$30m Maori kiwifruit project select suppliers

Work on the Te Tumu Paeroa project will be carried out over the next 18 months as part of plan to convert nearly 90 hectares of semi- and unproductive land into successful grower businesses.

The suppliers who won contracts to build 10 kiwifruit orchards on Maori land in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne as part of a $30 million project have been revealed.

Southern Cross Horticulture in Tauranga won the contracts for plant supply of the G3 and Hayward kiwifruit vines, and also for orchard construction and establishment. Brown Brothers Drilling based in Hamilton won the contract to drill the irrigation bores needed for the 10 new orchards.

Work on the Te Tumu Paeroa project will be carried out over the next 18 months as part of plan to convert nearly 90 hectares of semi- and unproductive land into successful grower businesses.

Land development manager at Te Tumu Paeroa Blair Waipara said its focus was entirely on estabilshing high-performing kiwifruit orchards on Maori land for the benefit of owners.

"This land is some of the best horticultural land in New Zealand. We're proud to be working with highly experienced industry players to create a lasting legacy for generations to come."

Southern Cross Horticulture chief executive Andrew Dunstan said, "Our values align with the vision of Te Tumu Paeroa for Māori land and its owners. We've already had experience working together to build and establish Whai Orchard on Matakana Island. We're looking forward to seeing the results of our contribution making a difference to generations of Māori owners to come."

Brown Brothers Drilling company director Kelly Brown said it had seen the results of the impact high-value horticulture was having in the region over the four generations the business had been operating.

"We're bringing to this programme the latest drilling methodologies, local knowledge, and our expertise in the environment and geology."

Bore drilling and construction of the orchards is set to take place from August this year.