Kiwifruit growers unite to support industry change

Following a record voter turn-out, interim results show more than 90 percent of New Zealand kiwifruit growers have supported the outcomes of the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project (KISP) to lock-in long-term grower ownership and control of their industry.

KISP's Independent Chairman, Neil Richardson, said 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 percent of production voted in the KISP referendum. This compares to an average voter turn-out in primary industry of around 40 percent.

"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," Mr Richardson said.

The key results in the referendum were:
- 98 per cent of growers supporting the industry's Single Point of Entry structure
- 92 per cent of growers supporting the implementation of a cap on Zespri share-holding
- 91 per cent of growers supporting a change to how Zespri is funded to maximise returns to New Zealand growers
- 94 per cent 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.

"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," Mr Richardson said.

Mr Richardson said the final votes of the referendum, which closed on Friday 20 March, would be known once all postal votes were received and processed by electionz.com, the independent company employed to conduct the grower referendum.