48 | Sustainable orchard giving back The eight-hectare Mamuka Blue orchard, where some plants are still maturing, produces around 40 tonnes of blueberries each season. HORTICULTURE Mamaku Blue T T Rosa Watson A Rotorua orchard producing high-quality produce for the local market is maintaining its focus on sustainable production while also making a major contribution to the local economy. The eight-hectare Mamuka Blue orchard, where some plants are still maturing, produces around 40 tonnes of blueberries each season. During the summer harvest, the company employs around 20 staff to work in the orchard, and another eight in the shop and café. Owner Michaela Frost says most produce is picked for local markets, mainly in Auckland and with a growing demand in Rotorua. The extensive product range includes some 40 items made from sustainably grown berries. Premium-grade fruit goes into juices, wines, and liqueurs, while by-products from juice production, such as freeze-dried powder and blueberry oil, are also available. Graded-out berries such as smalls and red berries are included in jams, chutneys, and chilli products to minimise waste. Alongside blueberries, the company also grows green gooseberries – an “old-fashioned” fruit gaining popularity for its high vitamin C content and dietary fibre. Michaela says there is potential to introduce strawberries, raspberries and other berry varieties suited to the climate and market. “Our focus is on maintaining excellent quality and flavour while gradually expanding our orchard.” Over the years, the company has given back to the industry, and in 2010 contributed to extensive research on blueberries and their health benefits through working closely with Massey University professor Julian Heyes and his students. Mamaku Blue founder Harry Frost, Michaela’s father-in-law, served for a number of years as president of Blueberries NZ. Michaela says while Mamaku’s cooler climate can sometimes mean slower ripening, it also offers fewer pests and diseases, allowing the berries to grow more sustainably. “Our focus is on older varieties that excel in flavour. These varieties are popular with customers who appreciate their full-bodied taste and keep coming back for more. “There is not just one type of blueberry. There are differences in shape, size, firmness, sugar levels, antioxidant levels, colour and flavour. We grow our blueberries and gooseberries in volcanic ash soil, which also reflects in their flavour.” While there has been strong interest from overseas buyers, Michaela says the company’s spray-free approach and choice of varieties make fresh berries less suited for export. However, products like the juice and freezedried powders have potential for export as premium, shelf-stable options, and there is a growing base of customers in Australia and Asia. The company values the strong relationships built with local businesses that stock, sell and use their products, she says. They also support businesses further afield with all packaging and supplies purchased through New Zealand-owned businesses, mainly from the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty areas. Mamaku Blue was started in the early 1980s when Anne and Harry Frost followed a friend’s advice and planted their first hectare of highbush blueberries. The region’s rich volcanic soils, formed from activity thousands of years ago, make the area ideal for growing blueberries, and give Mamaku Blue its distinctive character. Over the years, processing equipment has been upgraded to manufacture everything in-house. Recently, the business invested in a punnetting machine to provide consistent product quality to meet growing demand from local supermarkets. “The aim is to automate our processes as much as we can, and sadly, save money on the labour costs, which have become unsustainable,” Michaela says. The company’s 100% gooseberry juice and 100% blueberry juice were awarded a bronze medal at the Outstanding Food Producers Awards in 2024, and in the Fresh Produce section, their gooseberries and blueberries was awarded a silver medal at the Outstanding Food Producers Awards in 2025. Michaela says financial pressure is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry. In the past five years, costs for fertiliser, pollination, insurance, fuel and labour drastically increased, with some expenses more than doubled. NEW ZEALAND NATURE, MADE JUICE. 1,200 New Zealand grown blueberries in every bottle. 100% pure juice,nothing added. CAFE SHOP mamakublue.co.nz 311 Maraeroa Road | Mamaku | Rotorua 3072 | NZ BUMBLEBEES POLLINATORS YOU CAN TRUST WEATHER HARDY WORK MORE DAYS & LONGER EACH DAY SYNERGY WITH HONEYBEES BETTER CROSS-POLLINATION 2 - 3X FASTER ON FLOWERS DEPENDABLE ACTIVITY INSULATED BOX ALTERNATE PEAKS OF ACTIVITY IMPROVED SPEED & EFFICIENCY UP TO 20X BETTER IN SOME CROPS (06) 879 - 5883 office@biobees.co.nz www.biobees.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=