LeaderBrand hosted the Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, who opened its completed 11-hectare mega greenhouse project in Tairāwhiti.
In October 2019, the Provincial Development Unit (now Kānoa, Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit) approved a Provincial Growth Fund loan to help fund the construction and support regional development.
The project aimed to accelerate crop growth sustainably year-round, mitigating weather impacts, reducing fertiliser and water usage, and protecting soil structure. It also ensured job security and supported Tairāwhiti’s NZ $62.5 million horticulture and fruit industry.
Robert Pigou, Head of Kānoa, Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, also attended the event.
“The covered houses are an excellent example of what investing in rural businesses can achieve. The Provincial Growth Fund was designed to expand and innovate rural businesses to create more jobs," said Pigou.
“We are already seeing the benefits of this project not only on the wider community but also for New Zealand's food security, especially during extreme weather events.”
LeaderBrand's chief executive, Richard Burke, said that without the support of Kānoa, Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, the company would never have been able to take on this ambitious project.
“This project has not only allowed us to invest in our business and the region's future, but it has also ensured that we can guarantee the supply of leafy greens year-round.”
With the completion of the covered greenhouses, LeaderBrand has successfully trialled and produced a new product, Wild Rocket, for its salad range.
“Our entire team is incredibly proud to have Minister Jones officially open the facility. It has been a lot of hard work to get to this stage. Not even a global pandemic, MIQ issues, freight delays, COVID-19, and terrible weather have stopped us from achieving our goal.”
The LeaderBrand Future Farm site was blessed by Morehu Pewhairangi of Te Aitanga a Mahaki iwi in a private ceremony with the greenhouse team the day before.
