42 | HORTICULTURE Seeka T T Karen Phelps AI boost for kiwifruit industry The blessing at Huka Pak was led by Seeka’s Kaumātua Turi Ngatai who welcomed growers, staff and international guests from China and Italy “Investing in grading technology strengthens our ability to support growers with efficient, accurate and reliable post-harvest capacity when they need it.” T T to page 44 Seeka has completed simultaneous installs of two new, high-specification and highly automated Reemoon packing machines for its Huka Pak and Kerikeri packhouses, strengthening the post-harvest capacity for the 2026 harvest. Seeka Chief Executive Michael Franks says the installations reflect Seeka’s continued investment across its post-harvest network. “Investing in grading technology strengthens our ability to support growers with efficient, accurate and reliable post-harvest capacity when they need it,” he says. “The system reduces manual handling, delivering consistent quality results for growers, our marketers and ultimately the consumer.” Seeka Huka Pak’s machine was blessed on 24 February, with Seeka Kerikeri blessed on 4 March 2026. The blessing at Huka Pak was led by Seeka’s Kaumātua Turi Ngatai who welcomed growers, staff and international guests from China and Italy. Michael says the ceremony acknowledged the technology itself along with both the people who have built the machines and those who will operate them, recognising the importance of safe and successful seasons for growers and staff alike. The Reemoon graders use advanced AI camera technology to assess size, shape, colour, and external quality attributes. Using three-dimensional imaging, highresolution cameras and controlled lighting systems, the grader captures detailed, multiangle surface data from each piece of fruit. The system processes this information in real time through embedded processing units, enabling accurate and consistent grading decisions independent of a central PC. The technology is integrated into Seeka’s existing packing lines and data platforms, allowing grading information to be captured and used within the wider packhouse process. Reemoon’s New Zealand Sales and Service Manager Mark Burch says the camera technology installed at Huka Pak and Kerikeri is the first of its kind in the world. “It provides precise, consistent results,” says Mark. “The system allows fruit to be assessed objectively using imaging technology, supporting reliable grading outcomes across the season.” Michael says the investment is particularly important as export markets continue to demand consistent quality and accurate classification of fruit. “Growers need confidence that their fruit is being assessed fairly and consistently. Advanced grading technology supports that confidence while helping us manage throughput efficiently during peak harvest.” Both the Huka Pak and Kerikeri projects involved reconfiguring existing grading infrastructure within operational packhouses. This included removal of previous equipment, installation of the new grader and camera systems, and integration of electrical, mechanical and software components into Seeka’s wider packhouse systems. Commissioning and testing have been completed ahead of harvest to ensure the systems are fully operational for the 2026 season. International Reemoon technicians worked alongside Seeka’s engineering and operational teams, as well as local contractors, to complete the installations within required timeframes. CIVIL | SITEWORKS | DRAINAGE | LAND DEVELOPMENT mason@precisioncivil.co.nz precisioncivil.co.nz Proudly supporting Seeka Ltd
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