New Zealand kiwifruit growers have voted in favor of the recommendations put forward by the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project (KISP), with an industry head praising the "record turnout". 

"Growers have turned out in record numbers to vote in this referendum, and the interim results show overwhelming support for all the KISP recommendations," New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) president Neil Trebilco said.

"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.

"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."

He said the results put into perspective the "small vocal minority" who were in opposition to the structure, and said this group should now respect that growers have "overwhelmingly declared their support for the SPE."

"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," Trebilco said.

"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."

Kiwifruit grower and post-harvest entity Te Awanui Huka Pak highlighted that as a result of the KISP process, NZKGI would now enshrine a dedicated seat for Maori representation.

"I strongly believe that Maori are an integral part of this industry and deserve a seat at the table. I have been advocating for this since day one, and I am proud to have been able to play my part in ensuring Maori have a key role in industry decisions in the future," said Te Awanui Huka Pak chair Neil Te Kani.

"With such a strong interim result announced today I call upon NZKGI, Zespri, and the Government to respect growers wishes and to implement the changes as outlined in the KISP referendum.

"I believe that we have a responsibility as Kaitiaki to ensure our future generations inherit a vibrant and successful industry. I am proud of the way Maori have made the most of this opportunity to have their voices heard."

Zespri welcomes "heartening" response

Zespri also welcomed the results, saying growers had made a "strong statement" about the direction they wanted for their industry.

Chairman Peter McBride noted that some two-thirds of growers representing about 80% of production had voted so far.

"Over 90 percent 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," McBride said.

"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. It is also heartening to see growers value their industry structure, with 98 percent 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."

KISP says all parties will respect result

KISP's independent chairman Neil Richardson was also pleased with the results so far, saying they sent a clear sign the country's growers were united in their vision for the future of the industry.

"Two-thirds of growers, representing 80 percent of production voted in the KISP referendum. This compares to an average voter turn-out in primary industry of around 40 percent," Richardson said.

"This turnout, combined with over 90 percent 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."

The voting has also shown 92% supported the implementation of a cap of Zespri share-holding, 91% supported a change to how Zespri is funded to maximize grower returns, and 94% support changes to their industry representation to ensure they determined 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 said.

"All parties will listen to this result and will respect the views of the more than 90 percent of growers who voted in favour of the referendum outcomes."

Richardson added the final votes of the referendum, which closed last Friday (March 20), would be known once all postal votes had been received and processed by electionz.com, the independent company employed to conduct the grower referendum.

The interim results can be seen here.

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