Latest news with #T&G
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Young Grower of the Year 2025: Sam Carter wins Hawke's Bay title
Sam Carter, assistant manager for T&G's Pakowhai sector, is the 2025 Hawke's Bay Young Grower of the Year. Hasting's Sam Carter, assistant manager for T&G's Pakowhai sector, has won the Hawke's Bay 2025 Young Grower regional title. He pitched his skills against seven fellow contestants to take the title on June 6. Carter will now compete against six other regional winners in the national Young Grower of the
Otago Daily Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Canterbury farm being converted from dairy to apples
A seaside dairy farm in Canterbury is being converted into an apple orchard. The conversion of the Pendarves farm is the first commercial planting of a new apple variety in Canterbury backed by superannuation funds. New Zealand fruit and vegetable giant T&G launched its Joli brand in 2023 following its Envy and Jazz varieties. Initially 125ha of the dairy farm will be planted in the spring, representing Canterbury's first commercial planting of the new variety following trials. T&G has entered into an agreement with the New Zealand Superannuation Fund through its rural investment manager FarmRight. The company is licensing the growing of its Joli apple brand to FarmRight, which will be responsible for planting and growing the 125ha. The farm site has not been publicly released until now. FarmRight has confirmed the Joli project is being undertaken at the Pendarves location. Signage at the gate states the project is being undertaken by FarmRight, NZSuperFund Rural Land Ltd, and Torea Orchards. Infrastructure development is also under way at the site. FarmRight is advertising for permanent and fixed-term staff to work on the orchard. Meanwhile, T&G Apples chief operating officer Shane Kingston recently told Allied Press one of the company's business goals was to have diversified growing. Local conditions suited the introduction of an apple orchard in Canterbury, he said. "We had already planted in Hawke's Bay with 55ha and when we were looking for conditions for Joli to be successful Canterbury came up really strongly when we think about climatic conditions, availability of water, soil types and land available for such a venture. So it made really good sense to diversify to Canterbury." He said FarmRight's development would start with the orchard infrastructure and carry through to the start of tree planting in spring. Apples could be harvested after four or five years, but trees would take seven years before they started fruiting at a commercially viable crop level, he said. "It just shows the level of commitment from the NZ Super Fund, FarmRight and T&G for the region and the variety. In the context it's a long-term play." Kingston said the partners had evaluated the projected returns from their investment in the Joli orchard. "As you could imagine with the decision been made here, the Super Fund and FarmRight are in a number of primary industry sectors, dairy included, so they have got a very good understanding lens on returns per hectare and for them this is a good investment."
NZ Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Haumako Horticulture leads Wairoa's shift to high-tech apple farming
'My job is to forecast labour demand, so our orchard teams have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. This season, we've seen an influx of casual workers joining our cadets and permanent staff.' 'Together, they're managing logistics, forklifts, tractor operations, and fruit handling while studying their Level 3 Certificate in Primary Industries.' Once a grazing and cropping property, Haumako's 109-hectare Whakapau Farm now includes 30 hectares of high-density Envy apples—a premium variety grown under license from Turners and Growers (T&G). The fruit is processed at T&G's storage and export facilities, bound for global markets including China. The move into horticulture began with the development of Tara Orchard in partnership with Ohuia Incorporation. 'That success helped shape Haumako's more recent investments at Whakapau, where the goal is to position Wairoa as a thriving horticultural hub,' Russell said. 'This season marks a technological leap forward with the introduction of several automated picking platforms. These platforms replace the traditional ladder-and-bag method with conveyor belts that gently transport apples from tree to bin—improving fruit quality and reducing physical strain on workers.' Sirius Tamati-Smith, a cadet graduate and 2024 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year – Best Apple Grower, said the platforms were a game changer. 'The old way of ladder-picking, especially climbing to the eighth wire, has taken a real toll—particularly on our experienced workers. These platforms reduce the stress on their bodies and allow them to stay in the industry longer, mentoring the next generation.' Frank King, Block Lead at Tara Orchard said the benefits were already evident on the ground. 'There's real progress and productivity—and our team feels it. Less bending, less lifting, and less sick days.' The improved safety conditions have also reduced the risk of injury, while enhancing long-term retention of skilled orchard labour. 'We're seeing the kind of performance that shows this technology isn't just smart, it's necessary,' King said. Haumako currently employs 17 full-time orchard staff and prioritises hiring and upskilling locals—especially rangatahi—through its cadetship programme. Long-term plans include developing water storage facilities, new orchard infrastructure, and a purpose-built coolstore to support continued growth. 'This is about building more than an orchard. It's about creating long-term opportunities for our people and our region,' Russell said.
NZ Herald
07-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Haumako's innovation transforms Wairoa into horticultural hub
'My job is to forecast labour demand, so our orchard teams have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. This season, we've seen an influx of casual workers joining our cadets and permanent staff.' Haumako is at the peak of its Envy export apple harvest. 'Together, they're managing logistics, forklifts, tractor operations, and fruit handling while studying their Level 3 Certificate in Primary Industries.' Once a grazing and cropping property, Haumako's 109-hectare Whakapau Farm now includes 30 hectares of high-density Envy apples—a premium variety grown under license from Turners and Growers (T&G). The fruit is processed at T&G's storage and export facilities, bound for global markets including China. The move into horticulture began with the development of Tara Orchard in partnership with Ohuia Incorporation. 'That success helped shape Haumako's more recent investments at Whakapau, where the goal is to position Wairoa as a thriving horticultural hub,' Russell said. 'This season marks a technological leap forward with the introduction of several automated picking platforms. These platforms replace the traditional ladder-and-bag method with conveyor belts that gently transport apples from tree to bin—improving fruit quality and reducing physical strain on workers.' Sirius Tamati-Smith, a cadet graduate and 2024 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year – Best Apple Grower, said the platforms were a game changer. 'The old way of ladder-picking, especially climbing to the eighth wire, has taken a real toll—particularly on our experienced workers. These platforms reduce the stress on their bodies and allow them to stay in the industry longer, mentoring the next generation.' Frank King, Block Lead at Tara Orchard said the benefits were already evident on the ground. 'There's real progress and productivity—and our team feels it. Less bending, less lifting, and less sick days.' The improved safety conditions have also reduced the risk of injury, while enhancing long-term retention of skilled orchard labour. 'We're seeing the kind of performance that shows this technology isn't just smart, it's necessary,' King said. Haumako currently employs 17 full-time orchard staff and prioritises hiring and upskilling locals—especially rangatahi—through its cadetship programme. Long-term plans include developing water storage facilities, new orchard infrastructure, and a purpose-built coolstore to support continued growth. 'This is about building more than an orchard. It's about creating long-term opportunities for our people and our region,' Russell said. People interested in seasonal mahi at Haumako should email dwayne@
Scoop
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Haumako Embraces Innovation During Envy Apple Harvest In Wairoa
Press Release – Haumako The harvest, which began in mid-March, has now ended the final stretch of a tight 21-day picking window. Haumakos workforcecomprising permanent staff, cadets, and casual workersis meeting the challenge with efficiency, pride, and the support … Haumako Horticulture is transforming the landscape of Wairoa—both literally and economically—as it leads the region's transition from traditional farming to high-tech horticulture. Now in the peak of its Envy apple export harvest, the orchard is already reaping the benefits of strategic investment in innovation, local talent, and sustainable regional development. The harvest, which began in mid-March, has now ended the final stretch of a tight 21-day picking window. Haumako's workforce—comprising permanent staff, cadets, and casual workers—is meeting the challenge with efficiency, pride, and the support of cutting-edge technology. Dwayne Russell, Workforce Manager for Haumako Horticulture plays a vital role in ensuring the orchard operates smoothly each day. 'My job is to forecast labour demand, so our orchard teams have the right people, in the right place, at the right time. This season, we've seen an influx of casual workers joining our cadets and permanent staff. Together, they're managing logistics, forklifts, tractor operations, and fruit handling while studying their Level 3 Certificate in Primary Industries. Once a grazing and cropping property, Haumako's 109-hectare Whakapau Farm now includes 30 hectares of high-density Envy apples—a premium variety grown under license from Turners and Growers (T&G). The fruit is processed at T&G's storage and export facilities, bound for global markets including China. The move into horticulture began with the development of Tara Orchard in partnership with Ohuia Incorporation. That success helped shape Haumako's more recent investments at Whakapau, where the goal is to position Wairoa as a thriving horticultural hub. This season marks a technological leap forward with the introduction of several automated picking platforms. These platforms replace the traditional ladder-and-bag method with conveyor belts that gently transport apples from tree to bin—improving fruit quality and reducing physical strain on workers. Sirius Tamati-Smith, a cadet graduate and 2024 Gisborne Young Grower of the Year – Best Apple Grower, says the platforms are a game changer. 'The old way of ladder-picking, especially climbing to the eighth wire, has taken a real toll—particularly on our experienced workers. These platforms reduce the stress on their bodies and allow them to stay in the industry longer, mentoring the next generation.' Frank King, Block Lead at Tara Orchard says the benefits are already evident on the ground. 'There's real progress and productivity—and our team feels it. Less bending, less lifting, and less sick days.' The improved safety conditions have also reduced the risk of injury, while enhancing long-term retention of skilled orchard labour. 'We're seeing the kind of performance that shows this technology isn't just smart, it's necessary,' adds King. Haumako currently employs 17 full-time orchard staff and prioritises hiring and upskilling locals—especially rangatahi—through its cadetship programme. Long-term plans include developing water storage facilities, new orchard infrastructure, and a purpose-built coolstore to support continued growth. This is about building more than an orchard. It's about creating long-term opportunities for our people and our region,' says Russell.
