Horticulture

Horticulture is an important industry in Aotearoa, New Zealand, contributing over $7 billion to the economy annually. The temperate climate, fertile soils and abundance of clean water makes it possible to produce a wide range of high-quality fruits and vegetables, which are exported to markets all over the world.

Horticulture is also a sustainable industry. It uses less land and water than other forms of agriculture, and it can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Investing in horticulture is a smart way to grow the economy – with a strong track record of growth, it has the potential to create more jobs and export revenue in the future.

Since 2017, Kānoa has supported investment in both horticulture and agriculture with $108.5 million in loans and $53 million in grants to horticulture and agriculture projects in the regions as at the end of September 2023.

LeaderBrand

High angle image of a large clear gazebo with machinery inside it, on an open area of land, with green hills in the distance

Tairāwhiti-based, LeaderBrand, is aiming to establish Gisborne as the salad hub of New Zealand through its innovative greenhouse farming methods.

Supported by a $17-million loan from Kānoa – RDU’s Provincial Growth Fund, LeaderBrand has developed 11.15 hectares of covered crop production, using fixed roof plastic houses to grow produce year-round.

Find out more about LeaderBrand.

Kaikohe Berries

Close up of strawberries on a plant

Just east of Kaikohe, a new horticulture venture has come to life, bringing jobs and pride to the region - as well as fresh berries.

Kaikohe Berryfruit Limited secured a $4 million loan from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) towards the construction of a permanent packhouse, cool store, staff facility and expansion of the growing platform.

Find out more about Kaikohe Berries.

26 Seasons strawberry facility

A modern indoor strawberry farm, with many rows of strawberry plants growing on stacked shelves.

26 Seasons Limited received a $2.0-million Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) loan in 2023 to support the growth of their indoor hydroponics-based horticulture business. With the funding, the project's aim was to scale up its indoor strawberry farm production at an existing facility in Foxton by acquiring and installing strawberry plants and equipment.

Find out more about 26 Seasons strawberry facility.

Limery

Bird's eye view of a building surrounded by large green sections of crops Based at the mouth of the Wairoa River, The Limery grows and processes high quality whole fruit and juice direct to market.

The Limery received a $355,000 Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) loan to expand their juicing and processing capacity and to ensure structural improvements are made to meet demand. With the opportunity to grow and employ even more people, in 2023 the Limery received a $300,000 grant from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) as a co-investment to increase plant operational capacity.

Find out more about The Limery.