James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower National Champion
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox and the Pukekohe regional champion, has won the 2026 Young Grower national title.
There is a clear mandate for change with interim results from the referendum showing two-thirds of growers, representing 80% of production, voting so far, says Zespri chairman Peter McBride.
"Over 90% of growers have clearly stated their desire for change in three areas which affect Zespri – ownership of Zespri shares by growers who have left the industry, the mechanism by which the Zespri margin is calculated and changes to Zespri's board to formalise the three independent members.
"The change to share ownership in particular is a large piece of work and relies on government support to realise the industry's desire for change," says McBride.
"It is also heartening to see growers value their industry structure, with 98% of respondents confirming their support for the Single Point of Entry.
"I would like to personally thank all those growers who took the time to engage in this process over the past 18 months. Growers have attended over 100 meetings, made more than 650 submissions and have taken part in three rounds of consultation to determine the future direction they want for their industry," says McBride.
Horticulture New Zealand also welcomes the decisive voter turnout for the kiwifruit industry's Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project.
The interim results announced today show huge support from growers for the recommendations made in the 'KISP', it is great to see such a strong and clear mandate from growers, HortNZ president Julian Raine says.
The process was robust with broad consultation and every part of the industry has participated.
HortNZ was particularly pleased to see the overwhelming support for continuance of the Single Point of Entry structure for the marketing of kiwifruit outside of New Zealand and Australia.
"This result shows 98% of all kiwifruit growers support the 'ZESPRI' model and so does HortNZ.
"The single point of entry structure has been the backbone to the success of the kiwifruit industry in New Zealand and New Zealand's economy is more than $1billion a year better off because of it.
"HortNZ congratulates all the growers who voted and the industry bodies, particularly Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, who have handled this process in a professional manner.
"The result speaks for itself," Raine says.
A full set of interim results, including voting by grower and production on each referendum question, can be found at www.kisp.co.nz. Postal votes are still being counted and the final results are expected around the beginning of next week.
