Campaign launched to encourage New Zealanders to show their support for growers

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has launched an awareness campaign urging New Zealanders to show their support for fruit and vegetable growers.

The Taste the Yakka campaign highlights the dedication, passion and innovation that goes into growing fruit and vegetables in regional communities across the country.

As part of the digital campaign, a short video takes Kiwis on a sensory journey of New Zealand’s horticulture sector, capturing the ultimate taste of locally grown food.

“We want to help all New Zealanders, in towns and cities across the country, connect with where their fruit and vegetables come from,” says Nadine Tunley, chief executive of HortNZ.

“This is especially important when food plays such a key role in people’s lives, bringing together families and friends.

“We know Kiwis believe in an honest day's work and getting on with it. That's exactly what growers are doing every day, rain, hail or shine. This results in some of the best food on earth.

“The video shows the process that our food goes through to get from our growers to your table, the surprises of weather, the research, planning, science, soil, teams, dedication and the passion.

“We want New Zealanders from all walks of life to support our horticulture sector and stand with us in delivering fresh, high-quality produce.

“Dedicated growers are facing a range of challenges including extreme weather events, challenging government regulations, and rising production costs.

“Every day, I see growers displaying resilience and resolve to overcome these obstacles so they can continue to produce nutritious fruit and vegetables for Kiwi dinner tables. We want New Zealand to join us on this journey.”

Kiwis are being encouraged to sign up to the campaign and pledge their support with a year’s worth of Wonky Box fruit and vegetables up for grabs. Insert link

The value of the New Zealand horticulture industry is around $7.48 billion (2023/24). HortNZ advocates for and represents the interests of New Zealand’s 4,500+ commercial fruit and vegetable growers