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31 August 2021

 

In this week's issue we cover:


Nadine's update:

Working together to support growers and create the right environment
For me, the past seven days have been spent working across the horticulture sector and with Government, to ensure that vegetable and fruit growing can continue with as little disruption as possible, as different alert levels and associated borders start to be put in place. 

In particular, I have been working very closely with the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association and vegetable product groups, on the border being put in place at midnight tonight to the south of Auckland. 

What’s been pleasing is the way that HortNZ and product groups have come together to get a good outcome from Government, for growers in the Pukekohe area.  Our collective work with the Ministry for Primary Industries has built on the progress made last time a border was put in place, south of Auckland. 

Government’s understanding of the dynamics of vegetable and fruit growing in New Zealand has deepened, thanks to the regular interaction and field visits that have taken place since the last lockdown.  This increase in understanding, coupled with the strength of the relationships that have developed over the past 18 months, enable us to have the type of free and frank conversation with Government officials that result in the Government receiving advice that creates a complete and compelling picture of horticulture in New Zealand. 
 

Read Nadine's full update here.

Covid updates

The hortnz.co.nz/Covid19 webpage has the latest information about Covid and lockdowns for the horticulture industry. 

For information about operating safely at Alert Level 3, please visit the following websites -  Unite Against Covid-19,  MBIE and MPI.

Click here to view the interactive Alert Level boundary map. 

Click here to apply for an essential worker travel exemption.
Click here to view previous HortNZ Covid updates
Pukekohe growers risk harvest amid essential worker shortage Stuff
The Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) says market garden growers are short-staffed with essential workers in isolation, meaning tough calls on what to pick, pack and plant this week.

Are there lockdown-related food shortages? Countdown explains RNZ

HortNZ in the media

Farmers and growers prepare for Auckland alert level border RNZ
"The government has been really good and worked with us to get the best possible outcomes - the fact that its the same border as the last lockdown is a huge relief for us as the previous border created a few challenges."

Growers remain hopeful for RSE support Farmers Weekly 
The horticultural sector is cautiously optimistic the prospect of Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) staff arriving here in the coming month has not died with the lockdown, after getting government approval in early August.

Seasonal Labour – Possible RSE Quarantine Free Travel

To free up Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ), the Government has asked that flights from Vanuatu and Samoa due to land in September, where the workers would have gone into MIQ, be deferred and now become quarantine free travel. 

However, this is subject to discussions concluding between the New Zealand and Vanuatu and Samoan Governments, so nothing is certain at present.  The likely timing for these flights from Vanuatu and Samoa would be the end of September or early October. 

The New Zealand Government is also in discussion with Tonga.  This means that the three Pacific countries that will likely be open for worker movement without quarantine are Vanuatu, Samoa and Tonga. 

It would seem that there will be no quarantine free travel from the Solomons or any other pacific country this year.  There is a flight landing on 4 November from the Solomons and the workers on that flight will go through MIQ.  This is likely to be our last MIQ flight. 

A further update will be provided when more information is available.
HortNZ

Commerce Commission Submission: Retail Grocery Sector Study

The Commerce Commission is conducting its market study into the Retail Grocery Sector.  As advised in previous newsletters, HortNZ made a submission on the preliminary findings of the Commission, click here to read a copy.   

This submission benefited from a lot of grower feedback – thank you.  The next step is for the Commission to hold a consultation conference, currently scheduled for the end of September, which HortNZ will attend. The Commission will make its final report to the Government by the end of year.  We keep you updated on progress.  
Read HortNZ's submission here

Meet the finalists of the 2021 Young Grower of the Year:
Jordan Carroll


Hear from Jordan, a cherry orchard manager at CentralPac who was the winner of the Central Otago Young Grower competition. 
Industry

New PVGA scholarship 

The Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) has created a new scholarship fund to support horticultural study.  The $5000 scholarship fund will be awarded to a student or split between multiple students undertaking a horticultural degree, diploma, or certificate.

Applications are due by 1 November. Click here for full scholarship information and eligibility criteria.

If you have any queries, please get in touch with the Scholarship Coordinator, Grant Ryan, on 021 550 289 or email secretary@pvga.org.nz.  
Click here for more info

Central Otago – draft Vincent Spatial Plan

The draft Vincent Spatial Plan is to address the challenges and opportunities for growth and land use in the Alexandra Basin, Omakau and Ophir. 

The Central Otago District Council is now seeking feedback on the draft plan before it goes to Council for adoption. 

See www.codc.govt.nz/vincentspatialplan to read the “What do you think? Draft Vincent Spatial Plan” engagement document and give your feedback online by 30 September. 
Click here for more info

Agrecovery services 'paused' during lockdown

Agrecovery is asking farmers and growers not to utilise its recycling sites during lockdown. 

It is asking farmers and growers to triple rinse containers and find a suitable dry place to store them until collection sites open again. 

For more information on triple rinsing, see: On-farm collections of containers and drums have also been delayed. Any questions about rural recycling can be sent to info@agrecovery.org.nz or call 0800 247 326. 
Click here for more info

Watch recorded sessions from the Horticulture Conference
Click here for more videos on the HortNZ Youtube channel

Industry in the media

Overseer
All Over(seer) the place! Rural News
 
General
Kudos for the hort sector Rural News 
HortNZ Twitter
HortNZ LinkedIn
HortNZ YouTube
HortNZ Website
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