There’s plenty of space to grow great things in Hawkes Bay
According to Statistics New Zealand, Hawkes Bay has the largest area of land engaged in horticultural business activities in New Zealand with around 18,000 hectares, mostly on the flat and fertile Heretaunga Plains near Hastings.
More than half of New Zealand’s apples are produced here, as well as around 40% of the nation’s summerfruit. Pipfruit New Zealand Inc. is the representative organisation for New Zealand pipfruit growers, packers, and exporters and they encourage and provide opportunities for growers to discuss matters of commercial importance to their businesses as well as providing economic, marketing and policy information. Hawkes Bay Fruit Growers Association is a membership organisation which promotes, fosters and protects the fruit industry. It seeks employment for the industry as well as being involved in training and education. Pick NZ provides seasonal labour co-ordination. The main seasonal labour requirement starts with the early summer season in November each year, then follows on until the end of April. Grapes are perhaps the best known viticultural crops grown on the plains, as well as some being grown a little further south in Central Hawkes Bay.
Other crops include:
• Kiwifruit
• Berryfruit
• Cut flowers
• Asparagus
• Peas
• Sweetcorn
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• Olives
• Peppers
• Limes
• Specialist crops such as saffron, herbs and truffles