If Zespri growers are keen to get rid of the single point of entry marketing model, there was no evidence of it at the Zespri AGM on Wednesday, July 22.

Turners & Growers chairman Tony Gibbs has been calling for the removal of the SPE and has now filed a Statement of Claim with the High Court in Auckland. In this, he alleges, among other claims, that Zespri is discriminating against some growers and acting outside its powers.
First chairman John Loughlin and, later, chief executive Lain Jager made it clear they would defend the action.
Grower Darren Chinnery livened up proceedings and set the tone for the general business section with a theatrically delivered multiple choice question to Lain Jager.
This question was about how Tony Gibbs had told the board about his idea of ‘smashing Zespri to smithereens.' Darren was followed by several more growers who reinforced his sentiments that SPE was the secret of the kiwifruit industry's success.
Paul Knight, representing Turners & Growers, declined to respond - saying responding to such attacks would not help.
The meeting was also an opportunity for shareholders to elect Ray Sharp, Tony de Farias and Tony Marks to fill three vacancies on the Zespri board.