The Single Point of Entry kiwifruit marketing structure is crucial to increasing wealth for Maori in the industry, and the overwhelming support for its retention is 'fantastic” says Te Awanui Huka Pak chairperson Neil Te Kani.

The kiwifruit grower and post-harvest entity has congratulated growers for turning out in record numbers for the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project grower referendum and for strongly supporting the current Zespri marketing structure, he says.

Neil Te Kani, Te Awanui Huka Pak chairperson (second left), joined by Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy (centre) during a recent visit to a kiwifruit orchard along with Zespri chairman Peter McBride (far left) MP for Bay of Plenty Todd Muller, and orchard owner and chair of Kiwifruit Vine Health Peter Ombler.

'Maori are a key driving force in the kiwifruit industry,” he explains, 'and the KISP process was about ensuring that this industry creates wealth for Maori both now and for future generations.

'With a record voter turnout and over 90 per cent support for all recommendations, the kiwifruit industry is in a strong position to deliver a strong economic growth platform for Maori.”

Zespri chairman Peter McBride says it is heartening to see that growers value their industry structure, with 98 per cent of respondents confirming their support for the Single Point of Entry.

'Over 90 percent of growers have clearly stated their desire for change in three areas which affect Zespri,” he adds.

'Ownership of Zespri shares by growers who have left the industry, the mechanism by which the Zespri margin is calculated and changes to Zespri's board to formalise the three independent members.

'The change to share ownership in particular is a large piece of work and relies on government support to realise the industry's desire for change.”

As a result of the KISP process, the grower representative body New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated will now enshrine a dedicated seat for Maori representation, says Neil.

'I strongly believe that Maori are an integral part of this industry and deserve a seat at the table,” he adds.

'I have been advocating for this since day one, and I am proud to have been able to play my part in ensuring Maori have a key role in industry decisions in the future.”

Horticulture New Zealand has also welcomed the decisive voter turnout for the kiwifruit industry's Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project.

The interim results announced today show huge support from growers for the recommendations made in the ‘KISP'.

'It is great to see such a strong and clear mandate from growers,” says HortNZ president Julian Raine.

The process was robust with broad consultation and every part of the industry has participated.

HortNZ was particularly pleased to see the overwhelming support for continuance of the Single Point of Entry structure for the marketing of kiwifruit outside of New Zealand and Australia.

'This result shows 98 per cent of all kiwifruit growers support the ‘Zespri' model and so does HortNZ,” says Julian.

'The single point of entry structure has been the backbone to the success of the kiwifruit industry in New Zealand and New Zealand's economy is more than $1billion a year better off because of it.

'HortNZ congratulates all the growers who voted and the industry bodies, particularly Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, who have handled this process in a professional manner.

'The result speaks for itself.”