Biosecurity underpins much of what we do. Our ability to grow, export, and innovate depends on keeping New Zealand free from pests and diseases that would threaten orchard productivity, market access, and confidence in our sector.
At the same time, our future success also relies on innovation. Access to new genetics and plant material is critical if we are to continue improving quality, resilience, and competitiveness. These two realities - robust biosecurity and the need to import germplasm - sit in constant tension. Getting the balance right matters.
The import health standards that govern how germplasm can be safely imported play a crucial role in managing this balance. They are designed to protect New Zealand’s biosecurity, while enabling access to new plant material where risks can be effectively managed. From an industry perspective, it is essential that these standards remain science‑based, proportionate to risk, and commercially workable. If the pathway to importing new genetics becomes overly complex, slow, or costly without delivering meaningful risk reduction, innovation inevitably suffers.
This is why Summerfruit New Zealand has been actively involved in Biosecurity New Zealand’s recent workshops focused on plant import system reform. These sessions are exploring how the system can better align measures with actual biosecurity risk, recognise credible offshore controls, and avoid unnecessary duplication - while still maintaining strong protection at the border.
Board matters and industry representation
Earlier this month, the Summerfruit NZ Board met in Auckland on 4-5 March. This was a significant meeting for several reasons. It was the first board meeting attended by Sam Hobbs, who has joined the board this year as an observer. The meeting also marked a transition point, following the dissolution of the Summerfruit Exporters Committee (SEC).
As a result of that change, the three exporter directors appointed through the SEC - Craig Hall, Russell Faulknor and Reece van der Velden - resigned from the board. I would like to sincerely thank all three for their contribution and commitment to the industry. However, Craig and Russell have since agreed to return in a temporary capacity, ensuring continuity of exporter representation.
Looking ahead, the board will be calling for nominations for two new exporter directors ahead of this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled for 6 November. I wholeheartedly encourage exporter members to consider putting themselves forward for these roles. Strong, diverse representation at the board table is critical as our industry continues to navigate both opportunity and risk.
Seeing biosecurity in action
The board meeting also provided an opportunity for directors to see firsthand the work that goes into protecting New Zealand’s border. On the second day, directors visited the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Post‑Entry Quarantine facility to gain a better appreciation of the processes that enable the safe importation of Prunus material. This was followed by a visit to the Auckland Processing Centre, where incoming mail is screened.
These visits reinforced just how much effort and vigilance is required every day to reduce the risk of biosecurity incursions. This context is particularly relevant given Summerfruit NZ’s ongoing commitments under the biosecurity, Government Industry Agreement (GIA) framework. Our industry is currently contributing to responses relating to threats such as the Yellow‑legged Hornet and Oriental Fruit Fly, as well as the recently closed Queensland Fruit Fly response.
As we reflect on these discussions and experiences, the message is clear: strong biosecurity and innovation are not competing objectives, but they do require careful balance. Our task as an industry is to support a system that protects what we have, while still enabling the progress we need to remain viable and competitive.
Summerfruit NZ will continue to advocate for that balance - firm on protection, practical on delivery, and focused on the long‑term success of our growers and exporters.
Further Wattie’s Processing Closure Proposals
No doubt summerfruit growers will have seen in the media that Wattie’s is proposing more processing plant closures, across vegetables, coffee and dips, resulting in significant job losses, particularly in Canterbury around process vegetables.
I am sure summerfruit growers have every sympathy for the vegetable growers and Wattie’s employees whose livelihoods will be affected. While it is a complex situation that speaks to the heart of decisions made in New Zealand since the 1980s, there is one thing that we can all do to support the wider grower base. That is, buy local and ensure the canned or frozen fruit or vegetables that you’re buying are grown as well as processed in New Zealand.