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Growing and supplying food locally, nationally and to the world

Events coming up

Sprayer Optimisation Workshops

For citrus and persimmon growers of Gisborne.

The Persimmon Industry Council and Citrus NZ in collaboration with A Lighter Touch are putting on a workshop series with dates to be confirmed in October or November. Hands-on sprayer optimisation sessions for citrus and persimmon growers

Workshops will start in late October and be held at Kaiaponi Farms

Places are limited - email info@citrus.co.nz to register by 12 October.

Horticulture is the largest and fastest growing industry in Tairawhiti-Gisborne with a famously good climate and fertile soils,

It is is a food production powerhouse. From juicy oranges to succulent corn, kiwifruit, apples, persimmons, wine and field grown vegetables – our region grows an abundance of produce, enjoyed around the world.

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Future Leaders Programme

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The Future Leaders Programme, is designed to empower participants with the tools and mindset needed for effective supervision.

Young Grower of the Year 2026

  • We leverage and utilise our relationships to advocate for and advance the horticulture sector's strategic priorities. 

  • We advocate for the investment required to ensure our products are able to get to markets.

  • We ensure a collective long-term vision for horticulture in Tairawhiti and to support the implementation of strategic initiatives.

  • We seek the best operating conditions for horticulture in the areas of environment, biosecurity, food safety, crop protection and labour.

  • We promote awareness of newly implemented policies, regulations, requirements, and best practices to growers and rural professionals.

  • We enable sector-wide information sharing, networking, and talent attraction and development.

  • We are attracting and developing people, creating opportunities for training and education, supporting safer workplaces and developing our future leaders.

  • We celebrate our successes and elevate support for our growers.

If you would like to get in touch, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.


** Please note we are a volunteer organisation working to support the commercial horticultural industry in Tairawhiti and we are not able to answer all queries.

Let’s talk.