Class 2 Australia: is the system working?

Abstract

Little did Isabel Fraser know, that when she returned in 1904 from Yangtze Province in China with Chinese Gooseberry seeds, that 100+ years on, those seeds would create a billion $ Kiwifruit Industry. The examination of the past is essential for drawing lessons from previous experiences so that informed future decisions can be made. Key decisions have been made by the New Zealand Government, Zespri International and its predecessors, Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, Post harvest operators, and Orchardists. The business context for kiwifruit industry participants and industry structure has been characterised by significant change over the last three decades. New Zealand is a major player in world kiwifruit markets. Exporting is now dominated by Zespri International, the sole exporter to all counties except Australia. The sector has developed governance arrangements involving Zespri International and Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and Kiwifruit New Zealand. This report looks at the history of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry and how is has operated and developed over time.