WHAT A START TO 2023!

Our growers in Pukekohe experienced 265mm of rain washing away valued crops in a matter of hours in January. Then to follow on the heels of the flood, Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc across the motu, with the full impacts not yet known.

Despite the recorded rainfall in Pukekohe for January being around 300 percent of the normal average, resilience was seen in the practical advances made in managing soil and water movement.

The vegetable industry has made considerable progress over the last 25-plus years, not least in the area of erosion and sediment control.

Growers, councils and the wider horticulture industry have worked closely together since Pukekohe’s large 1997 storm, resulting in the formation of the Franklin Sustainability Project and an Integrated Stormwater Management System for parts of Pukekohe Hill.

Other initiatives have included the industry’s Don’t Muddy the Water programme, Vegetated Buffer Code of Practice, and Farm Environment Plans, all of which have resulted in a significantly more sustainable growing system.

While there was sediment and onion in drains with the January flooding, the soil loss was significantly less than experienced previously, despite the storm being on top of Auckland’s wettest month ever, dating back to 1853 and the beginning of records.

As council roads, drains and stormwater pipes failed to cope with the deluge, growers’ integrated stormwater systems, correctly sized culverts, drains and sediment retention ponds, for the most part, seemed to work.

This can be attributed to the great work of growers, years of grower financial investment, industry research and a commitment to mitigate sediment loss and minimise the effect of these events. It means that New Zealanders can enjoy local, fresh, healthy, sustainably produced vegetables.

With extreme weather events, urban sprawl and seemingly endless red tape, the challenges of growing potatoes commercially in New Zealand are not set to become easier. This is why we ask that growers participate in our meetings and events, as an opportunity to engage with our team and to ensure our organisation is heading in the right direction with our activities, and maintaining the security and sustainability of the New Zealand potato industry into the future.

We have added a number of 2023 events to the Potatoes NZ Inc (PNZ) website, the first round being late March with Research & Development breakfasts in Canterbury and Pukekohe. To find out more about these, the grower insight meetings and the big winter conference, please visit our events page potatoesnz.co.nz/news-info/events/

Also in January, the PNZ board accepted the resignation of PNZ chief executive, Chris Claridge.

Chris has been in the role for seven years, and has significantly changed the way the organisation operates. In this time, he has brought a number of operational and technical services inhouse and there has been a significant increase of levy money dedicated to research and development.

The chair and board appreciate the achievements of the organisation during Chris’ tenure and wish him well for his next endeavours. He will stay on as chief executive until the end of April.

We hope to have some farewell thoughts from Chris next month, upon his departure.

The board remind grower members that the Levy Order vote will be held in mid-2024, dates to be confirmed. By that time there will be a new chief executive and a new chair, due to board rotations.

The board consider this refresh in 2023 to be a timely opportunity for the organisation to successfully support the New Zealand potato industry in the next Levy Order period.

Remember we are just a phone call away on 0800 399 574.

In addition, the Rural Support Trust have rural advisors and support across the country for wellbeing, business advice and to connect farmers with the best financial assistance where possible. Call RST 0800 787 254.