Zespri has welcomed the new Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, signed between the New Zealand Government and local authorities, describing it as a key step towards supporting the sustainable growth of the kiwifruit industry and strengthening infrastructure in one of the sector’s most important regions.
The agreement establishes a partnership between the national Government, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Its roadmap includes actions focused on transport, infrastructure, housing, export growth and economic development.
A strategic region for Zespri
Western Bay of Plenty plays a central role in Zespri’s operations and in New Zealand’s kiwifruit value chain. According to Jason Te Brake, CEO of the company, around 80% of Zespri’s New Zealand-grown fruit comes from this region, while more than 95% is exported through the Port of Tauranga.
Te Brake stressed that the industry is already seeing infrastructure constraints and that, without concrete action, these bottlenecks could worsen as the sector continues to grow.
“The plan gives us greater confidence that these issues will be addressed and provides the industry with more certainty to invest, meet future demand and continue generating value for growers and the communities that depend on this activity,” he said.
Transport, housing and regional development
The agreement includes infrastructure and transport planning linked to Western Bay of Plenty’s main growth corridors: east, north and west. Priority projects include the second stage of Takitimu North Link and the Tauriko West routes, both considered infrastructure of national significance.
Government estimates suggest that this framework could enable the construction of 12,000 new homes and a further 3,000 homes through urban intensification and integration over the next ten years. Improvements are also planned in transport, water, health and education.
Labour and logistics, key factors
For Zespri, the agreement is also relevant from a labour perspective. The company highlights that housing and social infrastructure planning will be essential to meet the needs of workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, which is fundamental to New Zealand’s fruit and vegetable sector.
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“Access to housing and social infrastructure is essential to attract and retain the workers that the industry and the region need. Having a clear and coordinated plan helps ensure that Western Bay remains an attractive place to live and work,” Te Brake said.
Improving connectivity with the Port of Tauranga and progressing its expansion also remain strategic priorities for the kiwifruit industry, particularly in a context of export growth and increasing logistical demands.
Agreement follow-up
Implementation of the agreement will be overseen by a Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal Oversight Board. A formal implementation plan is also expected to be presented within the next six months.
With this initiative, Zespri reinforces its commitment to coordinated territorial planning that can support the growth of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, reduce logistics pressures and ensure that the sector’s expansion is accompanied by adequate infrastructure, housing and services.
