New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (NZKGI) have been given a strong mandate by kiwifruit growers to work on their behalf for the next six-year kiwifruit levy cycle.
The Declaration of Result was provided by the independent Returning Officer, Warwick Lampp, of Electionz.com. Of those who voted, 85% of growers supported the proposed levy and 88% of volume was in support. Votes were cast by 49% of growers eligible to vote in the referendum representing 63% of total production.
These results compare to the levy referendum in 2011 of which 87% of voters supported the proposed levy and the tray equivalent basis equated to 85% support. The total production of growers who voted accounted for 53% of eligible voter’s total production of the foregone season. Votes were cast by 42% of growers eligible to vote in the referendum.
“The positive result is a great endorsement for our work over the last six years. It is especially pleasing to improve on our voter turnout given the last referendum took place when many growers were very engaged in the kiwifruit industry due to the outbreak of Psa”, says NZKGI Chairperson, Doug Brown. “The kiwifruit industry is experiencing a real growth phase and has an exciting future. NZKGI will be there to make sure that growers interests remain the top priority”.
NZKGI CEO Nikki Johnson says, “Naturally we are very delighted with the positive response from growers and I am privileged to lead an organisation that is going from strength to strength in its advocacy. Nevertheless, there will be challenges for the sector and I encourage all growers to engage with their representatives to make sure that NZKGI is focusing on issues important to them”.
The levy will be used to continue to fund the operations of NZKGI and in addition, there will be significant new activity in the areas of communications and performance monitoring. The levy is set at 1c/tray ($0.0028/kg) and can only be increased by vote at a NZKGI AGM or Special General Meeting.
NZKGI has informed the Minister for Primary Industries, Hon Nathan Guy of the result and will be applying to the Minister's office for a new levy order that would run through to 2024.
