Zespri has welcomed the Government’s proposal to make targeted amendments to the Plant Variety Rights (PVR) Act.

Chief executive Jason Te Brake said the changes would deliver real benefits for New Zealand by protecting growers, backing innovation, growing exports and supporting regional jobs and communities.

“Innovation is critical to protecting and growing value for New Zealand.

“In 2024/25, kiwifruit returned more than $3 billion directly to growers and their communities and supported tens of thousands of regional jobs.

“Around 75 percent of kiwifruit export sales comes from Zespri’s PVR-protected varieties – sold under the Zespri SunGold and Zespri RubyRed trademarks – highlighting the importance of a strong and effective IP framework.

“Through the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, in partnership with the Bioeconomy Science Institute, we have invested for decades in developing high value new varieties to grow market demand and help growers respond to rising costs and climate change.

“These varieties – alongside continued investment in our brand, supply chain and building demand – are delivering significant value back to New Zealand.”

He said stronger plant variety rights would help the industry invest with confidence, protect value, and bring more high-value varieties to market.

“They would also support our goal of growing sales revenue by two to three times by 2035 and support returns for shareholders.

“It will also give growers more confidence to invest in higher-returning new varieties and the long-term future of their orchards, while giving confidence and encouraging investment from businesses that support the industry.

“The amendments better align New Zealand with international settings, helping protect existing value, unlock future export growth, and keep New Zealand competitive in high-value horticulture.”