Six months in

It’s now six months since I joined HortNZ as chief executive and it’s been really rewarding getting out and about meeting the passionate and resilient growers producing world-class fruit and vegetables while navigating a complex regulatory and economic landscape.

In recent weeks, I’ve also had the opportunity to engage with key industry groups, including New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated at its forum in Mount Maunganui and the Dominion Federation of New Zealand Chinese Growers, where we acknowledged the significant contributions of Chinese growers to our industry.

The HortNZ team was also on the ground at Central Districts Field Days, engaging with growers and sharing insights on the future of horticulture.

Beyond New Zealand, I recently returned from Singapore, where I joined a country insights tour hosted by FoodHQ.

This was an opportunity to explore how other countries are adapting to land use change and diversity in food systems -- reinforcing the urgency for New Zealand to take a proactive approach in shaping our own future.

The challenges for New Zealand growers are real, and the need for clear, practical policy settings has never been greater.

Without them, growers face unnecessary uncertainty at a time when food security and economic stability should be at the forefront of decision-making. That’s why a key focus for HortNZ this year is ensuring our industry has a strong voice at the decision-making table.

Over the last few weeks, we have been engaging with the Government on the urgent need for commercial vegetable growing to be recognised as a permitted activity -- provided growers operate under freshwater farm plans that demonstrate sound environmental management.

The current system is unworkable, and without urgent action, growers will continue to face unnecessary barriers to food production.

We are also advocating for the national significance of fresh fruit and vegetables to be recognised in the Resource Management Act (RMA) changes.

Beyond land and water use, our discussions with the Government have also focused on the critical importance of protecting highly productive land, improving water storage and allocation, and ensuring the right policy settings are in place to secure New Zealand’s ability to produce fresh, healthy food for both domestic and export markets.

The future of horticulture will be shaped by our ability to embrace innovation and build capability across the sector.

I recently had the opportunity to meet Dr Jack Bobo, an international expert on food and technology, during his tour with the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre.

Our discussions reinforced the importance of improving science communication and the evolving role of genetic technologies in food production.

With the Government reviewing New Zealand’s science sector and the Gene Technology Bill progressing through Parliament, it is vital that horticulture remains at the forefront of innovation.

Investment in new breeding programmes, sustainable growing practices, and emerging technologies will be critical for the industry’s long-term success.

Reliable access to water remains one of the biggest challenges for growers. Without it, horticulture simply cannot grow. It was encouraging to see Hawke’s Bay Regional Council take a proactive approach with its plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains -- this kind of forward-thinking is essential if we want to build a resilient food production system.

HortNZ will continue to push for a national water strategy that balances sustainability with the needs of food producers. Without a co-ordinated approach to water storage and allocation, the future of New Zealand horticulture remains uncertain.

Despite the challenges, there is much to celebrate. Horticulture remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, with export revenue projected to reach a record $8 billion by June 2025.

HortNZ remains committed to advocating for the policy settings, resources, and support that growers need to thrive.

As we continue these conversations with Government and industry, our focus is clear: ensuring New Zealand’s horticulture sector remains strong, sustainable, and competitive for generations to come.