Orchard Development | Hauani Maori Lands Trust
KOS Fencing were engaged to develop a new kiwifruit orchard of 3.1 canopy hectares including additional orchard infrastructure required. We partnered closely with specialised shelter contractor Over IT Crop Protection, while creating work opportunities for trustees and local labour units specifically around planting and ground preparation.
Hauani Maori Lands Trust are an iwi trust based along the coast at Pikowai, Bay of Plenty. The land was currently split into three uses, a large dairy farm that backed onto native bush, a 15.33ha kiwifruit orchard and coastal avocado grove. The avocado tree’s were low producing due to the exposed location to the elements and ongoing wind damage. Due to the coastal location, artificial shelter protection was paramount to ensure the success of high kiwifruit production.
KOS Fencing worked with the orchard manager and the unique environmental factors designing the structure so canopy area was maximised with access ways for easy ongoing orchard management. Due to its coastal location, shelters were pivotal at protecting new seedlings and future fruit.
After the removal of the avocado trees and the rest of the site prep was completed (tilling, grass establishment and final mow). We used survey technology to mark out a datum grid across the plantable area. Using this method gives us millimetre accuracy when marking out the block. Once marked out, we started installing the orchard structures and internal posts, ready for planting. The shelter team installed high artificial shelters in a grid pattern throughout the block. This shelter system was a dense format to provide protection from the strong weather systems the orchard needed. Once planting was complete KOS returned to site to install the beam and canopy wires. Now the block was 100% complete and ready for production.
As part of the service when building new orchards, KOS returned to Hauani 12 months later to check on how the structures had settled and gave everything a proof and a tweak.
