Roadmap set to double hort exports by 2035
It's critical that the horticulture sector works together as part of a goal to double the sector’s exports by 2035.
The Growers Relief Fund will be collecting donations to support Tonga's recovery after the recent tsunami.
The horticulture and wine grape industries in New Zealand are collecting donations to help with the recovery in Tonga, following a tsunami in the country.
“Our industries, in particular those who employ workers from Tonga, have been saddened by news of the tsunami and its impact,” says the horticulture industry labour collective, comprising NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Kiwifruit Growers, Summerfruit NZ, NZ Wine, NZ Ethical Employers, and HortNZ.
“Our focus is on helping the economy of Tonga recover. That’s because the immediate response is in hand, thanks to the efforts of governments, civil defence and agencies like the Red Cross.
“We are using the Growers Relief Fund to collect donations to support the recovery. As has happened previously, money donated by our industry will be used to help small businesses, such as market gardens, recover.”
The collective says that, in some areas, donations will be used to rebuild community buildings.
“Our industries will also be ensuring the approximately 1,000 workers from Tonga currently in New Zealand working are well supported, now and in the coming months. We are working with our growers and employers on that,” the collective says.
The Growers Relief Fund is a charity designed to help support growers in an adverse event, with wellness or when additional support is needed.
The fund also helps people working in the horticulture industry who need assistance.
Growers, employers and other parts of the horticulture and wine grape industries can donate by going to https://horticulturenewzealand.formstack.com/forms/grower_relief_fund_donation_form.
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.
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.
Going one better than a frustratingly close second place finish at last year's event, the country's top axeman, Jack Jordan of Taumaranui, last weekend won the Stihl Timbersports World Championship individual event in.

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