The horticultural sector in Hawke's Bay, as outlined in a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), requires an additional $410 million for recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle. The updated estimate, a reduction from the initial $920 million, reflects the impact of $240 million in government grants and loans, effective clean-up efforts, and favorable growing conditions.
According to BCG's Phillip Benedetti, despite these interventions, the sector still faces a shortfall of $345 million for replanting and $65 million for on-orchard clean-up. Benedetti highlighted the enduring economic challenges for growers, particularly SMEs, exacerbated by the cyclone.
Lesley Wilson, from Apples and Pears New Zealand, emphasized the pre-existing financial pressures on growers, advocating for diverse funding sources for recovery. The report underscores the integral role of orcharding in local communities and the industry's ambition for growth despite current adversities. The cost of replanting apple orchards post-cyclone and the ongoing silt removal underscore the substantial financial aid required for the sector's recovery.
Source: rnz.co.nz