Welcome to our January edition of The Goldpine Post. We hope you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This month, we take a look at the humble apple and its many benefits.

Our first profile is on Golden Bay Fruit as they represent the Nelson Tasman fruitgrowing region. For more than two decades, Golden Bay Fruit has provided nutritious apples, pears and kiwifruit grown by family-owned businesses.

A few months back, we visited Tom Rathgen of Rathgen Fencing in his hometown of Leeston. Tom, with the help of his co-worker Jack Dawson, showed us how to install a gateway

The Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association was founded in 1899 to help promote and enhance fruitgrowers within the region. They have implemented a strategy that prioritises well-being in the workplace and host events to build a community of growers that encourage and support one another.

Last year, we visited the Fieldays at Mystery Creek, which showcased the New Zealand Fencing Competitions. Fourth-time winner, Tony Bouskill was the talk of the event, placing first in the Golden Pliers® Singles Championship. He and his father Shane paired to take first place in the Fieldays® Silver Spades™ Doubles Championship, making it their fifth back-to-back win.

Based in Nelson, The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary features 700 hectares of native bush, regenerated forest and 250 endemic species. Their pest-free fence is one of their greatest assets, providing their Sanctuary with the protection they need to restore wildlife in the area.

Our State of the Industry article for the month focuses on apples, with insights from key leaders and growers within the horticulture sector.

We intend to continue supplying you with the best stories, activities and techniques in agriculture. If you have anything that you would like us to share, please get in touch.