Government policies threaten NZ’s 2030 export goals, farmers warn
The Government is being warned that some recent bad policy decisions are undermining its target of doubling exports by 2030.
According to new figures from Stats NZ, kiwifruit exports were valued at $3.1 billion in the year ended August 2024.
This marks a 20% ($524 million) increase on the same period in 2023.
Stats NZ international trade manager Viki Ward says kiwifruit export values for the season so far are the highest they have ever been.
“The kiwifruit export season is typically from March to November,” Ward says.
Gold kiwifruit exports were $2.4 billion, up $457 million (24%) from the year ended August 2023, driven largely by an increase in quality (up 23%).
Green kiwifruit were valued at $737 million, up $67 million (9.9%) over the same period an increase driven by a price increase (up 9%).
Typically, gold kiwifruit have a higher unit price than green.
“Growers in New Zealand are increasingly planting gold, and now red, kiwifruit, to capture greater export value in markets like China and Japan,” Ward says.
The top destination for gold kiwifruit is China, while the top destination for green is the European Union.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next year.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling for nominations for director roles in the Eastern North Island and Southern South Island electoral districts.

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