Kiwifruit sector's big night out
The turmoil and challenges faced by the kiwifruit industry in the past 30 years were put to one side but not forgotten at a glitzy night for 400 kiwifruit growers and guests in Mt Maunganui recently.
KISP's independent chairman, Neil Richardson, says the voter turn-out and interim results were outstanding. They are a clear sign New Zealand kiwifruit growers are united in their vision for the future of their industry, he said.
"Two-thirds of growers, representing 80% of production voted in the KISP referendum. This compares to an average voter turn-out in primary industry of around 40%.
"This turnout, combined with over 90% grower support for all proposals, means growers have delivered an overwhelming mandate for the future ownership, control and structure of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry through the KISP process.
"New Zealand kiwifruit growers should be very proud that they can deliver such a united front in support of a collective vision for their future," Richardson says.
The key results in the referendum were:
98% of growers supporting the industry's Single Point of Entry structure
92% of growers supporting the implementation of a cap on Zespri share-holding
91% of growers supporting a change to how Zespri is funded to maximise returns to New Zealand growers
94% of growers supporting changes to their industry representation to ensure they determine grower equity decisions about grower payments
"New Zealand kiwifruit growers have given a clear message to Zespri, their grower representatives on NZKGI, post-harvest operators and the New Zealand Government as to how they want their industry structured and controlled."
Richardson says the final votes of the referendum, which closed on Friday, March 20, would be known once all postal votes were received and processed by electionz.com, the independent company employed to conduct the grower referendum.
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) welcomed the announcement.
"Growers have turned out in record numbers to vote in this referendum, and the interim results show overwhelming support for all the KISP recommendations" says NZKGI president Neil Trebilco.
"With grower support for all recommendations in excess of 90%, kiwifruit growers are sending a very clear signal to NZKGI, Zespri, and the Government on how they want their industry structured. I am confident all parties can work together to deliver on this request by growers" says Trebilco.
"I am particularly pleased with the result for the question "Do you support the Single Point of Entry (SPE) as the kiwifruit industry's marketing structure?" With an unprecedented 98% of growers voting in the affirmative, the support for the SPE is now the highest it has been since its creation in 1988," says Trebilco.
"This puts in perspective the small vocal minority who have been constantly attacking the industry's single desk structure. This small group should now respect that growers have overwhelmingly declared their support for the SPE" says Trebilco.
"Over 90% of growers support the recommendation that the government make certain regulatory changes, including allowing Zespri shareholders to amend their own constitution. I have full confidence that the government will respect the wishes of growers, and implement their requests."
NZKGI will also be implementing a range of recommendations from the referendum. These recommendations include expanding the organisation's role to measure and report on the performance of the SPE. There was also 94% support for changes to the name and structure of NZKGI from growers. These adjustments will be put in place over the coming year following the confirmation of final results" says Trebilco.
The interim results can be seen at www.kisp.co.nz.
