In Hawke's Bay, a significant endeavor has been successfully concluded to repair and clean approximately 29,200 fruit bins affected by last year's cyclone, aligning with the commencement of the apple picking season.
This region, responsible for producing nearly 70% of New Zealand's apples, has embarked on its harvest period, which is expected to continue until April. The restoration project, a collaborative effort involving Tumu Group, the Evergreen Foundation, and governmental support, offered a vital enhancement to growers by refurbishing bins at no additional cost. This initiative spanned roughly a year, addressing bins laden with silt due to the previous February's floods.
Andrew Cranswick, operations manager at Tumu Timbers, detailed the project's inception and execution, noting the rapid response following the cyclone and the extensive process of collecting, cleaning, and repairing the bins. The endeavor not only involved Tumu's facilities in Hastings but also benefited from the support of neighboring properties. The project emerged from discussions with NZ Apples and Pears, reflecting a concerted effort to address the challenges faced by growers in the aftermath of the cyclone. Through this initiative, damaged bins, some of which were initially deemed irreparable, were meticulously restored and sanitized before being returned to the growers, thereby facilitating the ongoing harvest.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
Photo source: Dreamstime.com