With a General Election approaching, a key focus for Summerfruit NZ is ensuring the challenges and opportunities facing our industry are well understood by decision-makers. It is important that the voice of summerfruit growers is represented in policy discussions that affect our industry’s ability to invest, innovate and remain competitive.
I am pleased to advise that Summerfruit NZ has now released its 2026 Election Manifesto. The manifesto outlines the key policy priorities we believe will help create the conditions for a strong, productive and profitable summerfruit industry. We will be using this document to anchor our advocacy efforts over the coming months.
The document focuses on issues consistently raised by growers, including improving access to crop protection tools, strengthening biosecurity, reforming the plant import pathway, supporting workforce needs, improving market access, and ensuring policy settings encourage investment and innovation.
I encourage members to read the manifesto, which is available here on the Summerfruit NZ website.
Commodity Levy Order confirmed
I am also pleased to confirm that the Commodity Levies (Summerfruit) Order 2026 has now passed through Cabinet and will come into force on 18 August 2026.
The new order replaces the existing levy order, which expires this year. Following the consultation process and successful levy referendum undertaken last year, the new order has been drafted to largely replicate the current arrangements and levy settings. As a result, growers will see little change in how the levy operates.
We recognise that the levy is a privilege granted by growers. The Board and staff do not take this responsibility lightly and remain committed to ensuring levy funds are invested carefully, and directed towards activities that deliver tangible value for members and support the long-term success of the industry.
Technical extension
Our Winter Lunch & Learn webinar series continues each Thursday at 12.30pm, and has already covered a range of topics relevant to growers and industry participants.
You can view upcoming sessions via the Winter Lunch & Learn Webinar Series.
For those unable to attend, recordings of all sessions are available through the Member Portal. However, I would encourage members to join live where possible. The opportunity to engage directly with researchers, ask questions and discuss how findings may apply within your own operation often provides the greatest value.
Looking ahead
Whether it is advocating for better policy settings, providing certainty for industry investment, or creating opportunities for growers to access new knowledge and expertise, our focus remains on supporting a resilient, competitive and profitable summerfruit industry.
As always, I’m happy for you to call me if there is anything that you’d like to discuss directly. My number is 027 461 6020.