Government policies threaten NZ’s 2030 export goals, farmers warn
The Government is being warned that some recent bad policy decisions are undermining its target of doubling exports by 2030.
According to new figures from Stats NZ, kiwifruit exports were valued at $3.1 billion in the year ended August 2024.
This marks a 20% ($524 million) increase on the same period in 2023.
Stats NZ international trade manager Viki Ward says kiwifruit export values for the season so far are the highest they have ever been.
“The kiwifruit export season is typically from March to November,” Ward says.
Gold kiwifruit exports were $2.4 billion, up $457 million (24%) from the year ended August 2023, driven largely by an increase in quality (up 23%).
Green kiwifruit were valued at $737 million, up $67 million (9.9%) over the same period an increase driven by a price increase (up 9%).
Typically, gold kiwifruit have a higher unit price than green.
“Growers in New Zealand are increasingly planting gold, and now red, kiwifruit, to capture greater export value in markets like China and Japan,” Ward says.
The top destination for gold kiwifruit is China, while the top destination for green is the European Union.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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