Orchardists scramble to deal with rain

Central Otago orchardists are assessing the damage from rain ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations. Photo/File

As parts of the region are battered by rain, Central Otago orchardists are assessing the damage ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Roxburgh area was hit heaviest yesterday, but orchardists there were hoping cold temperatures might limit splitting.

Roxburgh orchardist Gary Bennetts said it was too early to evaluate the damage.

"We've had a bit of rain, so there will be some."

The season started late, so orchardists would have struggled to meet the demand of Chinese New Year regardless, he said.

"There will still be lots and lots of cherries for Chinese New Year, but there is still a lot of fruit on the trees.

"We've always found people to sell to.

"There are plenty of other countries."

China is the second largest buyer of New Zealand's cherries after Taiwan and can pay high prices for quality fruit.

Earnscleugh orchardist Harry Roberts said staff were back picking yesterday afternoon, after morning rain.

"No doubt the rain would have done some damage to some fruit. We're noticing some cracks, but different varieties react differently."

Helicopters were sent out after rain on Wednesday night to dry some of the crop, but cold winds yesterday meant that was not necessary, he said.

Cromwell orchardist Mark Jackson said the district avoided rain yesterday. Cold weather meant the season was "very much a false start", he said.

"There have been some slow days in the packhouse. Pickers have been getting more days off than they want."

Wind had done some damage to fruit, but it was looking good overall.

Summerfruit New Zealand chief executive Marie Dawkins said the country was, until recently, on track for another export year in terms of volume.

"That was until this rain - we don't know the impact yet. Orchardists have been happy with the prices."

Last week the country exported a record 900 tonnes, up on its previous effort of 750 tonnes, but overall more had been exported this time last year due to the slow start, she said.

Last year, New Zealand exported a record 3400 tonnes of cherries worth $68 million. New Zealand exports 65% of its cherries, of which Central Otago produces 90%.