HortNZ is leading a national project to establish a consistent set of rules for key activities that support fruit production across New Zealand. The objective is to develop national guidance (non-regulated) that aligns land-based activities with industry needs, ensuring growers have clarity and certainty in district planning rules.
The focus areas include:
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Noise Management: Addressing regulations for equipment like frost fans and audible bird-scaring devices.
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Biosecurity Clearance: Establishing protocols to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
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Artificial Crop Protection Structures: Standardising guidelines for protective coverings over crops.
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Crop Support Structures: Setting uniform standards for trellises and other support systems.
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Reverse Sensitivity and Setbacks: Defining buffer zones to minimise conflicts between horticultural activities and neighboring land uses.
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Seasonal Worker Accommodation: Creating consistent rules for housing seasonal workers.
The goal is to have uniform rules for these activities across all district plans. For example, the regulations governing frost fans would be the same in Central Otago as they are in Hawke’s Bay.
HortNZ has discussed this project with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which has expressed strong support. Once the proposed rules receive endorsement from the fruit sector, HortNZ will engage with the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) to develop national guidance.
To provide more information and gather feedback from growers, HortNZ is hosting an online workshop. This session will detail the project and seek your input on whether the proposed rules for each activity are appropriate.
Consultation Details:
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Date: POSPTONED- 12 MAY
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Time: 9:30am- 11:00am, online
If you’re unable to attend the workshop, please reach out to Sarah Cameron, Project Lead, at or call 021 446 281.
Your participation is crucial in shaping guidelines that directly impact the horticulture industry. We encourage all growers to engage in this process to ensure the rules developed are practical and beneficial for our operations.
Microsoft Teams LINK HERE
Meeting ID: 429 220 174 982
Passcode: vP28Lz2R
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