As we head into the final weeks of 2025, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on what has been a significant year for New Zealand horticulture.
The release of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ December Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report this week reinforced the strength and scale of our sector.
The SOPI report forecasts strong export revenue growth for horticulture over the next six months, underlining the sector’s importance to rural and regional communities and the national economy.
Despite a challenging operating environment, the sector has continued to deliver for New Zealand.
Growers across the country have invested in productivity, lifted sustainability practices, adopted new technology and strengthened on-farm systems, while continuing to supply high-quality fruit and vegetables to both domestic and international markets.
Horticulture remains a major employer in regional New Zealand and a cornerstone of local communities, even in the face of cost pressures, weather disruption and market challenges.
Advocacy has remained front and centre for HortNZ, with a strong focus on resource management reform, labour settings and biosecurity.
Throughout the year, we have represented growers’ interests in discussions with Government ministers, officials and sector partners, ensuring horticulture’s needs are clearly understood and reflected in policy development.
The Government’s recent RMA reform announcement represents a positive step toward greater certainty, and we will continue to work closely on the detail to ensure outcomes that work on the ground for growers.
We have also continued to strongly support the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, recognising its importance to growers and the need for certainty and fairness for workers.
At the same time, we have not lost sight of the risks facing the sector. Biosecurity threats such as fruit fly and the yellow-legged hornet remain a constant focus, reinforcing the importance of strong border settings and rapid response capability.
Severe flooding in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough again tested growers’ resilience this year, while access to reliable water continues to be critical for the long-term success of horticulture.
Sadly, we also learnt of the passing of Dr Stuart Davis last week. A highly respected industry leader whose influence on vegetable growing in New Zealand spanned more than 35 years, Stuart was the 2024 recipient of the Bledisloe Cup, New Zealand’s highest horticultural honour.
He helped shape a smarter, more sustainable future for the vegetable sector. We really valued his wisdom, calm leadership and relentless focus on improvement. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues.
This is the final newsletter for 2025. To every grower across New Zealand, thank you for your resilience, hard work and commitment to producing food that feeds the country and the world.
Fingers crossed for settled conditions so growers can get through this critical period.
On behalf of the HortNZ team, I wish you and your families a safe Christmas and a positive start to 2026.
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