This year was a transformative one for New Zealand Apples and Pears, with our long overdue strategic review setting the organisation on a clear path forward.
Independently conducted and with a focus on supporting the industry to growth and prosperity, we were delivered a clear remit from growers.
Our members wanted increased focus on market access, communications and advocacy, evidence-based and data-focused progress, as well as R&D programmes that protected growth.
I believe our team has delivered against this in spades.
Relationships have been strengthened with key personnel at MFAT, MPI, MBIE and EPA, as well as those with key ministers and local MPs, research projects focused on market access have been commissioned and completed, and new team members have been recruited to address any remaining gaps in our workforce.
Economic impact analysis – that we conducted earlier this year as a key component of our advocacy work – illustrated the immense value our sector injects into the Hawke’s Bay economy and this data has proven its worth in our conversations with local government on TANK and “actual and reasonable” water supply.
This data has been also proven valuable to central government, fuelling productive conversations with ministers and MPs alike.
All of this sets us in good stead for supporting the industry back to prosperity and development in 2025, with orchard gate returns our key focus.
However, for now, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope you have the chance to relax, enjoy the sunshine and be with your families before harvest – which already promises to be early!
I’d like to also take this time to acknowledge to incredible work of my team, and the passion and dedication they deliver week after week. Together we are excited for the year ahead, knowing that as an industry we can innovate, grow, and continue to contribute to the legacy of New Zealand’s pipfruit industry.
