A $47.87 million investment aimed at lifting productivity and environmental performance in New Zealand’s kiwifruit sector has been announced.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Grower Incorporated said in a statement that the Government is contributing $19.14m to the five-year initiative.

The programme, Optimising Kiwifruit Land Use – More from Less, will be delivered by New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI) and Zespri, with the industry contributing a further $28.74m in combined cash and in-kind support.

The initiative forms part of the Government’s Primary Sector Growth Fund and broader work to support food and fibre producers to increase productivity and returns without expanding land use or increasing environmental impact.

NZKGI chief executive Colin Bond said the programme would play a key role in strengthening grower confidence amid continued strong global demand for New Zealand kiwifruit.

“Meeting that demand relies on having confidence in our ability to produce consistent, high-quality supply,” Bond said.

“This programme is about giving growers the tools, science and insights they need to lift productivity, improve returns, and manage risk on orchard.”

NZKGI CEO Colin Bond says the programme is an important step forward for grower confidence and industry growth. Photo / NZKGI

The programme will operate across all kiwifruit growing regions and varieties, focusing on improving outputs from existing orchards through innovation, applied science and advanced decision-making tools.

It includes three main workstreams: boosting orchard productivity, improving the efficiency of water and nutrient use, and reducing environmental impacts.

Planned innovations include new fruit quality inspection technologies, improved vine management practices, more efficient production systems and enhanced tools to support grower decision-making.

There will also be a focus on developing new pest and disease management approaches, including alternatives to current Psa controls.

NZKGI chair Whetu Rolleston said the initiative reflected the sector’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“Kiwifruit growers are focused on producing world-class fruit while protecting the environments they operate in,” Rolleston said.

NZKGI CEO Colin Bond says the programme is an important step forward for grower confidence and industry growth. Photo / NZKGI

“This programme supports that by delivering practical, on-orchard solutions that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.”

Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake said the programme would help maximise value from New Zealand’s existing orchard base as the industry works to meet growing international demand.

“By lifting what we can produce from the land we already have, we expect to deliver more value back to growers and New Zealand,” Te Brake said.

New Zespri chief executive Jason Te Brake.

The programme also aims to improve water and nutrient efficiency, increase fruit size and yield, and explore tools such as carbon sequestration to support lower-emissions production.

The kiwifruit sector already contributes significantly to regional economies, returning $3.6 billion to growers last season.

Industry leaders say the new investment will help build long-term resilience while supporting sustainable growth and continued export expansion.