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16 February 2021


In this week's issue we cover:

Mike's Blog 
Land for vegetables and fruit as well as houses


We must ensure productive land is not lost to fast-track housing. With the replacement of the Resource Management Act, safeguards are needed so we have land to grow vegetables and fruit, as well as houses.

Click here to read Mike's Blog
Click here to watch Mike's Blog on Youtube.

Auckland at Alert Level 3 

Reports from Monday indicate some delays at the Auckland boundaries, particularly at the southern boundary at Mercer.  As a result, the New Zealand Transport Authority is altering the traffic layout to improve flows.

New Zealand Police is reported to have been taking a pragmatic approach to traffic management at boundary checkpoints, in light of the short adjustment time to the change in alert levels.

However, from today (16 Feb), there is likely to be an expectation of higher evidence, using the new Business.govt.nz system. This system automatically provides workers with a QR code that they can place on their dashboard when crossing the border. It is recommended that all businesses who need to cross the Alert Level 3 Auckland border register as soon as possible.

HortNZ will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates via our newsletter and website. 
 

Please contact us if you need help

If you are unsure about anything or need advice, please email info@hortnz.co.nz.   
Click here for up to date information on the Auckland border

Level 3 region includes Pukekohe 

The horticulture industry’s advocacy has resulted in the placement of the Level 3 southern border further south to include more of the Pukekohe area. As part of the Level 3 Auckland region, this change should minimise the number of border crossings necessary.
Click here for the Auckland boundary description for Alert Level 3

Independent fruit and vegetable retailers to remain open

Under Alert Level 3, unlike last time, independent fruit and vegetable retailers can remain open, but must ‘minimise, or eliminate if possible, physical interactions among staff and with and between customers ensure appropriate health, hygiene and safety measures are in place’.
Click here for more info

No evidence of foodborne transmission of Covid

The New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre (FSSRC) has produced a further literature review update on the potential relationship between foodborne transmissions and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Click here to read the full report.

The FSSRC states that: “There is currently no evidence of foodborne transmission of COVID-19, and there is negligible risk of spread from food products or packaging.”
Click here to read more

Visa extension confusion explained

Working Holiday visas

Working Holiday visa holder extensions issued in December 2020 are not showing on Visa View. However, these visa holders are eligible to work and have been emailed to say that their visas have been extended.

Changes to visa conditions now allow the holders to work in any employment except permanent employment for the duration of their extended Working Holiday visa. This means that Working Holiday visa holders can be employed for all horticulture roles, including packing roles. Any time limit on total work for one employer will no longer apply.

Click here for more information.
 

Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) visas

The Ministry for Social Development (MSD) has made changes to the roles SSE visa holders can be employed in, to make the process simpler. 

They have now applied a blanket approval of all roles (except some packing roles) until June 2021. This means employers can hire anyone with an SSE visa for any horticulture role (except packers) in any region up to the end of June 2021.

Click here for more information
Environment
Gisborne growers are proactively working to create Farm Environment Plans to meet the council deadline.

Gisborne growers come together for Farm Environment Plan workshop

Around 20 commercial vegetable and cropping growers in Gisborne came together to start their Farm Environment Plans at an industry led workshop last week.  

Agrilink Director, Andrew Barber, stepped growers through the mapping and soils sections of a Farm Environment Plan using the Environment Management System (EMS) add-on to GAP.  Mapping is a fundamental first step in the farm planning process.  

At the next workshop on Thursday 4 March, growers will work through nutrient and irrigation management with an experienced nutrient adviser, and discuss how they can manage these aspects of their operations. 
Click here for more info about Gisborne requirements

Watercare’s application to take water from Waikato River

HortNZ is reviewing in detail Watercare’s 2013 application to take water from the Waikato River.  We will be lodging a submission following consultation with product groups and district associations.

If granted, Watercare would be able to take 300,000 cubic metres of water a day from the Waikato River (including existing consents).

Submissions close on 26 March, click here if you want to make a submission.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact Lucy Deverall on 0275826655 or Lucy.Deverall@hortnz.co.nz
Click here to view Watercare's application

Horizons freshwater consultation

Horizons Regional Council is wanting feedback on freshwater and what people in the Manawatū Whanganui area value the most.  This feedback will be considered as part of the revised One Plan.
 
If you would like to comment or get more information, go to the Essential Freshwater page below, or email info@ourfreshwaterfuture.nz
Click here to view the Horizons Essential Freshwater page

HortNZ on urban sprawl in the media:


HortNZ hopes RMA changes will protect productive land Newstalk ZB
Proposed overhaul of RMA takes shape 1 News
Urban sprawl to eat up some of Auckland's most productive land Stuff
RMA reform: New laws combating housing crisis won't come at expense of farmers - Agriculture Minister Newshub 
Industry

Looking for a growing opportunity?

HortNZ and the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers’ Association (PVGA) are seeking applicants for a new joint Career Progression Manager and PVGA Secretary role.

This role is a unique opportunity for someone to support growers and encourage people to join the industry as part of the national Career Progression Manager team.

Please send applications to jobs@hortnz.co.nz by 5pm, Friday 27 February.
Click here to view and apply the job on Seek

Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition postponed

The Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition and Gala Dinner, planned for Thursday 18 February, has been postponed due to the uncertainty created by Covid and the need to comply with Alert Level 2 social distancing and hygiene protocols.  

A new date will be set after harvest and a return to Alert Level 1, in recognition of the fact that many of the contestants will be busy over the coming months.  

NZ Apples & Pears workshop in Ettrick this week

NZ Apples & Pears (NZAPI), the Rural Support Trust (RST) and MPI are holding a workshop for Central Otago growers affected by recent hail events. 

This event will offer tips and information on support to assist growers this season. Shayne O’Connor and Pat Macaulay (RST) will be speaking, as well as Mike Chapman (HortNZ), Alan Pollard (NZAPI) and Erin Simpson (NZAPI).  

Time: Thursday 18 February, 5-8pm (please note new time)
Where: Ettrick Hall, Ettrick
RSVP: info@applesandpears.nz

The event will be held in accordance with Covid Alert Level 2 guidance. Please RSVP and see the event flyer below for more details.
Click here for event info flyer

List horticulture job vacancies for free

Please list all your seasonal vacancies on the Work the Seasons website: worktheseasons.co.nz/horticulture.  Work the Seasons is being supported by the Government-funded, Opportunity Grows Here advertising campaign to help fill seasonal roles.

Permanent roles are best listed on the GoHort Job Board: jobs.gohorticulture.co.nz.  Vacancies on GoHort are also being advertised as part of the Opportunity Grows Here campaign.

2021 HortNZ Scholarships open

HortNZ offers a range of scholarships to New Zealand students and trainees who have a special interest in the fruit or vegetable industries.  

Four scholarship types are offered, with up to $10,000 available.

If you have any questions, contact Jacqui Stalknecht schols@hortnz.co.nz or visit the link below for more information.
Click here for more info on HortNZ scholarships

Last chance: Have your say on rural recycling

Agrecovery has been asked by the Ministry for the Environment to help develop a nationwide collection and recycling scheme for all farm plastics, over and above what is done for agrichemicals.

As part of the development, Agrecovery is surveying farmers and growers to understand how to best develop the recycling scheme.

If you would like to have a say, please complete the below survey by 5 pm, Friday 19 February.

Responses are anonymous and collated results will be shared with industry groups.
Click here to complete the Agrecovery survey

Industry in the media


Operation of Auckland’s southern border
Horticulture industry hopes lessons learnt in previous COVID-19 lockdown will make things easier this time around Newshub
Rural News for 15 February RNZ
 
Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit settlement a token, but an important one  Newsroom
Ngati Hine training uri to run kiwifruit orchards  Te Ao Māori News
 
Apples
Promising apple season begins Gisborne Herald
Just 54 people have signed up for government's scheme to address fruitpicking labour shortage  Stuff
 
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HortNZ Website
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