Growers report fruit has held on well despite intense conditions, with no material impact expected as harvest continues
Kiwifruit growers in New Zealand have apparently emerged “relatively unscathed” from another major tropical cyclone.
Cyclone Vaianu, a tropical weather system that tracked unusually far south, brought intense rain and strong winds to much of the country’s North Island over the weekend.
However, it appears the cyclone weakened prior to reaching land, meaning its impact was less than originally feared.
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) said that, while it was relatively early in the assessment process, initial feedback from most growing areas suggested the impact on kiwifruit had been limited.
“Reports to date indicate that the main issues have been damage to shelter belts, trees falling over, power outages, and some building damage, with only the odd block of kiwifruit affected,” it reported. “In most cases, growers are reporting that fruit not yet harvested has held on well.”
The cyclone passed through at a critical time for the kiwifruit industry, with harvesting now underway but plenty of fruit still to be picked.
According to NZKGI this time, around 40 per cent of Gold and 10 per cent of Green kiwifruit has now been harvested, which means a significant volume remains on the vines.
“Based on the information currently coming through, there is not enough negative feedback to suggest a material impact on the overall forecast crop,” it commented. “That said, there will likely be a small number of growers who have experienced more significant impacts.”
