry! Well done also to Emma Sherwood, the inaugural recipient of the HBFA Emerging Achiever Award and Brendan Hamilton from H2ortigator who was awarded the Fourneau Trophy for innovation.
October saw the sad passing of Lawrie Cooke. Lawrie was a life member of HBFA and made a huge contribution to our industry – he will be sorely missed.
Our annual fishing comp was held in November. This (as usual) was a well-attended event with a packed shelf of prizes for our winners. Thanks again to our wonderful sponsors.
November also saw Regan Judd from T&G named 2022 National Young Horticulturist of the Year – the first time since Dean Astill in 2005 that a HB contestant has gone on to win the national title.
Midway through the year we welcomed Dean Smith to HBFA into the role of Business and Grower Engagement Manager. Dean is bringing a new level of professionalism to our organisation and is expanding our presence and influence.
Under Dean’s management we have established an Industry Resilience Project courtesy of funding from MPI, NZAPI, NZKGI and the NZ Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust. This project has already yielded the Pick the Bay employment expo and a suicide awareness workshop that was delivered in partnership with local program Mate4Life. Our Industry Resilience Project will be further ramped up in the New Year as we endeavour to offer additional support to the industry.
I recently picked up the book “100 Harvests” which was written by Rose Mannering to celebrate HBFA’s centenary in 1999. While thumbing through this book, I reflected on some of the immense challenges our industry has previously navigated, I found former HBFA president J. H Milne’s account of the 1936 season particularly poignant when he wrote “This year major calamities, including a destructive gale, a frost, and low export prices seem to be more than we can bear”.
For additional context, the pre-season export forecast for 1936 was for 200,000 cases – the quantity exported was 9,035 (less than 5%). The point is that our industry is resilient, we have overcome challenges before and by pulling together, we will overcome them again.
Finally, I would like to thank all our members, contractors, tenants, and newsletter contributors for their continued support of the association, and our executive committee who generously give up their time to serve our industry. A special note of thanks also to Graeme Hodges who recently stood down from the committee after many valued years of service.
As president it’s been a privilege serving HBFA and the industry this last year. I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and New Year.
Take care and kia kaha
Brydon Nisbet
HBFA President
This is an open invitation to all those involved in our industry – The Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Industry Awards Night is scheduled for February 2nd from 6pm – 9pm at Toitoi in Hastings.
This free event (no tickets required) recognises the achievements of EIT and Primary ITO horticulture graduates and scholarships recipients. It also acknowledges contributions to the local fruitgrowing sector with the presentation of both the Fourneau Innovator and Emerging Achiever awards.
Fourneau Award
This award recognises innovation in the fruit growing sector, which contributes to improved efficiency, sustainability or safety in the fruit growing community. The trophy itself represents the linkage between “man, fruit and innovation” and was created in memory of Kevin Fourneau and donated to the Association by the Fourneau Family.
This trophy is only awarded when applications meet the criteria:
Emerging Achiever Award
This new award recognises an up-and-coming individual who has positively influenced others in their workplace and has demonstrated qualities and outcomes that has positively impacted the business.
The recipient of this award will have worked in the kiwifruit, pipfruit or summerfruit sector for less than 10 years, whilst living and working in Hawke’s Bay. The candidate must be nominated by a HBFA member (company, grower or business) and demonstrates a keen ability to positively impact horticulture:
Horticulture Scholarships
Every year, the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Charitable Trust provides considerable funding to support Hawke’s Bay students studying horticulture. This year we are grateful for support from the Horticentre Trust to support funding towards 31 scholarship recipients. For more information visit here here.
In May 2022, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) announced new regulations on dam safety. The regulations provide a nationally consistent approach to ensuring dams are kept safe, and removes risks to your livelihood, property, livestock, and the community, should your dam fail.
Most farming and irrigation dams won’t be impacted by the regulations, as they don’t meet the height or volume thresholds. However, you will need to determine if your dam is impacted.
The regulations focus on keeping a dam safe once it is built, meaning they are separate to any requirements under the Building Consent and Resource Consent processes.
The regulations come into effect on 13 May 2024. This gives you time to prepare for your new dam safety responsibilities.
Actions you will need to take
Prior to 13 May 2024, there are two key things you will need to determine:
If your dam does not meet either of the thresholds above, then it is not impacted by the dam safety regulations and there is no further action you need to take regarding these regulations.
Where to go for further information and resources
MBIE has developed information and resources to help you understand whether your dam is impacted by the regulations and if so, what you need to do to comply with your new responsibilities.
These are available on MBIE’s Building Performance website and include a resource to help dam owners calculate the volume of their dam, an online learning module which provides an overview of the regulations, and a detailed guidance document.
Information and resources: Building Performance website.
Ministry for Primary Industries is proposing to hold a marae based workshop, to build cultural competency across the agribusiness sector.
Topics covered will include Te Ao Māori concepts and worldviews, Tikanga Māori values and practices/protocols, Māori land ownership dynamics and governance. This ‘beginners’ workshop is a safe place to ask questions and learn together.
This is a free one-day marae based wānanga (location and date TBC).
Registration of interest by contacting: slu.team@mpi.govt.nz
When Solomon Islander Brodie Hayward was a 25 year old in 2005, he knew he wanted to see the Pacific and to do that he needed to earn to learn.
Brodie was one of the first to come to New Zealand with the RSE scheme to Hawkes Bay in 2006 with Unipak. He met one of the recruiters in the pub in Honiara and he’s never
looked back.
“My first time on a plane, it was all a bit of sensory overload to be honest’ says Brodie. My primary school English came in handy as I and others tried to navigate work instructions and pay slips!”
I joined one of the first Vakameasina Essential Learning night classes and it definitely helped with confidence, budgeting, and life in New Zealand. I especially liked using the computer. I enjoyed it, I love learning and it helped me set goals”. “By 2007 and my second season I became a supervisor and tractor driver. I and others who have completed a Vakameasina course have a real season of pride and I have seen certificates hanging on walls when I’ve gone back home!” On the way Brodie learned abit more of his heritage and met local relatives, ’I am Solomon/Kiribati and Maori from my father who is Ngati Tuhoe.’
Unipak and his New Zealand connection meant Brodie could become a citizen. “One regret was I could no longer attend Vakameasina classes being a citizen rather than a seasonal worker!” However he loved being involved so helped out with translation and ongoing support of RSE workers.
Brodie has been with Unipak now T&G for 16 years. “They are a great Company and helped mentor my journey from an RSE worker to supervisor, leading hand to labour foreman and RSE Co-ordinator”
Brodie has since gone on to further study and completed up to Level 4 Horticulture certifications and been able to bring over his wife Mei and children to Hawkes Bay. “I had little milestones – be a good worker, learn new skills, advance in my Company whilst still sending money back home to support my wider family and buy our first home”. So far he’s hit all his milestones.
Background:
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s New Zealand Aid Programme, the Vakameasina RSE Worker Training Programme offers free education and development opportunities for all RSE workers across New Zealand. Vakameasina is an integral component of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme, and supports both RSE workers and employers with foundational courses for living and working in New Zealand.
The larger outcomes of the programme are aimed toward participants leading development opportunities in their home countries. Vakameasina aims to support individuals to pursue their own learning and development pathways by helping to grow confidence with new learning here in New Zealand, and developing goals and action plans for applying learning and resourcing at home. Small Business Development, Leadership, Women’s Leadership, Youth Leadership, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Resilience, House Design and Build, Portable Water Solutions, Solar Power, and Small Engines are some of these elective avenues RSE workers can pursue.
We’ve almost made it to the end of the year! I’ve heard from many that this has been one of the most trying years in recent memory. So much so, that many of the significant events seem to blur into each other. Harvest this year started with the insecurity of COVID-19 impacting upon the availability of labour, as well as meeting export protocols. Fruit quality quickly became a central issue across the whole supply chain resulting in a significant dip in Grower profitability. NZKGI Executive members Mark Mayston and Sally Gardiner have provided a podcast in this newsletter which cover their experiences of a recent trip to Europe to investigate the quality of our kiwifruit in market (here).
The year ended with rough weather, hitting orchards with frost as well as warmer conditions creating a highly variable bud break and setting us up with a significantly reduced forecast volume of 144 million trays for next year, down from the around 200 million trays forecast in the Zespri 5-year Outlook.
Next year is going to be another big one for Growers. In addition to Zespri share alignment, a longer-term quality solution and the enduring funding margin to re-negotiate, we have the RSE policy review amongst a plethora of other policy regulation to wade through as well as a national election where we will be outlining our policy position across the various parties.
Most importantly, we have the financial pressure from reduced volumes which will see everyone tightening their belts. There are many Growers doing it tough out there. We will also come to a conclusion on the EPAs decision on the use of Hi-Cane as well as the Gisborne Rates appeal. Make no mistake, NZKGI is advocating hard for Growers in both of these areas.
Make sure you recharge your batteries before the new year begins. We are all going to have to work smartly and collaboratively to get the maximum value out of our smaller volume.
– NZKGI CEO Colin Bond
Seasons Greetings to you All
A few brief RMA updates this month – TANK proceedings, the WCO, RMA changes, Kotahi
TANK proceedings
The regional council is working to understand the willingness of all appellants to participate in mediation. Once they know that, they will propose a timetable to the Court. At best, there could be mediation in the first quarter of 2023, however that is possibly optimistic
WCO
The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council have appealed the interim recommendation of the Environment Court (which recommends granting an order on the Upper and Lower River). HortNZ has become an interested party to this appeal, as we support HBRC’s position.
Changes to the RMA
HortNZ will be preparing a submission on the National and Built Environments Act, and the Spatial Planning Act. Submissions close on 5 February 2023. If anyone is interested in understanding more on this (perhaps if you are having trouble sleeping!) visit the MfE website: Resource management system reform | Ministry for the Environment
Kotahi
The first meeting of the technical advisory group was on Thursday 15 December. HB Fruitgrowers, HB Vege Growers, Apples and Pears and HortNZ all had representatives at the meeting, as well as other primary sector businesses such as Heinz Watties which is great as it ensures that the horticulture sector is represented by multiple voices at the table. The first meeting was an introduction to the plan and what it is going to cover but it would be fair to say the work programme is ambitious. We will be seeking input from you as growers on subjects that really matter to you, such as possible changes to the outdoor burning rules. More information is available here: The Kotahi Plan | Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (hbrc.govt.nz)
I hope everyone has a safe festive season and has the opportunity to spend some time relaxing with loved ones.
Any questions, please get in touch – Charlotte Drury, charlotte@viewconsult.co.nz 027 3225595. There is a lot going on at the moment so if you think I may be able to help, please do ask.
Thanks,
Charlotte
Kia ora koutou,
All our classes at EIT are now finished and we are trying to support students to get assessment work completed. As always many have several outstanding courses. Next year we are going to be stricter on due dates to get work in earlier in the year, and you will see dates set on the new timetable, to help manage this issue. Managers are receiving a monthly update which has more information regarding fees, timetables, and the like. If you would like to be receiving this newsletter pease email Clare: cbuckner@eit.ac.nz
This Spring has been exceptional in its demands, and many students have deferred courses to next year, to spread their EIT workload. So long as we know what the plan is, we can help.
Students are asked for an evaluation after their courses finish, and I will also be sending out a very short manager survey – please take five minutes to offer us some anonymous feedback – these surveys don’t tick a box in our compliance folder, but offer evidence that we are consulting with industry and back us up to make changes to better suit industry needs, so please use them.
If you have students interested in starting in 2023, please text or call Clare. We start again on 11th January, and I would like to hear from you before Christmas for our new Year one students.
Both the post harvest and fruit production Diploma students of 2022 have engaged with the different courses and feedback has been that they have enjoyed the learning process. We continue to look at options to improve the delivery, and look forward to welcoming new students iin 2023, as well as returning students completing their studies. We start again with Fruit Production on 18th January with Horticulture Business Skills. Anyone interested please contact Chris cthorman@eit.ac.nz .
Wishing you the very best of holiday seasons, and look forward to catching up next year, ngā mihi nunui Clare, Steven, Chris and Ash.
The 2022 late spring conditions have been an improvement on the cloudy / nothing weather of 2021, the sun has been shining, rain is happening and apart from some smaller areas of hail, things are looking much better than the shocking wet start of this spring. Leaf health is much improved, and things are really starting to grow. Harvest is getting closer, hopefully your blocks are set up to make the most of the upcoming season.
Now is the mid-point of the growing season. Crop loads are generally set on trees, all growers should be aware of what fruit numbers are in every block and where this contrasts with the block targets. These actual vs target numbers need to be assessed to understand what they are likely to mean going forward for the fruit and for the canopy, and what the best line of management is to maximise the performance of the block.
Thinning labour does not feel as challenged / panicked as the last couple of years, block fruit numbers are down to target earlier and this is likely to give a corresponding lift in fruit size / yield. This is critical as the world is still getting over the “Covid hangover” with feedback from most suppliers around the world saying that the last couple of years were tough work for everyone. We need to be hitting the fruit size and quality for the markets that give us the best returns.
In turbulent times there often ends up winners and losers. Some people make good decisions (often called luck) that are based on the best information available both in the orchard and in the markets. Others get caught up in the excitement of the moment and either make rash / knee jerk calls or do nothing and expect to get a different outcome. Focus on where the profit is within your orchards and maximise the results.
You should all be proud of being in an industry that is focused on feeding the world and know that it is an industry that will always be needed. We are coming up on Xmas and this is a key time to catch up with friends and family and recharge the batteries.
Best wishes for a happy and safe holiday from the team at AgFirst, thanks for your support and we will see you again in 2023 for another exciting year.
Jonathan Brookes
We know that this has been a difficult season. Apricot crops for main stream varieties are really light, and some cherry blocks have been walked away from as there was insufficient fruit to put pickers in. Plum loads are variable and while peach and nectarine are generally Ok that is not always the situation.
Would having the trees in a covered cropping situation have made a difference, leaving aside the cost of construction of the houses?
This season the weather has given us; normal winter chilling (but a late start to accumulation), hail events, (4 or so that I have heard of), inclement weather during much of pollination (hence the light crop loads), more rain than desired in both volume and events, and low growing degree day accumulation.
While a permanent or removable cover may exasperate the winter chilling effect all the other weather factors would be mitigated. In addition, there would be less disease protection needed and with some stonefruit growers now applying few if any insecticides that situation may not change, or it might. We would need to think more carefully about pollination inside structures, but that work is already underway. Less water might be needed especially during windy periods, and the amount of time to spray trees increases as its calmer for longer.
The recent FOPS field walk, especially the Rockit block in Stock Road, was a fine example of that system done very well. What I appreciated was the measured way in which the trees were grown, so that upon reaching the top wire the vigour was under control with crop load and other techniques as required. Contrast this with the head long rush to fill the canopy approach and the then difficulty of managing the tops. So, whether it’s a FOPS or UFO system or something like the pergola as espoused by Ronald Vermeulen’s intensive pergola (think kiwifruit) canopies under cover has a certain appeal when matched with this type of system.
The cost of a fully covered system might necessitate highly productive new IP varieties, with a good information background and of course dwarfing rootstocks. I have seen enough of Gisela 5 and 12 now to think that they are well worth a try for cherries. Andy McGrath has some new dwarfing stocks at various import and testing stages so this field should progress. If we can take cherry production from the 7-15 t/ha to a regular 20 tonnes and then march up from there, as well as guarantee buyers that the product will arrive then that might be what we call future proofing.
There was a bunch of rootstocks imported a few years ago for the other stonefruit crops and some of these can still be found as trees. Should there be interest and some commitment a revisiting of what’s still possible can be done. Shifting these crops from 20-30 t/ha to 40’s and 50’s under covers to a waiting market seems like a fine goal to ponder over the few days off over Christmas and New Year.
A very quick google search showed two websites, www.tupu.nz and www.eeca.govt.nz that are already talking about covered crops and the benefits, including using less carbon. There might even be some funding available for early adopters.
Thanks for the opportunity to indulge in a wee rant. I trust you will get a day or two to spend with family. I also hope that the rain will ease up shortly, the sun will shine and we can have a Hawkes Bay summer. We have visitors from France and England arriving soon and I will get a lot of stick should the sun not come out very soon.
Merry Christmas
Richard Mills
Summerfruit Technical Advisor
021 632559
