The 2026 apple harvest in Tairāwhiti looks set to exceed one million cartons for the first time, according to NZ Apples & Pears. Photo / Kaiaponi Farms
The 2026 apple harvest in Tairāwhiti looks set to exceed one million cartons for the first time, according to NZ Apples & Pears. Photo / Kaiaponi Farms
Early harvest forecasts indicate Tairāwhiti apple growers could this season hit the one-million-carton mark for the first time.
The bumper harvest to date shows exceptional fruit quality and strong pack‑out (output) rates, according to New Zealand Apples & Pears (NZAPI).
Forecasts suggest Tairāwhiti growers could deliver about 1.1 million TCE(tray carton equivalent) for export this season.
A small quantity of export-quality pears would be included in that tally.
“A warm, dry spring and excellent growing conditions is delivering large fruit with vibrant colour and great eating quality, and critically, a significant uplift in productivity,” said NZAPI acting general manager Danielle Adsett.
A warm, dry spring and excellent growing conditions have led to large fruit with vibrant colour and great eating quality. Photo / Kaiaponi Farms
“This improved productivity is a real game‑changer for growers, with strong demand for New Zealand’s apples and pears across global markets.”
The apple and pear harvest is underway across the country.
A largely quintessential growing season across key regions had delivered a significant boost to productivity across both traditional and new IP varieties, Adsett said.
“It is a welcome return to form for the industry after several challenging years that included Covid-19 disruptions and extreme weather events. It’s incredibly heartening to see.
“The fruit looks and, most importantly, tastes fantastic. Growers are reporting excellent quality, early pack-outs are tracking really well, and there’s a real sense of optimism across the industry.”
Adsett said while the industry was still building toward previous pre-Covid peaks nationally, after an excellent 2025 harvest, this season was “also tracking in the right direction”.
“Apples and pears from all growing regions are expected to store superbly for export markets.
“We’re delighted with the significant uplift in productivity, which can largely be attributed to the maturation of new plantings of IP [intellectual property, or ”club apple"] varieties.
“It is particularly valuable given New Zealand apples and pears are in high demand due to expansive opportunities across a number of our global markets and the premium quality of fruit.”
Productivity gains were attributed to orchards being transitioned to systems that were more efficient and delivered higher yields.
“The new IP varieties deliver higher yields and attract stronger returns in global markets. However, some of these orchards are still relatively young,” she said.
“They need time in the ground before they reach full production, which suggests further growth and improved productivity is in the pipeline.”
Adsett said New Zealand’s apple and pear industry remained a major contributor to national export earnings, as well as regional economies, and supported the country’s reputation as a leading producer of premium, safe and sustainably grown food.
“As the 2026 harvest gathers momentum, growers are focused on delivering consistent quality to customers around the world, while continuing to invest for the future.”
