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
