Mike Chapman NZKGI Chief Executive

Kiwifruit growers voted ‘yes' to funding NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated's activities via a Commodity Levy for the next five years, with 87 per cent of the growers who voted saying yes to the proposed levy.

The levy vote serves two purposes. First it funds NZKGI for the next five years from a levy deducted from growers' return. Secondly, it gives NZKGI a very solid grower mandate to represent and serve kiwifruit growers.

Psa is our prime focus. NZ Kiwifruit Growers is not funding the Psa response, but is providing member and staff resource where they can have best effect. Two of Kiwifruit Vine Health's Board members are appointed by NZ Kiwifruit Growers. NZ Kiwifruit Growers also supports and has representatives on the Kiwifruit Vine Health regional committees and provides the KVH board secretary. Most importantly, NZ Kiwifruit Growers is working in conjunction with KVH and with government and anyone in the community to support growers and their families, staff and the community as we respond to Psa and try and deal with it.

NZ Kiwifruit Growers' other work continues, but at a somewhat reduced level. We are ruthlessly prioritising what is important so that we can keep maximum efforts focused on Psa. At a national and international level, NZ Kiwifruit Growers makes sure that growers' views are heard outside the kiwifruit industry wherever decisions that could affect growers are made. This includes maintaining good relationships with government as well as working with the media.

Keeping growers informed is one of NZ Kiwifruit Growers most important roles. For example getting timely and accurate information on Psa out to growers. NZ Kiwifruit Growers' communications platform provides growers with concise and relevant information and directs growers to the sources of more detailed data.

NZ Kiwifruit Growers also contributes to national and industry publications, always with a view to advancing grower interests or informing growers and the public.

Growers in the recent levy vote have endorsed NZ Kiwifruit Growers activities and work on their behalf. Much of it happens behind the scenes and out of sight of the media.
It is nonetheless vital work.