Record Kiwifruit Harvest Brings Optimism, but Green Growers Face Profitability Challenges
Signs for the 2026-27 kiwifruit crop look good, but there are still some challenges for growers – especially those who produce green kiwifruit.
The Foodbank Project is a joint partnership between Countdown, the Salvation Army, and Lucid.
The drive recognises that Covid-19 continues to have an economic impact upon New Zealand with many kiwis struggling financially.
“It’s great to see this drive as a continuation of the 2020 grower initiative launched in the Bay of Plenty to help support the unprecedented demand due to the ongoing impacts of Covid-19,” says NZKGI chief executive Nikki Johnson.
“Growers answered the call and donated thousands of dollars’ worth of food and necessities. As a result of the drive’s success, NZKGI committed to rolling out the appeal in other kiwifruit growing regions,” says Johnson.
Jono Bell, Salvation Army territorial director of community ministries says “The pressure on our clients and their whanau to make ends meet is enormous, and Covid-19 has added more uncertainty.”
Instead of utilising drop off points for growers to deliver food, the Foodbank Project encourages donors to donate only and choose from a range of products and bundles that are critically needed for food parcels.
The order is subsequently packed and delivered by local Countdown stores to Salvation Army foodbanks of the donor’s choice.
The drive lasts from 29 January until 5 March.
