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Kiritapu Allan, winner Melissa van den Heuvel and MC Guy Williams
Winner of Bay of Plenty Young Grower announced
"I can’t imagine myself anywhere but Horticulture," says the winner.
Melissa van den Heuvel, an Industry Systems Associate at NZ Avocado, was named Bay of Plenty’s Young Grower for 2020 at the awards dinner in Tauranga last week.
The practical side of the competition took place on Saturday 8 February at the Te Puke Showgrounds, where the eight competitors tested their skills and ability to run a successful orchard.
Melissa excelled, particularly in the Horticultural Biosecurity and Avocado Tree Planting challenges, and impressed the judges with her speech on passing knowledge to future generations at the awards dinner.
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Minister for Biosecurity Damien O'Connor hosted the launch of IYPH. He spoke of the vital role that plants play in the New Zealand economy
International Year of Plant Health celebrated
Healthy plants’ contribution to New Zealand’s wellbeing and economic sustainability was highlighted at the launch of the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) at Parliament this week.
“Healthy plants are the backbone of New Zealand’s wellbeing and make a significant contribution to our economy,” says Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) Chief Executive, Mike Chapman. “Horticulture, including viticulture, contributed approximately $9 billion to the New Zealand economy in 2019.
“Healthy plants offer food security, not only for New Zealanders but for the people in the countries we export food to. Healthy plants are also a significant contributor to New Zealand’s human capital, providing employment and healthy food. As a result, planning for future food security, particularly enabling the best use of our land, in these changing times is very necessary,” says Mike.
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Wairarapa pea weevil eradicated
Biosecurity New Zealand is confident that pea weevil has been eradicated from the Wairarapa.
“To our knowledge, this is the first time a pea weevil population has been successfully eradicated anywhere in the world. This just goes to show what can be achieved when government, industry and communities work together,” says Minister of Biosecurity, Damien O’Connor.
Biosecurity New Zealand and Process Vegetables NZ would like to thank Wairarapa growers for their support and co-operation. Through their support and community action, the threat was contained, protecting the rest of New Zealand from possible impact. Read the RNZ story here.
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Drought worsening
With drought conditions affecting Northland, Hawkes Bay, and parts of the South Island, many rivers have reached low-flow levels meaning that some growers will have restrictions on irrigation. For specific information, please contact your regional council.
Where to go for information
• Rural Support Trusts 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
• NIWA and MetService
• Your accountant, farm adviser, and other rural professionals
Need to Talk?
• Call or text 1737 anytime
• Youthline: For young people 0800 376 633
• Visit Farmstrong or MentalWealth
• Talk to your family, friends or GP
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Otago Regional Council survey on natural resources Regional Policy Statement
Otago Regional Council (ORC) has started writing a new Regional Policy Statement (RPS), which will set the direction for what people and communities can and cannot do when using natural resources, subdividing or developing land.
ORC is inviting all people in Otago to ask them what they think of these issues, and to find out which Otago natural or physical resources they value or have concerns about.
Head to the link below or call 0800 474 082 for a paper copy of the questionnaire to have your say. Feedback closes at 5pm on 25 February.
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NEW DATE - Pukekohe Farm Environment Plan workshop
Due to the drought and time in the season, the second Farm Environment Plan (FEP) workshop for vegetable growers in the greater Auckland and Waikato regions is now going to be held in late March.
When: 5.30 to 8.00pm, Tuesday 25 March
Where: Pukekohe Indian Hall
Cost: $200 per business per workshop (more than one person can attend)
Thank you to growers who have already registered. Your registration will be automatically transferred to the new date.
The second FEP workshop will focus on mapping, and erosion and sediment control. It will step you through requirements under the NZGAP Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS add-on is available to all NZGAP and GLOBALG.A.P certified growers. It includes extra requirements to meet New Zealand regulatory requirements.
Please use this link to register for the EMS ($250 per business) and this link to register for the workshop.
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JobLab pop-up recruitment shop in Whangarei
Next week there is a spotlight on horticulture and silviculture in the Whangarei CBD.
The JobLab pop-up is a collaboration between the Northland Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Social Development. It is a chance for businesses and industry to attract talent by showcasing employers and employment opportunities within the region.
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Gisborne employment workshop
HortNZ Seasonal Labour Coordinator, Jerf van Beek is delivering an employment workshop on changes occurring in 2019 and expected changes in 2020.
When: 2.30 - 5.00pm, Thursday 27 February
Where: BNZ Partners Centre, 67 Customhouse St, Gisborne
This will be an interactive workshop featuring a Q&A session. Please come along if you have specific questions or issues about your seasonal or fulltime labour.
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Covered crop grower workshop at Pukekohe
Tomatoes NZ and Vegetables NZ are holding a workshop to update growers on covered crop research. The workshop will cover biocontrols, tamarixia releases, farm environment plans, automation and more.
When: 9.00am to 12.30pm, Tuesday 3 March
Where: Balle Brothers Hall, behind Plant & Food Pukekohe Research Centre, 49 Cronin Road, Pukekohe
If you are interested, please RSVP to Karen Orr by midday on Friday 28 February and advise if you have any special dietary requirements.
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Horticulture Conference 2020
The 2020 Horticulture Conference will be at Mystery Creek on 29-31 July. To view a sponsorship prospectus, email Amy Miller. More details to be announced soon.
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