AGRIBUSINESS
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
NEWS
Pamu returns a solid profit.
New quads coming to New Zealand. PAGE 34
Seeka’s six months of pain. PAGE 20
PAGE 22
TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS SEPTEMBER 13, 2022: ISSUE 759
www.ruralnews.co.nz
Money-grabbing ploy! PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
IT COULD be late next year before a proposal by the Gisborne District Council (GDC) to add the value of new SunGold licences to rating kiwifruit orchard properties is finally settled in the Court of Appeal. The plan by the GDC would see significant rate increases for kiwifruit growers and is seen by most people in the hort sector as a bizarre moneygrabbing ploy by the council. The NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) appealed the Gisborne council’s move to the High Court, but it upheld the GDC’s proposal. NZKGI chief executive Colin Bond
says they are disappointed with the High Court judgement but believes they have a strong case to take to the Court of Appeal. “We don’t think the value of the licence should be attached to the land – rather we believe it should rest with the grower,” he told Rural News. “This case is precedent setting and is important, not only to the small number of Gisborne kiwifruit grow-
ers, but to other kiwifruit growers and horticulturalists throughout NZ. For example, there is the question about whether this proposal could apply to other fruits and crops.” Bond says the case is being closely watched by other local councils around the country, as well as commercial growers and orchardists. He adds that increasing industry costs can make the kiwifruit industry
Lots of interest Large crowds attended the first two field days for the finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy competition at the Okuku Māori Lands, just south of Rotorua and the Wi Pere Trust – about half an hour’s drive out of Gisborne. The competition is managed by a team headed by Nukuhia Hadfield, a former winner of the Ahuwhenua Trophy, who is pictured with Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor. Hadfield says it’s great to see Māori farmers showcasing their enterprises and achievements. See more pages 30-31.
THE RISKS ARE LESS RISKY WHEN WE’RE PART OF THE PICTURE. Whether you’re a grower, a farmer or a commercial business, moving ahead means making changes. And that usually comes with a few risks along the way. But with us as your partner, you can progress with more confidence. That’s because FMG offers the kind of specialised advice and knowledge that only comes from working alongside rural New Zealand for generations. To find out more, ask around about us. Better still, give us a call on 0800 366 466 or go to fmg.co.nz. FMG, your partners in progress.
We’re here for the good of the country. FMG1362AFPSFW
a less attractive investment and reduce growers’ spend in local communities, ultimately impacting upon economies across New Zealand. Bond says Gisborne growers return over $80 million to the local economy and should be supported by their local council. In 2022, growers paid a median of $921,150 (incl. GST) per hectare for a SunGold licence.
“This is a serious issue and it feels like NZKGI is the right organisation to lead this appeal for growers and we have their total support,” he told Rural News. “It will continue to cost growers some money, but we have gone out and got approval from them to take the case to the Court of Appeal. Our case is strong and we want to get a positive outcome for all growers.”