Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

Late week I attended three meetings where Psa - the serious threat to our kiwifruit industry in the Bay of Plenty - was high on the agenda. It was recognised that the kiwifruit industry is in crisis. Psa is a slowly unfolding disaster which is potentially much worse than the Rena grounding.

The first meeting was focused on the social side of the threat. Another meeting focused on the nuts and bolts of what is being done, and yet another discussed possible impacts.

The forecast reality is that gold kiwifruit orchards will probably not be viable by next July, and growers will need to be planning to diversify into other more resistant varieties of kiwifruit, move into another land use or build alternative income streams - and some may decide to leave their land. Green kiwifruit looks more resistant but the situation is still unfolding and the full shape of our post-Psa future is not yet known. This has resulted in huge uncertainty and is very difficult for growers and all the people associated with servicing the kiwifruit industry. This includes pack-houses, contractors and workers and has a flow on effect to distributors, retailers and business professionals. Some growers and industry players are being pro-active and taking control, while others are just waiting to see what will happen – others are in denial.

Times may be tough for many but it is important for those that are personally affected to realise that they are not alone. A lot of research is underway to find solutions. Many groups are keen to do what they can to help people who are caught up in the Psa disaster. There is a lot of support available and this needs to be communicated to those in need. There was discussion about a website to outline all the agencies who can help and to link to various helpful resources.

The key message was that it is a time for leaders to step up and to identify what they or their agencies can do to help. But you don't need to be a leader to make a difference. Just asking how people are doing, listening to them and supporting them can make a huge difference if times are tough.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please contact me on neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579-5150. Or you can check out my website at www.janenees.co.nz