Trinity Lands manages 115 hectares and picks 1.5 million trays of kiwifruit.
We spoke with Nathan Smith, Orchard Manager, who looks after 76 hectares in Paengaroa, and has been involved since 2000.
Over the last few years, Nathan explains how they have expanded with the purchase of kiwifruit orchards in Athenree and Awakeri to add to their holdings in Paengaroa and Katikati. They predominantly grow the Gold3 variety with some Hayward Green.
Trinity Lands has six FrostBoss® C49 frost fans, which are used in combination with water for frost protection.
Because Psa likes cold and damp conditions “we use the fans in the wetter areas rather than introducing more water”, explains Nathan. “The Psa risk still has to be managed by spraying and cleaning tools and machinery, which all takes time and money. Nevertheless, some plants and canes die back and areas of replanting are required.”
“In the days before we had the frost fans, we sometimes used helicopters. It costs about $12,500 to contract a helicopter and once this is used up you pay by the hour. You have to make a decision by 4.30pm whether to call them in and have them on stand-by, even though you may not end up using them. Now we have the frost fans, we don’t have to make those hard calls and it’s easier to sleep at night.”
Whilst weather and disease directly affect your orchard gate return, Nathan also places a great emphasis on his team. “Growing kiwifruit is labour intensive – it’s your biggest cost – good people and the right culture are so important.”
This philosophy extends to their suppliers. “With a local service depot here in Te Puke, we get good back-up service from New Zealand Frost Fans.”
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