General info
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Click here to open the website of the New Zealand Society for Horticultural Science.

Climate
Sub tropical to cool temperate

Geography
Coastal plains to alpine

Horticulture
The volumes and values of horticultural production in New Zealand have both increased dramatically over the past three decades. Much of that production is destined for export sales which contribute significantly to the country's overseas earnings. Horticultural activities also generate employment, support regional development and underpin secondary activities such as the processing and juice industries.

The range of fruit, vegetable and cutflower species and cultivars that are produced is extensive, ranging from subtropical to cool temperate types, reflecting the diversity of climatic zones that exist within the country.
Kiwifruit is currently the highest value commodity produced with over 65 million trays being exported in the 2002 season - representing 29% of the total export value for the horticulture sector. The commercial development of new cultivars is leading to increased plantings and greater returns to producers.
Apples are the second most important crop contributing to 20% of export earnings. New Zealand has earned a sound reputation for the development of new cultivars including: 'Royal Gala', 'Braeburn' and most recently 'Pacific Rose' and 'Jazz'. Strong investment continues to be made in further breeding and selection.
Many other fresh fruit sectors are showing strong growth including citrus (especially mandarins), sweet cherries, berryfruit (particularly blueberries) and avocados.
The strong growth of grape wine exports is of particular note - New Zealand white wines are proving to be in strong demand in Europe and in North America and are noted for the distinctive flavours and aromas that are strongly influenced by cool local climatic conditions during berry development. Wine exports made up 12% of horticultural export earnings in 2002.
Fresh and chilled vegetables, dominated by onions and squash, are also increasing significantly in value.
New Zealand's southern hemisphere location provides the opportunity to supply out-of-season fresh produce to major northern hemisphere population centres. The European Economic Community is the largest market purchasing 56% of exports while Asian countries account for 24%, North America 12% and Australia 6%. Promotion of an image of cleanliness and low pollution ('clean and green'), and a reputation for providing premium quality, are critical elements in the success of New Zealand's international marketing of horticultural products.
Subtropical in northern North Island, working down to cool temperate in the lower South Island.

Distribution of Horticulture
Subtropical in northern North Island, working down to cool temperate in the lower South Island.

Nature of Institutes
Horticultural research in New Zealand is carried out by Crown Research Institutes (CRIs - Government-owned research and development companies), universities, polytechnics, and the private sector. The two key CRIs are The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Ltd ('HortResearch') and The New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research Ltd ('Crop & Food') and the main universities involved are Massey University in Palmerston North and Lincoln University in Canterbury. The private sector does not maintain major research facilities or employ large teams of scientific staff but most sectors and, in particular, Zespri, ENZA and PGNZI invest strongly in research via contracts with CRIs and universities.

The New Zealand Society for Horticultural Science was established in 1970 to encourage the professional improvement of members, promote applied and basic research in the horticultural sciences, and foster high standards in research, education and extension. The Society currently has over 250 members and its Council meets with the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science. The current contact is:
National Secretariat, PO Box 121063, Henderson, Waitakere City (tel: (+64) 9-812-8506; fax: (+64) 9-812-8503)

Organisations / Institutes:
The Horticultural and Food Research Institute of New Zealand (HortResearch)
The New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research (Crop & Food)
Massey University
Lincoln University

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