HortNZ is working on a national project that will enable a consistent set of rules for activities that support fruit production in New Zealand.
The primary objective of this project is to develop and secure the adoption of national guidance (non-regulated), which will focus on land-based activities ensuring they are aligned with industry needs. Creating a consistent set of guidelines will help growers to navigate complex land-use regulations and practices, reducing ambiguity and ensuring clarity for growers, local authorities and other stakeholders.
The guidance will address key land-based activities in district plans that are critical to supporting fruit production, including but not limited to:
• Noise
• Biosecurity Clearance
• Artificial Crop Protection Structures
• Crop Support Structures
• Reverse Sensitivity and Setbacks
• Ancillary Earthworks
• Seasonal Worker Accommodation.
The project seeks to have consistent rules in district plans for these activities. For example, the rules for frost fans should be the same in Central Otago as they are in Hawke’s Bay.
HortNZ has met with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which is very supportive of the project. Once the rules have been endorsed by the fruit sector, they will start engaging with the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) on development of national guidance.
HortNZ is holding an online workshop to provide more information about the project and to gather growers’ on the draft rules. If you are unable to make the meeting, please feel free to contact sarah.cameron@hortnz.co.nz or 021 446 281. Sarah is the project lead.
The meeting will be held on Thursday 13 March at 9.30am. If you would like to be involved, please email info@summerfruitnz.co.nz for a meeting link.