Clyde Fruitgrowers Association’s (CFA) April annual golf tournament will raise money for orchardists affected by cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawkes Bay. 

CFA spokesperson Kris Robb said orchardists in the impacted regions were at the forefront of Central growers' minds.

The golf tournament usually has a field of 90 people and gifting the proceeds was a quick easy way to help.

“Our thoughts and hearts are with those guys up there. But this is going to be a long burn. We’re working on making a planned and co-ordinated effort for assistance.

“The best thing we can do is make sure we are running, our supply chains are open and we can maintain the integrity of our production,” Kris said. 

Kris Robb. PHOTO: GoHort

Representatives from the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board will be in Central next week for meetings and plans were expected to be fleshed out then.

Clyde Orchards operations manager Kris said with Hawkes Bay orchards just getting cell phones and power back, welfare and pastoral care for employees, whānau and business owners was a first priority. 

“The impacts are significant for horticulture. Apples in New Zealand are a billion dollar industry, and 90 percent of apples are grown in the Hawkes Bay.”

New Zealand Apple and Pear Incorporated (NZAPI) has launched a portal where growers can share and request machinery and other resources. 

Funds established to support growers affected in their recovery efforts are the Hawkes Bay Fruitgrowers’ Charitable Trust fund and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated grower relief fund.

The Clyde Orchards team packing nectarines