19E Amber Lane, Karapiro, Waipa, Waikato

This orchard was purchased by the current owners in 2000, is located in the heart of an established Waikato kiwifruit area, and within 500 metres of a packhouse. Shelter belts and Bruno rootstock were originally planted in 2001 on 3.31ha to make 7 blocks, ranging in size from 0.32ha to 0.70ha. Being adjacent to Lake Karapiro, the climate is ideal for kiwifruit production with free draining sandy loam soils.

This orchard has:

• Wooden post and steel frame pergola with bays of 21m2 (6m x 3.5m).
• 1.01ha grafted to G3 gold, over existing root stock and eligible for organic certification in 2027.
• Green canopy certification as organic, since approximately 2009.
• The annual Zespri GAP & GRASP audits have been completed to be 100% compliant for the current season.

Fertiliser applications have been based on soil tests results. For the current season, 9 tonnes of enriched compost and 200 kgs/ha of Protamin have been applied, plus two applications of foliar kelp dressings. Fertiliser dressings, spraying and heavy mulching are all completed by Whitehall Fruitpackers. Vine work is completed by a skilled Zespri-accredited team of local contractors.

The load-out area is currently located on a neighbouring property.

Sprinklers and a watering system are in place. The bore and submersible pump are located on the property, and while the pumps and tanks are currently on a neighbouring property, the owner is prepared to relocate them to be adjacent to the bore.

The frost protection system is based on water with sprinklers in place. The owner has complemented this with setting up a Tow and Blow Frost fan in a central location. This unit is 18 months old and is for sale separately if needed.