Kiwifruit Sector at a Crossroads – Māori Council Backs Call for Reform
Tāngata Huawhenua Māori Horticulture Council is backing the findings of a major new report by Professor Frank Scrimgeour, calling it a critical moment for the kiwifruit industry to address declining grower returns, governance issues, and Māori inclusion.
Why This Report Matters
Titled Pathways to a Better Future for the NZ Kiwifruit Industry, the Scrimgeour report sets out four strategic priorities to rebuild sector strength and legitimacy. The report warns that failure to act could erode grower confidence, compromise returns, and trigger increased government regulation.
Key Recommendations
- Reversing Grower Dilution: Establish a Grower Shareholder Fund to address declining grower ownership in Zespri.
- Offshore Transparency: Create a clear and transparent framework for overseas growing operations.
- PVR Equity: Reform Plant Variety Rights (PVR) to ensure fairness and value-sharing with growers.
- Supply Chain Reform: Tackle inefficiencies to increase sector-wide value and resilience.
The report also highlights the importance of Māori inclusion, climate readiness, and emerging voices such as Indian growers in shaping the industry’s future.
Tāngata Huawhenua Response
Council Chair Rātahi Cross describes the report as the most significant analysis of the kiwifruit sector in over a decade.
“It exposes the cracks — from declining green returns and governance tensions, to offshore growth and shareholder dilution. More importantly, it offers clear, practical pathways forward.”
Tāngata Huawhenua urges industry leaders to take the report seriously and work in genuine partnership with Māori to build a fair, profitable, and sustainable industry.
📥 Download the Full Press Release (PDF)
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Ngā mihi nui,
Rātahi Cross
Chairman, Tāngata Huawhenua Māori Horticulture Council
