Campaign urges Kiwis to support fruit, vegetable growers

The ‘Taste the Yakka’ campaign by Horticulture New Zealand highlights the dedication, passion and innovation that goes into growing fruit and vegetables in regional communities across the country.

As part of the campaign, a short video takes Kiwis on a sensory journey of New Zealand’s horticulture sector, capturing the ultimate taste of locally grown food.

“We want to help all New Zealanders, in towns and cities across the country, connect with where their fruit and vegetables come from,” says Nadine Tunley, chief executive of HortNZ.

“This is especially important when food plays such a key role in people’s lives, bringing together families and friends.

“We know Kiwis believe in an honest day's work and getting on with it. That's exactly what growers are doing every day, rain, hail or shine. This results in some of the best food on earth.

“The video shows the process that our food goes through to get from our growers to your table, the surprises of weather, the research, planning, science, soil, teams, dedication and the passion.”

Tunley says HortNZ wants New Zealanders from all walks of life to support the horticulture sector and stand with farmers in delivering fresh, high-quality produce.

Growers are facing a range of challenges including extreme weather events, challenging government regulations, and rising production costs.

“Every day, I see growers displaying resilience and resolve to overcome these obstacles so they can continue to produce nutritious fruit and vegetables for Kiwi dinner tables. We want New Zealand to join us on this journey,” says Tunley.

Kiwis are being encouraged to sign up to the campaign and pledge their support with a year’s worth of Wonky Box fruit and vegetables up for grabs.

The value of the New Zealand horticulture industry is around $7.48 billion (2023/24) HortNZ advocates for and represents the interests of New Zealand’s 4,500+ commercial fruit and vegetable growers.