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New Zealand’s national representative body for kiwifruit growers will not join a liability claim against the country’s Ministry for Primary Industries until it has fully reviewed the agreement growers are being asked to sign.

In a statement released today, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) urged its members to take the same course of action against the so-called Kiwifruit Claim, which was announced earlier this week.

“We are currently assessing all information and the due diligence will be completed next week and advised to growers,” NZKGI vice president Doug Brown said. “A key concern for NZKGI is ensuring growers are not exposed to large financial costs in the event the claim is unsuccessful.”

Brown said NZKGI strongly valued its relationship with the Federal Government and believes an amicable relationship between the two parties would ensure the continuation of premium returns.

NZKGI has asked for a copy of the legal advice on which the claim is based to complete its assessment for growers.