24 | Soil health a growing focus for orchardists The business owns and manages interests in 15 orchards in total extending across more than 100 hectares, growing for export green and gold varieties under license from Zespri. Tirohanga Fruit Co T T Sue Russell REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT With kiwifruit orchards spread between Opotiki and Te Kaha, in the North Island’s Eastern Bay of Plenty, Tirohanga Fruit Co has operated for three decades as a family-owned business. Company CEO Ruan Nunes says that history has strengthened the business through the ups and downs and changing market conditions that pervade and impact the horticulture sector. “We’re very proud that this is our 31st year in business. It started with one medium-sized orchard at Tirohanga, purchased by the Sharp family, and has steadily grown in both footprint and fruit volumes to between 1.5 and 1.7 million trays annually.” The business owns and manages interests in 15 orchards in total extending across more than 100 hectares, growing for export green and gold varieties under license from Zespri. Prudent investment outside of the orchard activity has given the company a strong and secure foundation to operate from, with a stake in a couple of dairy farms, dairy support and beef operations. Permanent FTEs sit at just over 30; however, during the busier times, additional staff are brought in. Fruit grown is supplied to a co-operative packhouse Tirohanga Fruit Co is a shareholder in. “Looking at our performance to date we’re doing well and above the industry average from an Orchard Gate Return perspective, which is pleasing. “We have put a lot of time, energy and investment into creating sustainable orchard management systems. “One area we’ve focused heavily on is soil health and plant nutrition. Rather than relying solely on traditional fertiliser programmes, we’re increasingly integrating biological approaches and targeted soil amendments to improve soil function, plant health and resilience.” Ruan says productivity is influenced by variety, soil health and climate, with the team www.rmt.co.nz E. dispatch@rmt.co.nz P: 07 575 2006 (Mt. Maunganui Depot) P: 07 315 6454 (Opotiki Depot) P: 06 867 7899 (Gisborne Depot) Proudly supporting Tirohanga Fruit Co Ltd Carriers of bulk and bagged fertiliser – PKE and animal supplements Agent for Ballance Agri Nutrients Limited and Graymont Lime Agricultural Spreaders available (Opotiki / East Coast / Matawai) MPI Approved Transitional Facility (27901) – AS/NZS ISO 9001:2015 “Rather than relying solely on traditional fertiliser programmes, we’re increasingly integrating biological approaches and targeted soil amendments to improve soil function, plant health and resilience.” focused on managing the factors within their control as effectively as possible. The results of these endeavours caught the attention of judges at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards in 2023, particularly for the work Tirohanga Fruit Company had done on reducing soil compaction. “We are gradually evolving our fertiliser and soil amendment programmes, and we’re seeing encouraging improvements in soil health and vine resilience.” And as for future plans for the business, Ruan says the company regularly reviews its long-term strategy, including future planting decisions, orchard development opportunities and how its management systems can continue to evolve. Ruan has noted that at the scale they operate at, activity on the kiwifruit orchards is almost year-round, with only a couple of months when work is relatively quieter. “Traditionally the busy periods are harvest and then winter can be busy as we focus on pruning and orchard maintenance and infrastructure work, then there’s a small quieter time before we’re into thinning to set the crop load before the flowers start opening. Summer months we’re controlling and managing the fruit and canopy as it develops.” The workforce is split roughly into thirds — one-third permanent, one-third local seasonal workers and contractors, and one-third labour provided through the RSE scheme. Prior to becoming CEO just over a year ago, Ruan was the company’s Operations Manager, giving him a strong understanding of both the operational realities of orchard management and the wider strategic needs of the business. “The goal is not simply to produce more fruit; it’s about building healthier orchards, a stronger business and processes that will still be performing well in another 30 years.” “I believe we’re in a good position going forward. “Our staff are excellent and we’ve built strong systems around them. Our aim is always to provide our team with the best support we can, including, where possible, good-quality housing for both permanent and RSE workers.”
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