87% say YES in Support Referendum for Kiwifruit Grower Body

87% say “YES” in Support Referendum for Kiwifruit Grower Body

The national representative body for kiwifruit growers, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) has conducted a support referendum for funding the organisation via a Commodity Levy. The support referendum closed on Monday 5 September.

Growers overwhelmingly voted “YES” to funding NZKGI’s activities via a Commodity Levy. More than 87% of those who voted said “YES” to the proposed Commodity Levy and the “YES” votes accounted for more than 85% of the production of those who voted.

NZKGI President Peter Ombler said “This is a strong endorsement by growers for NZKGI. Growers have given NZKGI a new mandate for its funding and activities.

“NZKGI is the only kiwifruit grower body with members actually elected by all kiwifruit growers. We were already mandated by the democratic process to speak on behalf of growers, but the overwhelming support for our funding and activities further strengthens this mandate.

“One of the hallmarks of this industry is grower unity, which is reflected in our choice of a united marketing strategy off-shore. The support referendum result flies in the face of self-appointed ‘spokespeople’ and other self-interested parties who have recently tried to give the impression of widespread division amongst growers. Growers have shown they stand behind the legitimate representative body and its activities.

“Commodity Levy funding will strengthen NZKGI by making its funding independent and directly accountable to growers. A strong grower organisation will be part of seeing our grower community through the current challenges of Psa and unfavourable exchange rates”.

NZKGI thanks growers who voted in support and will continue to work for all kiwifruit growers.

About the Levy
The proposed levy will cost growers one cent or less per tray exported other than to Australia.
The proposed levy makes NZKGI’s funding completely independent and authorised directly by growers.

About New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI)
NZKGI was established in 1993 to represent New Zealand’s kiwifruit growers and give growers their own voice in industry and government decision making and was formed following the downturn in the kiwifruit industry in the early 1990’s.

NZKGI’s VISION is to be a strong grower organisation that demonstrates industry leadership in which growers and other industry participants actively participate.

NZKGI’s MISSION is to represent, protect and enhance the commercial and political interests of New Zealand Kiwifruit growers.

NZKGI’s Grower Forum consists of 25 regional and district representatives and 13 industry group representatives. Forum Members are elected every three years by all kiwifruit growers via a postal ballot.

ENDS

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