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New Zealand's horticulture industry is rich with diverse and dedicated growers who contribute to the country's reputation for high-quality produce. From the lush orchards of kiwifruit and apples to the vibrant fields of avocados and berries, these growers are the backbone of the industry. They are committed to sustainable practices, ensuring the health of their crops and the environment. In this section, you'll meet some of these passionate horticulture growers, learn about their unique approaches, careers in their industry, and discover industry specific resources to help you. 

Product Groups

NZKGI is a Grower advocacy body for New Zealand’s kiwifruit Growers. To ensure they are providing the best support available to the kiwifruit industry, they support Growers under six portfolios – Industry Stability, Performance, Communications, Labour & Education, Environmental & Policy and Organisational Management.

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Avocados are a nutritious and delicious super fruit native to South America. Seed was brought to New Zealand in the early 1900s and since this time the industry has developed to become New Zealand’s third largest fresh fruit export.

The New Zealand avocado industry is vibrant and growing with a vision and strategy in place to quadruple sales to $280m and triple productivity. The industry is pursuing exciting opportunities in both export and the New Zealand markets, supported by innovation and collaboration with stakeholders and with new partnerships with the Crown and Crown Research Institutes.

New Zealand currently produces just 2% of the global supply but is the ninth largest international avocado exporter. There are over 4,000 hectares of avocado trees planted in New Zealand, primarily in the Bay of Plenty and Northland.

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Summerfruit NZ is the industry body that represents growers of apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches and plums – collectively known as summerfruit.

Our orchards are found mainly in Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago, and while our sector is relatively small with approximately 240 growers, the summerfruit industry is poised to enter a new phase of growth with increased plantings of cherries about to take off and new varieties of apricots being trialled for export markets.

With so much potential for growth, it’s a great time to join the summerfruit industry and build a rewarding career in horticulture.

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By 2035 the New Zealand Apple & Pear industry strives to be a thriving $2 billion industry, that is valued by its customers, consumers, and partners for its trusted, world class produce. Grower success will sustain and strengthen the regional economies and communities of New Zealand, making a vital contribution to the prosperity of the country.

New Zealand grows more than 80 varieties of apples.  From sweet to tart and crisp to crunchy.  There is a different variety to meet the needs and tastes of apple eaters around the world.

New Zealand grows a wide range of delicious pears for different occasions.  From traditional European pears, through to juicy Asian Pears (Nashi) and new conventional hybrids.

Our quality apples and pears grown right here in New Zealand are shared and enjoyed in more than 80 countries across the globe. 

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In 2024, Tomatoes New Zealand had approximately 140 registered members growing fresh tomatoes, with a farm gate value of over $161.6 million (March 2024).

New Zealand growers exported over 902 metric tonnes of fresh tomatoes to 12 mainly Asian and Pacific Rim countries in the 2023 calendar year with the main export season being from October to April each year. Exports have been decreased since a high in 2019 when the total volume sent overseas was 3316.5 metric tonnes. Japan remains a strong market for New Zealand grown tomatoes with almost half of all exported fresh tomatoes going there in 2023, followed by New Caledonia and Fiji.

You can find out more about the Tomato industry here. 

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Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated represents the interests of growers of all fresh vegetable crops (other than potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and buttercup squash).

They represent more than 400 growers who produce more than 56 crops with a farm gate value of over $450 million per annum.

It is the largest of the vegetable product groups, and with such a wide range of crops, it has the task of ensuring that the interests of all its member growers are represented.

Vegetables New Zealand's vision is to create a thriving vegetable growing industry. 

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The New Zealand onion industry is export orientated with 85% of all New Zealand onions exported to 45 markets around the world. The industry offers many exciting roles both indoors and outdoors. It is an industry that is focussed on utilising skilled professionals to do more with capital resources.

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There are around 150 strawberry growers in NZ, growing over 8000 tonnes of strawberries each season predominately for the local market. Approximately 65% of strawberry plantings are in the greater Auckland region, followed by about 15% in Waikato, and the balance in Hawkes Bay, Manawatu/Horowhenua, Northland, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury and Southland.

Strawberries are usually grown as an annual crop in raised beds enclosed with plastic, however growing strawberries hydroponically is increasing in popularity in New Zealand with some growers putting their crops up on “table tops” (off the ground) with some under cover.

The key harvest period is October – December with growers currently employing approximately 2400 seasonal workers, with some of our covered crop growers continuing harvest through to April-May. Staff are a key component of a successful operation and are strongly valued by growers. Many growers are owner/operators with high levels of experience who work alongside their staff and family members in the field and packhouse.

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There are around 320 citrus growers in NZ, producing over 30,000 tonnes each season predominately for the local market. Most of the production is in Northland and Gisborne. Citrus production in NZ is predominantly domestic orientated – with export opportunities increasing.

The key harvest period is May – August. Staff are a key to successful citrus growing and are strongly valued by growers. Many growers are owner/operators who work alongside their staff and family in the orchard and packhouse.

The citrus industry is fun, exciting and offers a diverse range of activities and skills in roles both in and outdoors.

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Women in horticultures vision is that NZ horticulture is an innovative and collaborative industry that empowers women at all levels.

Our purpose is to foster an environment that encourages and recognises women’s participation from entry level to leadership roles in horticulture. We are committed to supporting Women in Horticulture.

If this resonates with you we welcome you to join us on this journey, please sign up to be a member today.

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