COVID-19 Update

Some relief today as the Government has announced that Auckland will move to alert level 3 from 11:59pm Tuesday 21st September, while the rest of the country will remain at Alert Level 2.

COVID-19 Plant Production Resources

MPI have released a helpful resource for operating at Alert Level 2. NZPPI has also produced posters for your workplace relating to home & work bubbles, and dispatch regulations.

COVID-19 Updates

The Government announced that all of New Zealand outside of Auckland will move to Alert Level 2 at 11.59pm tonight (Tuesday 7th Sept). Auckland remains at Alert Level 4.

Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) - Change in Criteria

The Minister of Finance has announced a change to the eligibility criteria for the Resurgence Support Payment (RSP).

Update: COVID-19 Allowances for Plant Producers at Level 4

Last week NZ Plant Producers received confirmation that the range of activities plant producers can undertake at Level 4 now includes despatch and freight of seedlings and plants at risk of deterioration. Freighting plants is generally allowed at L4, including across the Auckland border. Note that free movement of plants is allowed between and within Level 3 & 2 regions.

COVID-19 - Operating at Level 3 & 4

The transition to Level 3 will allow plant producers and garden retailers to operate with some additional freedom, but having Auckland & Northland remaining at Level 4 prolongs the disruption to businesses in those regions and creates complexity with the movement of people and freight. Please click here to see the full details.

Updates to COVID-19 Level 4 Permitted Activity

Plant producers have a new allowance for pricking out and potting on for plants that are at risk of deterioration.

Updates to COVID-19 Level 4 Safety Template

There have been a few updates to our Level 4 Safe Nursery Operations Protocols. Please familiarise yourselves and your staff with these changes.

COVID-19 Resurgence Support Payment

We understand that wages during this time can be a confusing space. The government has set up different schemes for differing circumstances for every business.

COVID 19 - Latest Information for Plant Production and Garden Retailers

New Zealand is currently at Alert Level 4. Please see information about what this means for plant production and garden retailers.

PVR Regulations

MBIE is seeking feedback on proposed regulations for the new Plant Variety Rights regime, including the list of "non-indigenous species of significance" to Maori.

MPI's Plant Health & Environment Laboratory

MPI have just released a short YouTube video on the work they do at the Plant Health and Environment Laboratory.

COVID-19 Wage Subsidy 20th August 2021

The Government has brought back the Wage Subsidy August 2021 which kicks in today (20th August 2021)

Over 100 people attended the Dirt, Fert, and Squirt Workshops over the month of July and August

Sponsored by Blue Lab and Hills Laboratories, the ‘Dirt, Fert and Squirt Workshops’ were held in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch over the month of July and August, where over 100 people attended and invested in their professional development.

Young Achiever shows the future of the industry is in good hands

The plant production Young Achiever Award was made a priority for NZ Plant Producers this year, and with the help of IPPS and our generous sponsors, this year's competition was the biggest for many years.

NZPPI Leadership Forum

The inaugural NZ Plant Producers Incorporated Leadership Forum was held in Hamilton on July 15th, where around 50 of our members took part in this one day event.

Honorary Life Membership Nominations Called For

Honorary Life Membership is the highest award granted by New Zealand Plant Producers. Nominations are now being called for!

Consultation on the new Citrus import health standard

A draft Citrus import health standard is out for public consultation until the 10 September

Phytoplasmas in imported nursery stock

Importers of bulbs have recently been contacted for their views on the risk management options for phytoplasmas.

Prunus serrulata Auckland ban

NZPPI is seeking an exemption for sterile cultivars of Prunus serrulata, banned from sale under the Auckland Councils Regional Pest Management Plan.

Become a business leader in the thriving horticultural industry

The value of the New Zealand horticulture industry has grown by more than 60% in the past decade due to investment in new varieties of crops, growing techniques, and harvest and post-harvest practices.

Plant Producers Young Achiever of the Year 2021

Dani McBride from Rural Design has been named the Plant Producers Young Achiever of the Year 2021.

Longer Essential Skills Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa deferred

From 19 July, Essential Skills Visa holders will be able to apply for a longer visa to remain in their current role. The Government has decided to extend the maximum duration of an Essential Skills Visa for a job paid below the median wage from 12 to 24 months. The duration of Essential Skills visas for roles paid the median wage or above will still be up to three years.

Membership Renewal - new provisional payment system

It's the time of year to renew your membership with NZ Plant Producers. We have introduced a new system for our producer members to hopefully make the process a little easier.

Sick Leave to increase from July 2021

Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill that increases the minimum entitlement to paid sick leave from 5 to 10 days has now passed its third reading and received Royal Assent

Members in print

Two NZ Plant Producers Inc members have graced the pages of print magazine this month. Annemarie van der Slot-Verhoeven from Maryflower features in an article in NZ Gardener magazine focusing on her business and their stunning cliff-hugging garden in Wellington. Grant Eyre, General Manager of Growing Spectrum also has an article in Go Gardening magazine featuring his beautiful home-made greenhouse.

NZ Plant Producers application for houseplants

NZ Plant Producers have always believed that to change the system, we have to use the system.

Submission on Plant Variety Rights Bill

NZ Plant Producers made a submission on the Plant Variety Rights Bill which was introduced to the Select Committee in May 2021.

Looking for new talent in your business?

Primary ITO is looking for employers to take part in the 2021 Got a Trade? Got it Made! Speed Meet events in August and September in over 12 locations across New Zealand.

The future of our workforce

Over the past year NZ Plant Producers has been working closely with Government and through our members to navigate our industry through the Covid-19 induced labour crisis.

Phasing out fossil fuels for industrial heating

NZ Plant Producers has partnered with HortNZ, Tomatoes NZ and Vegetables NZ to submit on the Ministry for the Environment's proposals on the use of fossil fuels in industrial heating, focusing on greenhouses.

PHEL Open Day

NZPPI and MPI's Plant Health & Environment Laboratory held a cooperative Post entry Quarantine Open Day on 26 May.

Changes to Essential Skills visa

Minister of Immigration has increased the duration of new Essential Skills visas for those who are paid below the median wage, from 6 months to 12 months

Extension for Working Holiday visas and Supplementary Seasonal Employment visas

The Government has announced extensions to Working Holiday visas and Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) visas, and changes to Essential Skills visas, which may affect some of your employees.

Horticultural plastic pots on government's radar

New regulatory product stewardship schemes will be needed for horticultural plastics and plastic pots.

Plant Variety Rights Bill

The Plant Variety Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament and had its first reading at the end of May 2021.

News Roundup - 31 May

Immigrant labour, decarbonisation, biofuel, pineapples, and more

Myrtle rust found in Christchurch, more expected in region

Myrtle rust has been found on a hedge in Ōtautahi-Christchurch, the furthest south an established infection of the plant disease has been seen.

Positive engagement from the Rotorua Careers Expo

Earlier in May, NZ Plant Producers attended the Rotorua Careers Expo to promote our industry and engage future young plant producers.

2021's Young Achiever Finalists Have Been Selected

The Young Achiever competition is set to be the biggest yet, with five finalists selected to compete in July's competition.

Business Central Launches New App for Member Benefits

NZ Plant Producers has partnered with Business Central through our connection with EMA. Their new app provides a range of discounts and special offers as a member-only benefit.

Mitre 10 and Zealandia launch plant pot recycling trial

Join Mitre 10 and Zealandia to help keep troublesome plastic plant pot waste ending up in landfills

News Roundup - 18 May

Cheap labour wanted, it's a jobseekers' market, cheap wine available, and more!

NZ Plant Producers Board vice chair Geoff Thorpe resigns

Geoff Thorpe, NZ Plant Producers vice chair and sector representative for orchard and vine producers, has resigned.

Are you an accredited employer? There are upcoming changes to temporary work visas

There are going to be changes to temporary work visas on 1 November 2021

Lifelong Learning and Employment through PiPI

Pathways into Primary Industries (PiPI) is a project led by Primary ITO, funded through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) COVID-19 Workforce Development Councils and Transitional Industry Training Organisations Response Project Fund.

Strategy Review: Transforming our industry for the future

Around 30 of our members gathered in Hamilton last month for the NZPPI Strategy Forum. The purpose of the day was for our members to help the NZPPI Board identify the future strategic priorities that NZPPI should pursue.

Students Lining up for Horticulture

Last month Matt Dolan had the privilege to present at the Horticulture Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA) Conference in Motueka, where he learned that after decades of declining student numbers, horticulture classes are again filling up.

Skilled Newcomers program connecting you with skilled talent

Business Central has an awesome initiative, creating ease for employers when looking for the right candidates for their company.

Business Central's Payroll Bootcamp Available to all NZPPI Members

Business Central has put together a Payroll Bootcamp, starting 11th May 2021, updating you on changes to payroll legislation. All NZPPI members can take advantage of their member discount price, courtesy of our affiliation with the EMA.

News Roundup - 29 April

Subsidies for horticulture workers, for Canterbury businesses, for drought-struck farms, for rural immigrant women, and more

April 2021 Plant Trolley Update

The last twelve months has been a busy one for the trolley system. Unprecedented demand last year sees us having 3400 trolleys under lease and around 200 on short term hire.

News Roundup - 21 April

Labour shortage, water shortage, milk carton shortage, and more

NZ Plant Producers congratulates Malcolm Woolmore AHRIH

Congratulations to Malcolm Woolmore of Lyndale Nurseries for receiving the Associate of Honour Award from the Royal NZ Institute of Horticulture.

Do you know any Young Achievers?

Entries close on Sunday 2 May for the Young Achiever of the Year 2021. Do you know any Young Achievers you can encourage to take the next step in their career?

PHEL - NZPPI Post Entry Quarantine Open Day

Join us for an NZPPI members Open Day at MPI's PHEL laboratory in Tamaki, Auckland - 26 May 2021!

News Roundup - 12 April

Pining for pines, co-funding for carbon efficiency, myrtle rust refugia, labour shortage, and much, much more

News Roundup - 7 April

Water and the lack thereof, Young Achiever comp back, Local Hero of the Year grows and plants natives, and more

Entries now open – are you the next plant production Young Achiever?

After being forced to cancel in 2020, the next competition will be held on July 14-15, at Growing Spectrum, Hamilton. Entries are open and must be submitted by Sunday 2 May 2021.

Plant Production Plays a Key Role in Climate Change Plans

Last week NZPPI presented our submission on the Climate Change Commissions advice on how NZ should meet its commitments to be carbon neutral by 2050.

New Look Board for NZ Plant Producers

Fresh faces will sit at the NZ Plant Producers table this year, following the election of Stephen Burton and Clifford Scott to the Board.

Catch us at the Rotorua careers expo

We are very excited to be participating at this year’s career expo in Rotorua on the 10th and 11th of May.

He Tātai Rangahua - The Food and Fibre Youth Network

Apply for the Food and Fibre Youth Council – registration closes on the 9th of April.

EPA calls for expressions of interest for new organisms to be made ‘not new’

The Environmental Protection Authority is accepting proposals to change the status of new organisms to ‘not new’

News Roundup - 31 March

Plastic problems, exotic solutions, unemployable employed, LOTY winner, and more.

New Zealand emerging from the bubble

On Wednesday 24 March, NZ Plant Producers Alice Schofield and Alix Walles attended Ngā Kōrero Whai Take - Conversations that Count.

Minimum wage rates increase from Thursday, 1 April 2021

As a business owner or manager, you need to be ready for the increase in minimum wage rates from Thursday, 1 April 2021.

Women's leadership scholarships available

Scholarships are currently available through Women & Leadership New Zealand to support the development of women leaders across New Zealand’s plants and horticulture sector

NZPPI Science committee work programme for 2021 - 2022

The Science committee has recently published its priorities for the next two years. We'd love your feedback !

News Roundup - 22 March

Government support for orchardists, Immigration NZ changes tune on skilled rural staff, and more

GIA Operational Agreements

Recently NZ Plant Producers announced it had signed the GIA Deed, enabling it to enter into agreements with government and industry groups to manage biosecurity issues.

NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi

NZ Plant Producers attended Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival on 12-14 March

We’re making a submission to the Climate Change Commission – tell us what you think!

Submissions to He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission close next week, after being extended by 14 days.

Missing in action: changing the status for two new houseplants

Monstera standleyana and Pilea peperomioides are not officially recognised as being present in New Zealand. NZPPI is working to change their status.

News Roundup - 16 March

Rural leaders bend PM's ear, free trades training, and getting kids into rural jobs, and more

Primary Industry Capability Alliance research and insights forum on workforce in the food and fibre sector

On February the 25th NZ Plant Producers attended the PICA research & insights forum on ‘Growing our Workforce through Quality Workplaces’

News Roundup - 8 March

Possibly the only news roundup in New Zealand that doesn't mention tsunami

News Roundup - 2 March

Living wage for hort workers, water shortage, COVID response, and more. It's a newsy kind of week.

News Roundup - 1 March

COVID support, Immigration NZ apology, supply chain, Auckland border, and more

COVID-19 Update - 1 March 2021

NZ Plant Producers is closely monitoring the latest level changes and its implications for our members.

Board Election Nominations Are Open

Stand for your industry! Nominations have now opened for three NZPPI Board roles: food, forestry and retail.

News Roundup - 23 February

Business support for COVID RMA reform Sales and service apprenticeships Holidays Act Seasonal worker shortage and more

NZ Plant Producers acknowledges and thanks Carol Fraser

Carol Fraser, NZ Plant Producers’ ninth Honorary Life Member, passed away at home last week

Kellogg Rural Leadership Course 2 applications open now

Are you working in the food and fibre sector and passionate about growing your leadership style, your networks and contributing to your community and industry? If you are, then we encourage you to take the next step in your development and do a Kellogg Rural Leadership course.

News Roundup - 16 February 2021

COVID mostly, plus two economists!

COVID-19 update 15 February 2021

As of 11.59pm last night, Auckland returned to a Level 3 COVID alert, while the rest of New Zealand returned to Level 2. This will remain in force until at least midnight Wednesday, 17 February.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey

NZ Plant Producers would like to say thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey, to identify your needs in labour, skills and training for 2021

Join NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival, 12-14 March

Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival is a vibrant, contemporary garden festival

News Roundup - 10 February 2021

Some particularly interesting news items for your elucidation

NZPPI appalled by the stupidity of plant smuggler

NZPPI is appalled by the actions of an Auckland woman caught smuggling plants, and putting New Zealand's environment at risk.

Plant production jobs showcased

Plant production joins other primary industries to promote careers and employment opportunities throughout New Zealand.

Myrtle Rust online tool

A new tool for managing myrtle rust is being developed to help plant producers make better decisions about when to apply fungicide sprays.

Native Nursery Forum

The NZPPI Native Nursery Group holds an online forum for members every month.

Tharfield Nursery SHED meeting - 18th February

Tharfield Nursery hosted a large NZ Plant Producers crowd at the SHED meeting last week. Covid-19 Level 3 was lifted on Tuesday evening, allowing members to travel from and through Auckland from as far away as Whangarei.

Innovation at Titoki Nursery

Titoki nursery introduced the Plant Paper system last year to save on plastic waste and found it speeds up plant production too.

News Roundup - 3 February 2021

All the news that is news, from here and around the world

NZPPI’s Reaction to Climate Change Commissions Report

The Climate Change Commission has published its advice to Government on how New Zealand should meet its 2050 climate change targets.

News Roundup - 26 January

COVID update, peanut news, and much more!

Stand for Your Industry in 2021

NZ Plant Producers has many opportunities to get involved in your industry this year.

News Roundup - 18 January

2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards opens for entries

Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards. The awards celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.

News Roundup - 13 January 2021

The century comes of age and the news comes in a convenient package

Nominating a NZ Plant Producers Honorary Life Member

Do you know any unrecognised leaders in our industry? Honorary Life Membership is the highest award granted by New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated

Auckland Botanic Gardens publish an article about their 'Nursery Biosecurity Journey'

Bec Stanley and Wayne Dymond from the Auckland Botanic Gardens share their experience about biosecurity in their nursery.

News Roundup - 5 January

All the news that is news, from here and around the world

2020 - Our Year in Review

Our year in review (and what it year it was!) from NZ Plant Producers' CE, Matthew Dolan

Go Gardening Gift Cards & Vouchers Redemption Policy

A reminder that the Go Gardening Gift Card and Voucher system will be wound up, with the sale of cards and vouchers ceasing on 31 January 2021. NZPPI will redeem valid gift cards and vouchers from this point on. Please read this article to see the full redemption policy.

EMA's Public Holiday Guidelines for Employers

The EMA have released a guide to outline the fall of public holidays Christmas period, and when they should be paid out to your employees.

Visa changes for temporary workers

The Government has announced visa changes to allow temporary migrant workers in New Zealand to continue to fill labour shortages. Employers are still expected to genuinely seek to fill job vacancies with New Zealanders.

News Roundup - 21 December

What's been in the news in recent weeks

News Roundup - 14 December 2020

What's been in the news in recent weeks

Don’t Start a Cluster

In our plant-based industries we’ve learnt to identify and contain many different biosecurity problems over the past few years – fruit flies, myrtle rust, kauri dieback and others. These each represent an obvious risk to our environment, and a latent risk to the industry and individual businesses.

Plant Production Science

NZ Plant Producers launches a new science publication

NZPPI Releases Proposal on Retail Representation

The NZPPI Board is proposing to establish a new Retail Supply Chain Special Interest Group (SIG) to enable closer collaboration between Retail Plant Producers and Garden Retailers. The purpose of the proposed Retail Supply Chain SIG support is to strengthen the garden retail supply chain, with a focus on the future of the sector.

Minister Approves NZ Plant Producers' GIA Application

Last week the Minister for Biosecurity Hon Damien O’Connor approved NZ Plant Producers' application to join the Government Industry Agreement on Biosecurity (GIA).

NZ Plant Producers appoints Employment Relations Advisor

We are delighted to welcome Alice Schofield to the NZ Plant Producers team as our Employment Relations Advisor

Malus Import Health Standard Consultation

Ministry for Primary Industries is consulting on proposed changes to the Malus import health standard

Wellington SHED Meeting at the Botanic Gardens

NZPPI held the very first SHED meeting in the Wellington region on Thursday 26 November, hosted by the Wellington City Council Botanic Gardens at the Treehouse Visitor centre. A city of desk jockeys and home gardeners, we obviously focused on the ornamental and retail sectors relevant to this part of the country.

Privacy Act changes – what it means for you

An updated Privacy Act comes into force on 1 December 2020. While it strengthens some privacy rules, any business with sound privacy practices should be good to go!

Honorary Life Membership Citation – Peter Fraser

New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated is very pleased to award Peter Fraser Honorary Life Membership of the Society. This award recognises your outstanding service and contribution to the plant nursery industry over many years.

Honorary Life Membership Citation – Carol Fraser

New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated is very pleased to award Carol Fraser Honorary Life Membership of the Society. This award recognises your outstanding service and contribution to the plant nursery organisations and industry over many years.

Skills Shortages

The closure of NZ’s borders due to Covid-19 means that there will be lack of overseas workers – especially in high skill areas, like propagation.

GIA Update

NZPPI’s GIA application is due to be signed soon, now the new Government has been established.

Wellington Road Trip

Last week, NZPPI took to the road and visited nurseries in the Wellington region. Keeping in the theme of 2020 we thought it was high time we explored our own backyard.

NZ Election: Ministerial appointments

The new Government is now in place. NZPPI will be in contact with the key Ministers to congratulate them on their appointments, reminding them of the importance of our industry to the Governments objectives and NZ’s success and to inform them about the issues that are affecting us.

Mental Health & Resilience

This is a busy and stressful time for our industry so taking care of your mental wellbeing has never been more important.

Water Code of Practice

Despite recent rainfall, many regions of New Zealand still face the risk of water restrictions over the coming months. The NZPPI Water Working Group has developed a Code of Practice for Water Management.

Gene Editing Forum - Canterbury 2020

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 was awarded to two women scientists involved in the discovery of the CRISPR technology, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna. The tools they developed have taken the life sciences into a new epoch and a panel discussed whether they could ever be used here.

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment meeting with NZPPI

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, and his advisers will hold a Zoom meeting with NZPPI about the management of pest plants this Thursday 19 November.

Government assigns $38.5m to plant imports

The allocation of $38.5 million in the 2020 budget for development of the plant imports system has been welcomed by our sector. Investment in the processes and infrastructure that supports this will benefit all New Zealanders.

Member survey results in

Our 2020 member survey is done – thanks to all who participated

NZ Plant Producers has issued its Manifesto for the 2020 Election

This election we have raised eight issues which much be addressed so our members can continue to thrive and produce the plants New Zealand so badly needs.

Auckland Moves to Covid-19 Level 2.5

Our Auckland members will be welcoming the move to Covid-19 Level 2.5, resuming open retail trade and ending the confusion and delays at the Auckland border.

Biosecurity summary

NZ Plant Producers has been busy with biosecurity. Here’s what we’ve been up to

Lincoln University resumes horticulture diplomas and degrees

The new Bachelor of Commerce (Horticulture) is designed to produce business leaders in the horticultural and food industries. The degree will provide the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in a management or advisory role.

Last Chance to Enrol in Women & Leadership NZ Development scholarships

Women working in the plants and horticulture sector can register their interest now in a scholarship worth up to $5000 towards a leadership development programme

Farm Debt Mediation Scheme

The Farm Debt Mediation Scheme assists primary sector businesses facing financial problems

GIA Consultation – Your Feedback.

Thank you to everyone that participated in our GIA consultation process during July. The feedback we received showed that there is a clear majority of support for NZPPI’s proposal to sign the GIA Deed. NZPPI has submitted and application to the Minister to sign the GIA Deed.

NZ Plant Producers support GIA proposal

NZ Plant Producers consultation in the Government-Industry Agreement on Biosecurity (GIA) has finished. Our members have shown overwhelming support for our proposal to sign the GIA Deed.

Membership renewals:

This is the time of year for NZPPI membership renewals. We will be distributing Turnover Declaration forms shortly.

Welcome to Alix Walles:

We are delighted to welcome Alix Walles to the NZPPI team as our Executive Assistant, starting on 3rd August.

Primary industry strategy

The government has released its long-awaited primary industry strategy, “Fit for a Better World”. This strategy highlights the importance of primary production in the Covid-19 recovery and beyond and proposes a transition to more sustainable, regenerative and profitable production.

Make the most of your NZPPI Membership

In addition to our Board roles, NZPPI has a number of Special Interest Groups and Subcommittees that help us to progress our work

Horticulturalists recognised in 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours

Four New Zealand horticulturalists were recognised yesterday in the Queen’s Birthday honours: Jo Dawkins Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM); Murray Dawson MNZM; Peter Smale MNZM; and Marie Taylor Queen’s Service Medal (QSM).

Covid-19 recovery - where to next for our industry?

NZ Plant Producers is in talks with the Government about how we can fast-track our industry development work to transform our industry to meet the future demand for plants

Gardening blossoms in Covid aftermath

Retail garden centres are reporting they are ‘run off their feet’ with sales far exceeding normal for the time of year. Despite the loss of Easter and Mother’s Day trading, customers are determined to attend to their gardens with many other forms of entertainment either restricted or unavailable.

Auckland water restrictions bite

Auckland Council and Watercare Services have implemented restrictions on water use across the Auckland region. Just as our sector emerges from the worst of the Covid-19 restrictions, our Auckland members have now been hit by a new alert system, which restricts water use.

Progress on plant imports advocacy

NZPPI has been advocating for a better plant imports system for over two years and we are really encouraged by the progress which is being made on a number of fronts.

John Liddle recognised by NZ Royal Institute of Horticulture

John Liddle has been recognised by the NZ Royal Institute of Horticulture

Welcome to our Newest Members

Welcome to our newest members