As we look back at the summerfruit season that’s still fresh in our minds, it's clear that the real strength of our industry comes from our people.
In this past season, we harvested significantly more fruit than in the year before. This didn't just happen because of good weather, though the weather was mostly on our side. This bigger harvest was thanks to everyone working together – a mix of different people – and because our growers did a great job, handling the various challenges that came up.
Our permanent employees gave us steady support and valuable skills. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme workers were a key part for many operations, adding vital extra hands. And backpackers and students also stepped up to meet the demands of the harvest. The way our industry brings together such a large seasonal workforce is truly impressive, showing how resourceful and cooperative we are. Of course, managing so many seasonal workers has its own challenges. We're very aware that we need to balance our work needs with being good members of the community, making sure we have fair practices and good relationships.
This success also reminds us how important it is to create and support ways for people to join and grow in our industry. Our sector is built on the skills, passion, and hard work of people who truly understand how to grow our high-quality fruit.
I recently went to the Young Grower of the Year regional events in Central Otago and Hawke's Bay. It was truly inspiring to see the bright young leaders coming up. Their knowledge, excitement, and dedication to the future of horticulture were clear. These individuals represent a promising future for our industry.
My congratulations to the two young growers going through to the Young Grower of the Year final: Lydia Goodman, who won the Central Otago regional title; and Sam Carter, who won the Hawke’s Bay event.
Even with these good things, we know there's more work to do. The way education is delivered in New Zealand continues to change. I've heard that some important training programmes for horticulture are at risk. This is a big worry for all of us. Specifically, shifts in government funding models can disproportionately affect smaller, specialised programmes like many of those in horticulture.
If funding doesn't fully cover the practical, hands-on nature of our training, or if it prioritises larger, more general courses, then valuable horticulture pathways can struggle to remain viable. The long-term health and growth of the summerfruit industry, and farming in general, depend on having a steady supply of well-trained people. Losing effective ways to get education and hands-on experience would set us back a lot.
As your national product group, Summerfruit NZ knows its part in advocating for an education and training system that is stable and consistently delivers for our industry. I want to assure our members that we are actively engaging with HortNZ and other groups on these matters. At this stage, a key focus for us is active listening, understanding the full scope of the changes, and how they might impact the opportunities for people to gain the knowledge and skills they need to do well in our industry. This means ensuring that education programmes stay strong and relevant, and that practical training on the job gets good support.
Securing these educational pathways is fundamental to our industry's future. It's about ensuring the next generation of growers, managers and innovators have the tools and support to continue to produce the best possible summerfruit. I'll be keeping a close eye on the situation, and I encourage all of you to stay involved in this important conversation.
Our people are our greatest strength. By helping them grow and develop, we directly support the sustainable success of the summerfruit industry.
Conference
Given where things are at with the industry, it is good to see this year’s conference well supported by the wider industry, and I look forward to catching up with those growers that can go.
If you aren’t going but have had second thoughts or just happen to be around Blenheim on 25-26 June, it is not too late to register, by clicking here.