Mike Chapman NZKGI Chief Executive

Voting papers have been mailed to all kiwifruit growers asking them to vote in support of their grower organisation, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated.

NZKGI is seeking a grower mandate and funding – a 'levy” – so it can continue to represent kiwifruit growers. This is a postal ballot with voting closing on Monday, September 5.

NZKGI is not seeking additional funding. The same amount of money is being asked for. Approval is being sought for a maximum of one cent per tray of export kiwifruit. This does not include Arguta, which is commonly known as KiwiBerry.

Each year, the exact amount under one cent will be set at NZKGI's AGM based on the budget for the coming financial year. For the first year of the levy in 2012, NZKGI's AGM last month set this at 0.9 of a cent.
The levy will replace NZKGI's current funding. The result of a successful vote will be to:
• Put in place for NZKGI a grower mandate and funding levy for five years.
• Ensure NZKGI is independently funded.
NZKGI represents growers and growers are the largest investors in the kiwifruit industry. It ensures growers have representation on all industry decision-making bodies and that growers are consulted on all major industry decisions.

NZKGI also presents the grower voice to government, media and the public. This includes working for the retention of the kiwifruit industry's structure, Single Point of Entry to the off shore markets.

Currently Psa is the single biggest issue facing the kiwifruit industry. Grower welfare and support are key Psa related issues for NZKGI.

NZKGI represented growers when the $50 million Psa funding package was arranged with government. It is playing a key role keeping growers informed of developments, assisting with the on-going administration and governance of Kiwifruit Vine Health and supporting the Regional Psa Committees. It will represent growers' views in discussions on future Psa funding and development of the Psa National Pest Management Strategy.

NZKGI's other major role is monitoring the performance of Zespri, both in market and through the supply chain.

The aim here is to ensure growers get the best possible return for their kiwifruit. Other areas where NZKGI is involved include councils, resource management, spraying, labour, training and the development of the Australian market.

Growers are therefore voting in the next few days for an organisation that has only one interest: doing the best for growers. A vote for NZKGI will ensure that the effective grower organisation continues to look after growers best interests for the next five years.