Whilst there’s plenty to say about 2020 as it draws to a close, with harvest in full swing you’ll have little time to read so I’ll keep my comments brief.
It has been a pleasure to see a substantial shift in the way our sector has gone about the broader industry business this year. With issues affecting groups of, or the entire, membership you have supported Summerfruit NZ, and each other, to find solutions. This has started with providing much better information about your businesses, and therefore who and what we are collectively. That gives Summerfruit NZ the ability to advocate with greater certainty and confidence. Importantly that advocacy has paid off in the two key matters for this season; seasonal labour and airfreight. I’ve mentioned this extensively in previous communications but suffice to say that generally we have seasonal workers in place for harvest thus far, and airfreight capacity to service our high-value exports and ensure we continue to drive New Zealand’s export-led recovery.
This work has taken considerable effort underpinned by expectation from the membership and therefore clear objectives. I would like to thank all those from within and outside the sector who have made invaluable contributions to that work. I especially note the time and effort put in by our Chairman, Tim Jones, and Trudi Webb, to assist not just the Summerfruit NZ efforts but within the regions to talk with growers and others. It would be remiss of me not to also thank my fellow industry CEO group, ably guided by Mike Chapman, who have worked together to collectively address the issues that affect us all.
I would like to offer my thanks to the Summerfruit NZ staff and contractors who have diligently served our industry through this most unusual year. We’ve dealt with some new and different issues, and everyone has stepped up to deal with these in a professional and committed manner. The Summerfruit NZ staff have built new relationships with government agencies and other sectors, that have helped address the challenges we have faced. My team have done a fantastic job and I again thank them for their efforts.
Lastly a big thank you to Tim Jones for his wise counsel and support throughout the year, and the rest of the Summerfruit NZ Board for their efforts to drive our organisation.
Meri Kirihimete,
Richard