There has been a clear focus across the industry on leadership, capability, and how we position ourselves for the future over recent weeks.
The Central Otago Young Grower of the Year regional event in Cromwell was a strong reminder of the talent coming through. Competitors demonstrated not only technical capability, but a willingness to step forward, challenge themselves, and be open to learning.
At the awards dinner, I spoke about the importance of feedback - both giving it and receiving it. It can be uncomfortable, as taking on honest feedback requires a level of openness that doesn’t always come naturally. That said, I know there are a few in our industry who don’t find giving feedback too difficult! We rely on members sharing their views - both positive and challenging - as strong industries are built on open, constructive dialogue and a willingness to listen as much as we speak.
I also want to acknowledge all Central Otago competitors - the commitment required is significant, and each of them should be proud of their efforts. Congratulations to Luke St John on taking out the title and progressing to the national final.
Looking ahead
I’ll be in Hawke’s Bay this week for our Young Grower regional event, where I will have the privilege of moderating the leadership panel. These events rely on strong industry support, so I’d encourage everyone local to attend.
The national final will be held in Cromwell at the new Te Puna Mahara Cromwell Memorial Events Centre on 27–28 August – this will be an excellent opportunity to showcase both our emerging talent and the region.
Engaging where it matters
I attended National Fieldays last week, which provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with politicians from across the political spectrum ahead of the general election. These conversations are important in ensuring decision-makers have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our industry.
To support this engagement, we are developing an election manifesto that identifies the key policy issues shaping our advocacy. This work is focused on the areas that matter most to growers, including improving access to crop protection tools, strengthening biosecurity and plant import pathways, ensuring workforce settings are fit for purpose, providing certainty for investment, and progressing market access opportunities.
A draft manifesto is currently being considered by the Summerfruit NZ Board. Once approved, I will share it more widely with members.
Targeted investment in capability
We continue to take a targeted approach to building industry capability and accessing relevant knowledge. Our Technical Manager, Sean Gresham and Biosecurity Manager Edwin Spencer recently attended Hort Innovation and the Cherry Australia conferences in Adelaide. They had a clear focus on identifying practical insights that can be applied within our industry.
As a small sector, we cannot generate all the knowledge we need ourselves. Strategic engagement with international counterparts ensures we remain informed and can adapt relevant learnings for New Zealand conditions.
This work continues with Sean and I attending the Summerfruit Australia conference later this month, alongside Trudi Webb in her role as Chair. These engagements are about maintaining strong industry connections and ensuring we are well positioned to bring value back to growers.
Opportunity for our growers to visit Victoria, Australia in August
Expressions of interest close on 19 May to join a Summerfruit NZ grower tour to Victoria, Australia in August this year.
This tour will be a fantastic opportunity to gain fresh insights, visit local Australian orchards, and network with industry peers. The trip will focus on summerfruit other than cherries.
Click here to register your interest and find out more, including what assistance may be available.
A clear direction
Whether it’s developing our people, strengthening capability, or ensuring our voice is heard, the focus is clear - directing our effort toward the areas that will deliver the greatest value for growers and support a resilient and competitive summerfruit industry.