One Billion Trees forum

NZPPI held its first One Billion Tree Native Plants Forum meeting in Wellington on 28 March. This included 29 NZPPI members from native plant nurseries and the One Billion Trees policy team from MPI.

The key points from the meeting were:

• The production of indigenous trees will need to increase significantly to meet the Governments planting targets over the coming decade.
• This represents a significant opportunity for growth in the revegetation sector and an opportunity for a step change in technology, systems, standards and the workforce.
• NZPPI will work with its members in the sector and the Government to develop a sector strategy that will ensure that we can maximise the opportunities that will come from this programme.

Subsidised plant production is an ongoing issue

The Government has announced the first round of grants from the Regional Development Fund for plant production in relation to the One Billion Trees project.

Grants for plant production have been an ongoing issue for our sector that will require an increased focus, as grants and incentives will be a key part of the One Billion Trees project and other regional revegetation programmes that are planned.

NZPPI has made its views on subsidised plants clear to the Government and will continue to focus on this issue to ensure a level playing field in the sector, and that incentives and grants are targeted for a specific project or purpose and are not used for price discounting in the market.

Myrtle rust spreads further

News that myrtle rust is now in the Manawatu and the top of the South Island is disappointing, but not a surprise given the rapid escalation of the disease across the country over the past month. MPI are reporting more than 550 myrtle rust sites and 40 new detections are being reported each week.

… read MPI New approach to manage myrtle rust

There is a lot happening in the myrtle rust crisis and NZPPI has made significant progress in its work on the management of this disease, including revised protocols, changes to the declaration system and new advice on plant protection. This information is available on our new myrtle rust webpage and will be included in a separate biosecurity update.

Workforce summit - 29 May

NZPPI is holding an industry summit on workforce training and education. This summit will focus on the ongoing decline in industry training in our sector and the industry led solutions to this problem.

There is significant interest in this topic and this is an opportunity for you to have your say and be part of the solution.

Date: Tuesday 29 May, 9.30am to 4.00pm

Venue: Brentwood Hotel, 16 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington

To register: contact Frances Palmer frances@nzppi.co.nz

This event is for NZPPI members. Non members may be invited.

NZPPI 2018 Conference - 27 & 28 June, Rotorua

Plant production is among the fastest growing of the land based sectors in New Zealand. This growth is driven by an escalating demand for plants across the food, wine, amenity, biodiversity and forestry sectors. This is a once in a generation opportunity to channel this momentum to shift our sector to the next level. Supporting and attending the 2018 NZPPI Conference is an opportunity to be part of the future success of our industry.

Sponsorship & trade opportunities are now available; programme and registration soon. Conference contact Frances Palmer frances@nzppi.co.nz 04 9183511

Dr Louise Grimmer at NZPPI conference

We are excited to announce that Dr Lousie Grimmer will be speaking at conference.

Dr Grimmer is an expert in retail from the University of Tasmania. She believes that the key to success for plant producers and retailers is to connect with customers and provide a unique and memorable experience.

You can read more about Dr Grimmer's work here.

Reminder about controlled plants

We have had a few enquiries and comments in recent weeks about the rules that control the production and sale of a plant species. Here is a reminder of the rules that plant producers need to be aware of in this area.

1. The National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) – this is an agreement between MPI, NZPPI, Councils and DoC, which covers weed species that cannot be grown or sold. The Accord is enforced under the Biosecurity Act.
2. Regional Pest Management Strategies (RPMS) – these are owned by individual councils and apply within specific regions. These are updated periodically and it is important to be aware of the species that are listed in your local RPMS.
3. Controlled by regulations under the Biosecurity Act - e.g. propagating kiwifruit vines is controlled by Kiwifruit Plant Certification Scheme (KPCS).
4. Many plant varieties are controlled by Plant Variety Rights (PVR) that are personal property.

Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan

NZPPI has submitted on the draft of the Auckland Region Pest Management Plan. Our submission includes our concerns about a number of plant species that the Council is seeking to control or ban.

This submission is part of NZPPI's ongoing work with Councils to ensure that the controls on plants are sensible and justified.

See the proposed Auckland plan here (29 MB) and the NZPPI submission here.

Bay of Plenty Airplan review

The BoP Regional Council is reviewing its Airplan and is asking for feedback and submissions until 18 April. This plan includes a number of new rules that are relevant to plant producers, including agrichemical use and newly installed boilers.

The proposed airplan can be seen here.

NZPPI will be submitting feedback on this plan to the Council. We encourage you to make a submission, or let us know your thoughts. Contact matthew@nzppi.co.nz

New lab added to the GM Petunia testing pool

MPI have recently added Lifeprint as a recognised laboratory for the testing of GMO's on petunia species.

This is good news for nurseries, making sourcing petunia nursery stock easier. This great result has been achieved through the hard work of NZPPI on behalf of its members and industry. Not a member? - join now.

Funding Available for Women’s Leadership Development

Women in New Zealand currently working in the plants and horticulture sector have until April 27 to express their interest in scholarship funding that is currently available.

The fee support opportunity provides women with funding of between $3,000 and $8,000 to undertake a range of leadership development programs commencing later this year.

More information and initial expressions of interest are available at womenandleadership.co.nz/scholarships

Minimum wage increase

A reminder that the minimum wage increased to $16.50 per hour from 1 April.

The starting-out rate and training wage is still set at 80% of the minimum wage, meaning that it increases to $13.20 per hour.

This increase is another step towards the Government’s target to increase the minimum wage to $20 per hour in 2020. Let us know what you think of this.

NZPPI at IPPS conference

The NZPPI team will be attending the IPPS conference later this month. We are really excited about attending this year’s event and showing our support for IPPS and their work.

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©2018 NZPPI
New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated
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Level 5, 23 Waring Taylor Street, Wellington
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