New Zealand legislation prioritises domestic vegetable growing
The NZ Vegetable Council (NZVeg) is welcoming the passing of the Natural Environment and Planning Bills, which herald a new era in resource management in New Zealand.
‘We’re exceptionally pleased that the new legislation – to be specific, the Natural Environment Act – recognises the importance of and prioritises the growing of food in New Zealand,’ says NZVeg CEO Mike Brown.
‘For more than a decade, vegetable growers have struggled with the inconsistent application of resource management legislation, particularly across the key growing areas of Pukekohe, the Horowhenua and Canterbury.
‘Millions of dollars have been wasted in hearings, tribunals and courts, to say nothing of the missed opportunities resulting from all the uncertainty.
‘No wonder around half of the country’s vegetable growers are currently not certain if they will be in business in ten years’ time. This is a sobering statistic for an industry worth $1.1 billion in farmgate returns a year.’
Mike says the Natural Environment Act should pave the way for a national and consistent approach to vegetable production in New Zealand.
‘The new Act sets the scene and gets the basics right by prioritising the production of food and fibre. This should ensure a national approach to vegetable growing, which is what NZVeg and other vegetable sector groups have been advocating for, for more than a decade.
‘A national approach is important to ensuring New Zealand can produce fresh, healthy vegetables, at reasonable prices, now and in the future. For the past year, vegetables have been great value for money. According to Statistics NZ, fruit and vegetable prices fell by 1.6% between August 2025 and August 2026. This drop is pretty incredible, especially when you consider how much inputs such as fuel and electricity have gone up.
‘These comparatively low vegetable prices have been driven by the fact that growing conditions for the past year have been good, so supply has been plentiful. However, a major weather event like a cyclone or flood in one of the country’s key vegetable growing areas could see supply severely affected, which would create shortages and raise prices.
‘That’s why being able to grow vegetables across New Zealand is very important to ensuring consistent supply and value for money prices for consumers.’
For more information:
NZVeg
Tel: +64 21 021 62021
Email: info@nzveg.co.nz
www.nzveg.co.nz
