HortNZ believes RMA reforms are a positive step

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott.

Horticulture New Zealand believes the Government’s proposed RMA planning reforms are a positive first step towards a more workable system so growers can keep producing fresh fruit and vegetables.

The proposals signalled the Government was serious about ensuring New Zealand had a thriving horticulture sector and Kiwis could continue to enjoy access to locally grown produce, HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said in a statement.

“However, we need to see the regulatory detail to better understand if the changes will achieve measurable outcomes for growers.

“This level of detail is expected to come through secondary legislation, national policy direction and national standards in 2026 and 2027.”

Scott said this would be critical to understanding outcomes for growers, especially around permitting commercial vegetable production, water storage, environmental limits and freshwater standards.

“Growers will be looking for clear signals that the changes recognise the national importance of food production and provide a framework that enables sustainable long-term investment.

“Commercial vegetable growers, in particular, have dealt with significant uncertainty in recent years and they will be hopeful that these reforms lead to clearer, more practical rules.

“Enabling essential infrastructure, such as water storage, and ensuring our most productive land remains available for high-value food production are fundamental to the resilience of the sector.

“As always, the impact will depend on how these intentions are translated into policy.”

Scott said the proposals showed the Government had listened to growers’ concerns.

“These reforms are a step towards ensuring food can continue to be grown in the right places in a way that supports economic, environmental and outcomes for communities up and down the country.

“We look forward to working with the Government as the details are developed.”