In response to the concerns raised in last week's The Weekend Sun about the use of the agrichemical hydrogen cyanamide or Hi-Cane – the kiwifruit industry fully recognises our responsibility to the community and the environment.
Hydrogen cyanamide is vital for our industry. Without it, the amount of flowers – and therefore fruit – and would become uneconomic in many of New Zealand's growing districts, especially in warm winters.
The 2006 Environmental Risk Management Agency (ERMA) review of this product found the risks and costs to society and the community are very low.
It concluded hydrogen cyanamide provides massive benefits for the economy and poses only negligible to medium risks to the environment and human health and safety-risks which are adequately managed by existing rules and industry initiatives.
We have been working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, the community, and experts for the past four years to promote best spraying practice around New Zealand, including: At industry's request, new spray technology which minimises spray drift is now compulsory for Hi-Cane application; growers must put up signs 24 hours before spraying, notify their neighbours at least 12 hours before spraying and take special care around sensitive and built up areas; and if the wind conditions are more than a slight breeze, spraying isn't permitted.
Hi-Cane is widely used in our industry and very few complaints have been received in recent years.
If you have concerns about spraying practices, please contact either NZKGI on 0800 232 505 or Bay of Plenty Regional Council's hotline on 0800 884 883.

Mike Chapman, Chief Executive,
NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated