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6 July 2022

 

In this week's issue we cover:

Nadine's update

Not everything is always what it seems

The HortNZ Board meeting was held in the Hawke’s Bay early last week, in conjunction with the NZ Apples & Pears Inc. Board meeting. This was an opportunity to compare perspectives, share frustrations, and discuss how we can work better together, coupled with the ability to meet and interact with growers. 

One frustration voiced more than others was how little the Government understands our industry. While I know I have written about this situation in the past, I feel it is worthwhile writing about it again because as the saying goes, “Your perception may not be my reality”.

It is hard to get meetings with Ministers and their officials. However, those meetings are of critical importance to improving their understanding. We were recently criticised during one meeting for putting something too simply. However, our simple explanation led to the Minister realising that what was being proposed was potentially flawed and could result in unintended outcomes. As a result, the Minister decided to take action with his colleagues, which we hope will result in a better outcome for our industry and the wider NZ community.

Read the full update here

Calling all biosecurity champions

Entries are now open for the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards 2022.

The awards recognise individuals and teams who are working hard to ensure our country and its unique environment are safe from pests and diseases, through their contributions to biosecurity.

There are nine award categories this year as well as the New Zealand Biosecurity Supreme Award. You can enter your own team or make individual nominations online.

Winners will be announced at an awards dinner on Monday 31 October.

Entries close Sunday 31 July.
Click here for more information and to enter
HortNZ 

Safety and wellbeing in horticulture survey  

Horticulture New Zealand is seeking responses to its safety and wellbeing in horticulture survey. The survey will help in understanding what health and safety initiatives are already underway and any health and safety trends in the sector.

The work forms part of an ACC-funded project to reduce harm in the horticulture sector. 

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please feel free to forward the survey onto others in the horticulture sector.

All respondents who complete the survey will enter the draw to win one of four $250 Prezzy cards.

If you would prefer to complete the survey on paper, or you have further questions, please contact Emily Lake:

E: emily.lake@hortnz.co.nz

M: 027 582 6655
Click here to complete the survey

HortNZ AGM date changed to 21 September

The HortNZ Incorporated Annual General Meeting (AGM) will now be held in Nelson on Wednesday 21 September at 4pm. The AGM will be held at the Headingly Centre in Richmond and will be followed by refreshments.  

The deadline for notices of motion is now Wednesday 3 August at 4pm. Members will be contacted with further details.

For more information, please contact Kerry.Norman@hortnz.co.nz. 
NZGAP

NZGAP guidance for growers - Growsafe and Certified Handler Certificates

NZGAP auditors have noted that additional guidance may be required as to when a Certified Handler Certificate (administered by Worksafe) is required in addition to Growsafe. 

In summary, a Growsafe certificate (usually Basic or Advanced) will always be required. 
In circumstances where agrichemicals with a classification of 6.1A and/or 6.1B are being used, there is a requirement for these to be under the control of a Certified Handler. 

Additional explanations can be found by going to the NZGAP Website and looking for the “Growsafe and Certified Handler Guidance for Growers” document. 
Environment 

Waikato and Auckland region freshwater grower engagement

Regional and Unitary councils are starting to engage with communities on Freshwater Visions, Values and the importance of water to regions. Waikato and Auckland councils are currently consulting and HortNZ is working with both councils on the importance of water to horticulture. Read more about the processes on the Auckland Council website and the Waikato Regional Council website.

To help growers in these regions submit their own feedback, HortNZ has created guidance material and a submission template.

HortNZ will also be hosting a session to assist growers with completing their freshwater submissions.

The session will be held at the BNZ Centre, Level 1, 10 Massey Ave, Pukekohe on Tuesday 12 July from 10am – 3.30pm.
Click here for Auckland freshwater guidance and to download the submission template
Click here for Waikato freshwater guidance and to download the submission template

Consultation changes to the NPS-FM and
NES-FM 

The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has released its ‘exposure draft’ of the proposed amendments to the natural wetland provisions in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater (NPS-FM 2020) and National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-FM 2020) that will give effect to changes consulted on last year. 

There are also a number of drafting amendments proposed of a technical or clarification nature. That is, the amendments are not expected to create a change in policy direction.  

HortNZ’s draft submission will be sent to affiliated groups in the next few weeks. 

Submissions close on Sunday 10 July.
Click here for more information

Consultation on the NPSIB

In 2019 and 2020, the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) sought feedback on the introduction of a National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB).

MfE is now seeking feedback on the exposure draft to ensure the provisions are workable. 

HortNZ will provide a draft submission to product groups in July.

Submissions close Sunday 31 July.  
Click here for more information
Young Grower

Save the dates: Young Grower competitions

Nelson Young Grower

The Nelson Young Grower competition will kick off at 10am this Friday 8 July at the A&P Showgrounds in Richmond, Nelson. 

The awards dinner will be held that evening at the Rutherford Hotel.

Email Richard Clarkson for more information

Gisborne Young Grower

The Gisborne Young Grower competition will take place on Thursday 14 July at Kaiaponi farms.

The awards dinner will be held at the Vines, Matawhero, Gisborne.

Email Scott Wilson for more information

Bay of Plenty Young Grower

Entries for the BoP competition have closed.

The event will take place on Wednesday 20 July at Mount Maunganui College.

The Gala Dinner and Awards evening will be held at Trustpower Arena, Mount Maunganui.

Click here for more information. 

2022 National Young Grower of the Year final

The National Young Grower of the Year final will take place in Nelson, on 21 – 22 September. 

More information will be made available through this newsletter and the Young Grower of the Year website closer to the time. 

 
Worth a read
A selection of articles from The Orchardist and NZGrower magazines. Click here to subscribe.

Vegetable washing system recycles 95 percent of water

Hawke's Bay cropper, sheep and beef farmer, Hugh Ritchie, has used Kiwi ingenuity and European technology to develop a mobile, post-harvest carrot washer that can recycle up to 95 percent of the water used.

Read the article

Yen Ben lemon harvest underway in Northland

A lack of containers and shipping delays due to Covid-19 meant last year was a tough one for lemon growers but Alan and Helen Thompson of Kainui Pack & Cool in Kerikeri are hoping for an improvement as this season's lemon harvest gets underway.

Read the article
Events

Vegetable roadshows

Registrations are open for the Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated (VNZI) and Process Vegetables New Zealand (PVNZ) roadshows in Pukekohe and Christchurch.

Both VNZI and PVNZ AGMs will be held as part of the roadshows. 

The events are free and all growers are welcome to attend.

Final programme details, will be updated regularly via the VNZI website.

Pukekohe

When: 10am - 4.30pm  I  27 July
Where: PIA Event Centre Pukekohe
(+ VNZI AGM)
 

Christchurch

When: 9am - 4.30pm  I  4 August
Where: Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport (+ PVNZ AGM)
 
Click here to register for the roadshows

Onions NZ roadshows

Onion growers are invited to attend the annual Onions NZ winter roadshow.

The event will start with a research forum session from 4pm - 5.25pm, followed by winter tour topics from 5.30pm - 6.30pm. 

The event is free to attend.

Pukekohe

When: 7 July
Where: BNZ Partners Centre, 10 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe
Click here to email Kazi Talaska for more information

Kiwifruit industry charity fundraiser event

Zespri and the kiwifruit industry will be taking on the Parliamentary Rugby and Netball teams at Te Puke’s Murray Salt Stadium on Friday 8 July to help raise money for the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme (RSE) workers and their communities.

The day will conclude with a charity auction in support of the fundraiser.

For more information, contact Wendy Taylor: 
E: wendy.taylor@zespri.com 
M: 027 564 6881

When

1pm, Friday 8 July
 

Where

Te Puke Sports Club, Atuaroa Ave, Te Puke
Click here for more information

NZ Asparagus conference & AGM

The New Zealand Asparagus Council AGM and conference will be held in Taupo and followed by an evening meal.

Further information will be sent to asparagus growers in the coming week.

Taupo

When: 1pm - 5.30pm  I  Friday 5 August
Where: Prince Motor Lodge, Taupo
 
Click here to email Rebecca Fisher for more information

Industry in the media
 

Vegetables
Winter growing is challenging at the best of times RNZ
Cold, wet winter leaves salad-lovers hungry RNZ

Covered crops

Tomato grower eyes innovative workaround Stuff

Fruit
Te Matau a Māui iwi bring whānau to whenua NZ Herald

Food supply
Should NZ be rethinking its food policy? RNZ

EU FTA
European trade deal secured but not everyone happy Rural News
EU deal holds ‘significant benefits’ for Tairāwhiti region Gisborne Herald
HortNZ Twitter
HortNZ LinkedIn
HortNZ YouTube
HortNZ Website
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