I want to congratulate the industry for continuing to work through the lockdown. Well done on complying with the requirements of Level 4 and then level 3. I recognise the difficulties this poses for both trainers and trainees! Education of course, is not considered to be an essential industry so classes had to be rescheduled and that process is beginning now. During the lockdown we maintained text communications with the trainees telling them what was happening and advising them of the work they could be completing in their own space. Clare and I also contacted all the trainers to let them know as well. The message being, that we will reschedule and be flexible with due dates so that no-one would be disadvantaged. I also iterated that we are still working, just by distance so we are here to help. This communication was received very well.

Classes can run again at Level 2 with certain restrictions. The main requirements are that masks are encouraged but not compulsory if a 1m distance can be maintained and sanitiser will be available.

The last classes for the Year 1 trainees are hydraladas, two of which have to be rescheduled. Because this is a practical and requires small numbers, Clare will communicate with the individual groups. Apart from that it is just finishing off on job attestations for the practical aspects of tractors chainsaws and fruit support structures.

There has been minimal disruption to the Year 2 trainee timetable. Pests and disease classes have already resumed and a small group need a catch up on hydraladas. They will be contacted individually. Their propagation assessment is due and the weather assessment is due next week. But as I said above we can be flexible but they need to communicate with us about where they are at.

The Year 3 trainee schedule has been the most affected with two classes missed. The first of these classes has already been held and the second class will be on the 8^th of October. There has been plenty of EIT work for them to carry on with, but we do recognise that labour shortages caused by travel limitations will have affected their ability to do it.

I am very pleased with the Diploma class as we have been able to deliver them on line even with a guest speaker. There have been numerous submissions of work of good quality for marking and checking. Normal face to face classes have resumed this week.

As always if you have any queries or concerns please get in touch with EIT Tutor Gordon Reid  greid@eit.ac.nz , 06 8301851 or 027 3940410.

As spring approaches there is a greater likelihood that class time is going to clash with requirements to apply chemicals. This has been a perennial problem and is at times a barrier to trainees completing their work and the programme. The apprentice boost subsidy of $1,000 per month to the employer is supposed to cover some of the costs of training including release time. Please consider this barrier to success when organising spray plans. On the other hand we know that the weather can create narrow windows so we will try and run catch up sessions for those that miss a class. To this end I am organising a catch up class for those who were not able to attend the recent weather class.

This cohort of Year 1 trainees is a bit different to previous years in that nearly half are young ladies and they are doing exceptionally well. All have now completed their chainsaw training. As an example of our flexibility, three trainees had injuries that excluded them from using a chainsaw. We have therefore organised them to slot into a forklift class that will allow them to complete the whole qualification.

Growsafe is actually not a requirement of the qualification but we believe it is important that trainees have this certificate. It is therefore offered by EIT, free of charge to those who are enrolled.

The only class left for the year 1 trainees is hydraladas which will be in September.

Year 2 trainees still have quite a heavy load to complete. Their propagation assessment is due before the end of August and the weather assignment is due at the tutorial on the 16^th of September. Additionally we keep reminding our students of the weeds assignment that was given to them at the beginning of the year. This length of time is to enable them to identify, collect and control weeds at different stages of their growth.

One other on job task is to be involved in some method of managing soil. It could be any soil mitigating task which they have to explain to me but the majority of the assessment is about participation and contribution to the team. So please involve your trainee in this important task.

I am pleased to say that Chris Thorman is back on deck after his major operation. We rescheduled two Year 3 trainee classes so there has been minimal disruption. It means that all three second half of year classes have started and that there is a significant workload ahead.

The Growing Environment first part can be worked on and involves using VSA and soil nutrient tests. Please make these available. The fruit crop management class has the botany experiment under way and the trainees will require access to your pollination plans. The third class is pests and diseases and trainees should be well underway with this assessment. Both EIT staff and the trainees will appreciate using rainy days as study days.

I am pleased to say that the Fruit Production Diploma class has expanded and while there are some issues around workload, the quality of the work we are receiving is very good. The industry is in good hands when these young people graduate and become managers and trainers.

As always if you have any queries or concerns please get in touch with EIT Tutor Gordon Reid  greid@eit.ac.nz , 06 8301851 or 027 3940410.

Both Horticulture NZ and NZAPI have held their annual general meetings and hosted well attended conferences this month. Both conferences provided a welcome opportunity to connect with fellow growers and industry stakeholders, I feel fortunate that we are able to have these gatherings when our neighbours in Australia continue to endure regular Covid lock down events.

Lance Burdett’s address at the HortNZ conference was well received, providing some great (and often amusing) insights into human behaviour and practical tips for managing mental well-being in challenging times. Lance is well qualified to speak about mental health having been the chief suicide negotiator for the NZ Police.  It is critical that our community strives to make discussions about mental health ‘normal’ and not something to be ignored.  NZAPI should be commended for organising the recent grower meetings featuring Sir John Kirwan; feedback from the Hawke’s Bay event has been very positive.

The NZAPI conference highlighted the importance of people to the sector, especially the relationship between tangata whenua, fruit growing and producing food from the land. Maori represent a large percentage of the horticulture workforce and it is exciting to see local iwi groups forging new fruit growing ventures that promise to provide new career pathways where they are needed most. The importance of collaboration across the sector was another strong theme of the NZAPI conference. This is not a new idea, but I believe it is more important than ever if we want to overcome the constraints we face including labour supply, global logistics and increasing compliance hurdles.

Ngā mihi nui

Richard Pentreath
HBFA President 

Dr Kathleen Kozyniak
Principal Scientist Air
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Last month I was singing the praises of June’s rainfall.  I’m lamenting July’s.  Truth be known, it was woeful, particularly on the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains, where only 21% of average July rainfall fell. The region’s south coast wasn’t much better on 26%.  At least the main ranges got to about 70%, not that it left our rivers in great shape. They averaged 49% of typical July flows.   Groundwater levels wallowed in the below normal category so June’s good rainfall didn’t make much of a dent and July’s won’t have helped.

Thankfully July’s soil moisture levels held up. They were at median levels for the time of year on the Heretaunga Plains and areas north of Napier.  They weren’t so good to the south and west of the Heretaunga Plains, where some sites toyed with the lowest 10^th percentile of readings for the end of July. Soil temperatures ended the month ranging from 7°C to 10°C and daytime temperatures were almost a degree warmer than average.

There are a couple of factors that point to good rainfall in the coming months but sadly the seasonal forecast models point their fingers in the other direction.  A negative Indian Ocean Dipole event is underway which can enhance our prospects of spring rain. There is a real chance of a La Niña developing during spring and staying for summer, which would normally bode well if we hadn’t had a drought in the last one.  The seasonal forecasts though are almost unanimously saying to expect below or near normal rainfall over the next three months. That’s due to higher than normal sea level pressures around our region and the winds taking on a northwest flavour. Hopefully the competing factors tussle it out and rainfall is the winner on the day.

Percentage of Normal Rainfall

The Hawkes Bay Young Orchardist Group has been started up again with a new group of committee members; after more than a year of inactivity. The first event was held on Thursday 22^nd of July, hosted by N.P. Vesty Ltd with a great turnout. The afternoon included about an hour of discussion comparing pruning techniques for Envy trees on 793 and M9 rootstocks. A big thanks to Horticentre for providing some hats and beanies as spot prizes, and also two pairs of secateurs that were given out to people who were brave enough to prune a tree in front of the group. Also a big thanks goes to Farmlands for providing a BBQ and food afterwards which gave everyone a chance to network with some new people involved in the industry.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the group and when our next events will be held are encouraged to join our Facebook and/or Instagram page, or contact Jack Wilson at Agfirst jack.wilson@agfirst.co.nz.

We look forward to seeing more new faces at the next event!

Jack Wilson

A new season brings a new opportunity to test those theories that you have stored in the back of your mind or to test the questions you want to answer in the year ahead.

The only way to properly analyse whether your management practices are delivering the best outcome is to monitor them. In some cases, the best way to do this is to set up a basic trial to assess whether a particular strategy you are implementing is successful. If you are interested in setting up a trial in your block to test the effectiveness of a new method or product on your orchard, now is a great time to start planning.

It could be as simple as looking at two areas, side-by-side to gauge what works well and what does not on your orchard. However, having numbers to go with this will give you a quantitative difference of what you are looking at. For example, if you applied a dormancy breaker to your crop, did you leave an un-sprayed control area so that you can assess the benefit?

It usually doesn’t take long to set up control areas in the orchard and the rewards are significant. When selecting a control area, remember to select an area that is representative of the block, clearly identify the area and leave an appropriate buffer zone for spray trials. If you want to do statistical analysis, you will need to replicate your treatments throughout the block, but a single un-treated control area will normally give you a valuable comparison.

If you are wanting a more detailed answer to your theory, make sure to spend some time on the experimental design, as good preparation leads to good meaningful results with less margin for error and wasted resource. This includes thinking about how many replicates, measurements, and the site selection.

Think about how you will measure the results, and how you will analyse the data, who will analyse the data? Also, when is the best time to take measurements?

Richard Mills, Summerfruit NZ Market Support

Over the time that I have been working with Summerfruit NZ there has been two or three times when virus or virus-like diseases have been the point of discussion and field visits, often without a completely satisfactory conclusion. The symptoms expressed can vary, different species of stonefruit will express differently, as will different cultivars within the species.

Yet as propagators, orchardists and advisors we have a duty of care to the wider industry to have some idea of what might be going on, on orchard. As John Wilton said, the best fertiliser for the orchard is the footsteps of the Manager, or in this scenario, keeping a look out for unusual growth as we move out of winter and begin to observe spring growth.

For those looking for information, the SummerGreen manual is silent, and something we should look at over time. My most used source of information is ‘Summerfruit in New Zealand – Management of Pest and Diseases’ published in 1999 by various authors, the virus section by Gary Wood. Gary describes 15 viruses that were known at that time, their hosts, importance, symptoms, transmission and potential management. If you have this book then look after it as they are now out of print. I found a useful publication on the net at the MPI website, ‘Prunus Post-Entry Quarantine Testing Manual’. Whilst there is a lot of information there that we will not use directly, there are some very good descriptors, and descriptions of mineral deficiencies as a these can look similar to virus infections. No point spraying for mineral problems if it is really a virus expressing.

The part that has interested me is the transmission methods. As can be seen in the summary table below we seem to be the main vector for spreading viruses. Budding and grafting and possibly root grafting in mature orchards would seem to be the major transmission method.

Pr= propagation, S=seed, Po=pollen (bees etc), N=nematodes, I=other insects

Fortunately, we do not have Plum Pox, aka Sharka Disease here but it is one that we should be aware of and know the symptoms. There was a potential incursion in 2003 that caused a bit of a stir, that thankfully was not confirmed.

A couple of years ago Summerfruit NZ sent out a bio-security poster with NZ’s most unwanted, this would be a good time to find it and have a look at the plum pox symptoms as well as the other 12 nasties on it.

Gary Wood comments that viruses are difficult to identify from visual symptoms and that experts are usually required and then samples will need to be sent for testing. My understanding is that fruit trees will be ok while carrying a virus, but when there are two or more, this is when the problems are seen. Up to six different viruses have been found during lab testing in one sample.

Elimination is not possible once a virus is in the tree, we cannot spray for protection as we would for a fungal infection. The best we can do is not propagate infected material and if you do suspect something get it tested and let the nursery know if its seen on young trees. One study I read on Golden Queens showed an 18-32% decrease in yields compared to uninfected trees. That sort of decrease is something we can do without.

Jens Liesebach,  KGI Lower North Island Representative

The first strong rays of sunshine indicate that Spring is just around the corner. Sprays for improved bud break have been applied to early blocks and the frost fighting system is getting a service before being used soon. Gold kiwifruit winter pruning in Hawke’s Bay will likely continue well into September, which will bring further challenges.

NZKGI has been working hard to represent the interests of kiwifruit growers within the kiwifruit industry and the wider community. Having a strong, united organisation helps us to represent ourselves in Wellington and at council levels, as there is increased demand for regulatory change in areas such as the RSE scheme, agrichemicals and fresh water. To help retain our current performance, the Board has proposed that the levy be increased from 1 cent per tray to 1.1 cent per tray at the upcoming AGM in August. Further information on this subject can be obtained from NZKGI’s annual report 2021, which was sent to every grower at the beginning of this month.

With the growth of Gold 3 volumes year on year, the amount of count size 39 increases to a level above marketing requirements. Furthermore, the dry matter content of this size profile can be lacking compared to larger fruit and can in some cases hinder good decision making during harvest. Zespri is suggesting limiting the supply of Gold 3 count 39s by making them non-standard supply. Please see the discussion paper here and contact me if you have any feedback.

Please keep Wednesday, 18 August 2021 free for the NZKGI AGM which will be preceded by the KVH AGM at 9am and will be followed by the Zespri AGM at 1.00pm at the Trustpower Arena, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui.

Zespri Roadshow in the Hawkes Bay will be held on 26 August at 8:30am at the Crown Hotel, Napier.

I look forward to seeing you there.

As the horticultural industry welcomes the Government’s move towards a one-way corridor for seasonal workers from Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu, New Zealand also enters a critical time in our vaccination rollout and uptake.

This quarantine-free travel opens up for significantly more seasonal workers this coming season and work is now underway to have it ready to go by the end of September.

Your industry has shown enormous resilience and thank you for the extraordinary effort you’ve made to get through one of the most extremely challenging seasons ever experience.

All the time, Hawke’s Bay growers have demonstrated you are leaders in the field when it comes to building strong and productive working relationships with Government and it’s important to acknowledge the very integral role the region has played towards this significant and ongoing progress.

Getting vaccinated is the number one thing everyone can do to be protected against COVID-19, help accelerate our economic recovery, reduce the risk of lockdowns, and safely allow New Zealand’s borders to begin re-opening next year.

The Government has a plan to speed up the vaccine rollout and ensure more of us are protected from Delta.

We will move to a six week period between doses, meaning more people can get their first dose quicker and ensuring everyone is at least partially vaccinated in the coming months to reduce the risk and impact of a Delta outbreak.

We are bringing forward the eligibility dates for the remaining groups to be vaccinated. As already announced 50 plus will be open from Friday 13th August. Now, 40 plus will be open on Wednesday 18th August, 30 plus will be open on Wednesday 25th August, and from 1st September we will be open for all eligible ages.

We need the support of everyone to get New Zealand vaccinated. Please encourage your family, friends, workmates, sports teams, and congregations to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.

Once everyone in New Zealand has had the opportunity to be vaccinated, and we are confident we have vaccine coverage across key populations and good regional spread, we will be able to start a phased approach to the reopening of the border.

We will move to new individual risk based border settings that will establish low, medium, and high risk pathways into the country from 2022.  For more information go to: covid19.govt.nz/reconnecting-new-zealand-to-the-world/

Locally, the horticulture industry is one of our largest employers with the ability to connect with a wide range of communities across our region. It’s been fantastic to hear directly from those of you who are actively supporting the vaccination rollout as we work together to protect and keep growing Hawke’s Bay.

Kia kaha
Anna Lorck
MP for Tukituki
Anna.lorck@parliament.govt.nz

Vaccination clinics are opening up across Hawke’s Bay – you can simply call 0800 28 29 26 and go to where you choose.  It’s also important to know that if you do receive more than one invitation it is your choice where you would like to book.

To book an appointment call: 0800 28 29 26 or to book online visit bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz

 Hawke’s Bay DHB Super Clinics:
• Hastings Racecourse (300 Prospect Road, Saddles/Hobbles Room under the Lowery Stand)
• The Taradale Club (55 Wharerangi Road, Taradale)
• Waipawa Rugby Clubrooms (Coronation Park, Tikokino Road, Waipawa)

General Practices and Pharmacy:
• Hastings Health Centre
• Totara Health
• The Doctors Napier
• Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga
• Taradale Medical Centre
• Te Mata Peak Practice
• Unichem Jeff Whittakers Pharmacy
• Unichem Stortford Lodge
• Ahuriri Pharmacy
(More General Practices and Pharmacies will start vaccinating soon)

Upcoming pop-up clinics include:
Camberley Community Centre– 16 August and 6 September 9am – 4pm. For bookings please call 06 871 0524
Flaxmere Cook Island Hall– 10 & 18 August, 1 September and 26 October 10am – 7pm. For bookings text your name and number to 027 209 5064.
Pukemokimoki Marae– 9 – 12 August, 6 – 9 September 10am – 7pm. For bookings please call 0800 2 ROOPU. 0800 276678
Rongomaraeroa Marae (Porangahau)– 28 August and 18-19 September 9am – 4pm. For bookings please call 06 855 5332
Takapau Town Hall– 20 – 21 August and 1 -2 October 9am – 4pm. For bookings please call 06 855 8376
Tangoio Marae– 14 August and 11 September 9am – 4pm. For bookings please call 0800 4 AHURIRI (0800 424 87474)
Kings House Church Maraenui– 25 August, 3 September and 28 October 9am – 4pm. For bookings text your name and number to 027 209 5064.
Waiohiki Marae– 4 & 25 September 9am – 4pm. For bookings please call 0800 4 AHURIRI (0800 424 87474)
Kohupatiki Marae–  18 September and 9 October 9am – 4pm. For bookings please call 0800 4 AHURIRI (0800 424 87474)
Moteo Marae– Saturday 28 August 9am – 4pm. For bookings please call 0800 4 AHURIRI (0800 424 87474)

Last month some of our executive committee met to review HBFA’s strategic goals and discuss how we would achieve those goals. We were fortunate to have Mike Chapman join us for a few hours to help facilitate discussion and provide some valuable advice. Although more in-depth strategic reviews have been carried out in recent years, this quick ‘health check’ was particularly valuable and timely given the speed and frequency at which changes are being thrust upon our industry and the primary sector.  One of the key messages I took away form this session was the need for our exec committee to work ‘smarter, not harder’.  The reality is, we are a group of passionate volunteers that want to make a difference but, like many others we have multiple commitments to juggle including orchard work, off-orchard jobs and in many cases, young families. Part of working smarter will include a greater focus on growing or maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders including local government officials, industry bodies including HortNZ and our product groups. Whilst our capacity to influence outcomes alone is limited, working alongside these larger organisations in a proactive and collaborative manner offers the best chance of our voice (the independent voice of Hawke’s Bay fruit growers) being heard by decision makers.

If you are actively engaged in the fruit growing industry (or a passionate vegetable or berry grower!) that would like to make a positive difference I encourage you to come along to our executive committee meetings and participate.  Any member (or potential member) is welcome to attend these meetings to share views, make requests or simply receive an update or current projects/activities. Up to half an hour will be made available at the front end of exec meeting for any members that wish to attend, if you are a larger group or have specific items you wish to discuss please email executiveofficer@hbfa.co.nz prior to meeting to ensure we have sufficient seating and can make any necessary preparations.

We have also started sending regular invitations to key stakeholders and representatives requesting verbal updates on key issues to ensure we are well informed and when possible, contributing to important work that others are doing.  In the meantime, we will continue to develop and grow our events with a strong emphasis on attracting and nurturing young talent, building leadership capability at the local level and recognising achievers.

Nga mihi nui

Richard Pentreath
HBFA President