As we head into the second half of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on a few key topics. I've had the privilege of leading Summerfruit NZ for 10 months, so I have nearly experienced the full annual calendar of events. I genuinely love my job, and I'm motivated by the opportunities that exist, but most importantly, by the people. I enjoy the personal interactions, learning about different operations, and bringing this perspective back into how we fine-tune our focus. I believe we can do better in bringing the grower voice into our strategy, and I am committed to making this a key focus going forward.
Levy renewal voting
This is a crucial time for our industry, and I want to encourage every single one of you to vote in the 2025 Summerfruit Commodity Levy referendum. The commodity levy funds over 80% of Summerfruit NZ's annual income, and without it, we could not function as we do now.
Your support is essential for us to continue to advocate for and support the industry. Voting opened on Monday 4 August and closes on Monday 25 August. This referendum is a vital measure of support for Summerfruit NZ and the work we do on your behalf as growers. The referendum proposes that the levy structure continues unchanged. To learn more, I encourage you to visit the Summerfruit NZ website. If you are a grower and you haven't received voting papers, either by mail or email, please immediately phone Andrew Bristol, Summerfruit NZ Communications Manager, at 021 021 62 021.
Proposed changes to the Summerfruit Exporters Committee and the Summerfruit NZ Board
I also want to update you on a recent development concerning the Summerfruit Exporters Committee (SEC). At its Annual General Meeting in April 2025, SEC members unanimously approved motions to disestablish the organisation with a view that its core functions can more efficiently be delivered by Summerfruit NZ. This proposed disestablishment is contingent upon specific agreements with Summerfruit NZ. These include Summerfruit NZ:
- Agreeing to formalise changes to the appointment of exporter representatives, establishing a minimum of two board positions for exporter members (Summerfruit NZ’s current constitution allows for three exporter directors)
- Agreeing to manage the process of annual market monitoring
- Recognising the current objectives of the SEC
- Ensuring the continued management of exporter interests within the HEA framework
- The SEC executive negotiating a new export membership fee with Summerfruit NZ that incorporates the market monitoring activity.
- An agreement being reached on the use of current SEC reserves.
The integration of SEC's functions will require minor adjustments to the Summerfruit NZ constitution, which we are currently working through. Alongside these constitutional changes, the Board will also be proposing some other tweaks to improve the clarity around membership categories.
These proposed changes will not materially alter how Summerfruit NZ operates or how our funds are invested. The current Commodity Levy Order clearly specifies what grower levies can be spent on, which is why we will continue to charge exporters separate fees for export-specific functions. Income from these different sources will remain "ring-fenced" for its specified purpose. The proposed changes will be shared with members well in advance of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November.
The SEC's current objectives, which include promoting unity and cooperation, engaging with growers, and fostering new export markets, closely align with those of Summerfruit NZ, so there is no anticipated change in our strategic focus.
If you would like to discuss the Commodity Levy referendum or the proposed SEC disestablishment, please contact me directly on my mobile at 027 461 6020 or by email at dean.smith@summerfruitnz.co.nz.