Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association update
Explore, Grow & Thrive – Take a breath, and grow!
As we move through December and the year begins to wind down, yet the orchards are full of energy as the summer season takes hold. It’s a time of contrasts -busy days in the field and opportunities to pause and reflect on a year filled with challenges, achievements, and growth. As always, your dedication drives not only your orchards but also the strength and resilience of our industry. So whip out the cheque book and treat that special someone with something nice.
This month, we celebrate the hard work and milestones achieved across the region. December marks a chance to reconnect with family, friends, and peers to celebrate the successes of 2024. Whether through a well-earned break or festive gatherings, take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come and the vital role you play in sustaining the prosperity of our region.
December also brings us closer to the start of harvest preparations, looks to be an early season for some. It’s a critical period to ensure orchards, teams, and equipment are ready for the demanding months ahead. Alongside this, we remain focused on supporting growers with the latest updates, advocacy work, and opportunities to engage with key initiatives! Hawkes Bay Regional Economic Development Agency have released “Understanding Opportunities and Challenges for the Hawke’s Bay Economy’’ have a read here. With that in-mind please check out Charlottes update on TANK (further down).
The dry weather greatly increases the risk of wildfires. We have seen this recently in Havelock North, so please be vigilant during the wildfire season, generally runs from October to March, but fires can occur anytime conditions are favourable. Stay updated on fire risks by visiting Check It’s Alright for the latest information.
2024 Highlights & acknowledgements
Throughout the year, HBFA has worked to bring value, connection, and support to our growers. From successful events such as the Industry Awards Night, Young Fruitgrowers, Innovative events, Grower dinners and Wellbeing Workshops and not forgetting our 125th, to vital policy engagement on water allocations, natural hazards, and many submissions, your involvement has shaped our shared successes.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all members, partners and sponsors who have contributed time and effort to HBFA initiatives. Your support underpins everything we do.
Next year brings new opportunities to grow stronger together. We remain committed to championing growers’ interests, delivering meaningful events, and creating pathways to thrive in an ever-changing environment. Your engagement will be key as we face both challenges and opportunities in the new year.
As we sign off for the year, take pride in what you’ve accomplished, and take time to rest, reflect, and recharge. The entire HBFA team wishes you and your families a safe, joyful, and restorative holiday season.
Celebrate together – Upcoming events
HBFA IAN industry awards night – February 5, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – A chance to celebrate, connect. The Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Industry Awards Night recognizes the achievements of our EIT and Primary ITO graduates, scholarships recipients and contributions to the horticulture sector with the presentation of the Fourneau Award and the Emerging Achiever Award. See more here.
Advocating for critical industry challenges
While December may feel like a time to slow down, key submissions continue to progress. Topics like water allocation (TANK), Future Development Strategy (FDS), and the Joint Waste Management and Minimization Plan remain priorities as we advocate on behalf of growers (to name a few). Your voice is essential, and we will keep you informed as these issues develop. See more below.
Future Development Strategy (FDS):
We are actively in the FDS to ensure the voices of our growers are front and center. These discussions are vital for protecting livelihoods of our industry and ensuring long-term prosperity and securing food supplies. We ask our members to contribute your thoughts to our Grower Survey on this topic, survey out now! Time is getting by and the submission along with our partners is due before the 20th of December.
Joint Waste Management and Minimization plan:
The council is seeking your feedback on how we manage resources moving forward. The next opportunity for you to provide input on the plan will be at the consultation stage, anticipated in April 2025, but now is the time to familiarize yourself with the plan and prepare to provide input. More info here
Water & the TANK Plan: From Charlotte Drury
Just a quick update re the TANK water permits that the regional council are processing. The last communication many of you will have had was that the regional council had extended the processing timeframes to 30 December this year (2024) and we’ve had lots of questions from growers asking what you needed to provide. At the Council meeting yesterday (Wednesday), the Council decided to hold a workshop in January (2025) to decide what to do with the TANK applications (ie. whether to keep them on hold while TANK mediation continues, or process them through). What this means is that you do not need to do anything before 30 December this year – you don’t need to provide council any further information.
We will be in touch again in January after the Council workshop to let you know what the outcome of that workshop is. You do not need to do anything until you hear from us then.
Natural Hazards submission: Building Resilience
HBFA is contributing to the Building Resilience to Hazards – Long-term insights briefing, a critical discussion led by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. This initiative focuses on understanding and strengthening New Zealand’s resilience to natural hazards, including floods, droughts, earthquakes, and climate-related events. As growers, these hazards pose significant risks to our livelihoods, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.
Key dates for Natural Hazards submission:
Insights Briefing Release: April 2025 (anticipated)
By actively engaging in these consultations, we ensure that growers’ perspectives are not only heard but also central to shaping policies that safeguard our industry and communities. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the long-term viability of horticulture in the face of increasing natural challenges. We encourage growers to stay informed and engage in future opportunities to influence these critical conversations.
The Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association (HBFA) is committed to aligning our efforts with the priorities and needs of our grower members. To ensure we focus our resources on the areas that matter most to you, we would greatly appreciate your input through the following survey if you haven’t done so please do!
This survey is a valuable opportunity for you our members to share insights and feedback that will help us better address the challenges and opportunities within our industry. Your responses will remain completely anonymous, ensuring you can provide open and honest feedback.
Thank you for helping us shape a stronger, more responsive HBFA.
HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) update:
The Cyclone Recovery Fund is now complete. We sincerely thank all applicants who shared their information and impact statements. Our hearts go out to you as we acknowledge the immense challenges you’ve faced since Cyclone Gabrielle struck nearly two years ago.
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.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Explore, Grow & Thrive—Together we flourish.
Warm regards,
Callum Ross
Chief Executive Officer HBFA & Chairman HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group)
