I want to begin by acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty created by international tensions, particularly the conflict involving Iran. Global instability is already flowing through to higher input costs, most notably fuel and freight, and remains a concern as we look ahead to the next season. Alongside other industry groups, Summerfruit NZ continues to engage with government to ensure the potential impacts on horticulture are well understood, and that our sector is appropriately considered where mitigation is possible.
The 2025-26 season has now concluded, with the last of this year’s fruit making its way through the domestic supply chain. For export cherry growers, it has been a demanding year, shaped by difficult growing conditions and increasingly tight margins. At the same time, outcomes have not been uniform.
Some growers navigated the season favourably despite the challenges. Feedback from the domestic‑focused part of the industry suggests it has been a particularly strong year, with solid market performance. As is often the case, the picture across regions, crops, and market channels is mixed.
Year ahead
As we prepare Summerfruit NZ’s business plan for the year ahead, a central focus is continuing to reflect on what more can be done to support improved grower returns. While some cost pressures - such as those linked to global energy markets - are clearly outside our control, this makes it even more important that we concentrate on areas where we can influence outcomes. That includes lifting productivity, improving decision‑making, and actively working to minimise avoidable cost creep.
One area the Board and management have been discussing is the value of better on‑orchard financial information. There is a clear opportunity to develop more robust financial benchmarks to help growers better understand performance drivers, compare outcomes, and identify practical levers to improve returns.
To support this, we will be proposing a pilot project in this year’s budget to begin building a reliable dataset. Our intention is for this work to initially focus on cherries in Central Otago, where we have been in constructive discussions with the Central Otago District Council, which has expressed interest in supporting the project. Over time, and subject to the success of the pilot, I would like to see this work expanded to include other crops and regions.
Employment Leave Bill
Policy settings also remain an important part of the productivity and cost equation. Summerfruit NZ has been working closely with HortNZ in relation to the proposed Employment Leave Bill changes, and I thank those members who joined the recent HortNZ workshop to discuss the potential implications for our sector.
Summerfruit production relies heavily on seasonal and casual labour within a compressed timeframe that often overlaps with statutory holidays. With margins under increasing pressure, it is important that any changes are carefully considered and the cumulative impacts well understood.
RSE review
Further to this, the engagement phase of the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE’s) review of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme has now closed. Summerfruit NZ thanks those employers who participated in workshops and provided feedback. This engagement has helped provide insight into how current settings are operating in practice, and we will continue to keep members informed as the review progresses.
Mid-year events
Looking ahead, I would like to thank those who have secured tickets for our upcoming mid‑year events in Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay. The Central Otago event has now sold out, and I am aware that some growers missed out, which I appreciate is disappointing. While we worked hard to promote the events across a range of channels, I recognise that a small number of growers were still completing their season when tickets were on sale. We will review our approach following the events as part of our commitment to continual improvement.
I would also like to highlight that the technical, Summergreen sessions associated with these events are open to all and do not require a ticket. We strongly encourage growers and orchard teams to attend, with the programme featuring insights from Dr Mark O’Connell on activity in Australia, alongside an update on Summerfruit NZ’s current research.
As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support of Summerfruit New Zealand.