THE GROWER'S GROWER
Your Partner Since 2019
"Your Partner, Our Journey!"
Are you tired of watching your kiwifruit orchard struggle to keep up with the demands of all stakeholders? Are rising labor costs and declining productivity keeping you up at night? It's time for a change, and The Growers Grower is here to lead the way!
The Growers Grower is focused on productivity and performance. with proven strategies and tools that deliver, The Growers Grower has your back!
our SERVICES
​From management to demonstrating different agile growing systems on its own orchard, the Growers Grower leads by example, Pioneering, Innovating the future with the hands of today.
Relief/full orchard
management
The Grower's Grower provides orchard management services on a part-time basis to relieve growers/managers where leave is taken or during adverse or busy periods where further support is required. Our full service is for growers looking for a breath of fresh air, passion and determination to get your orchard back on track to meet your needs.
Unique Opportunity
We’ve just taken on a major challenge — redeveloping a neglected kiwifruit orchard in Athenree to restore it to full productivity. Over the next three years, we’ll show you the full journey, from green cut-over and greenfield development to building a cutting-edge 0.5ha vertical 2D system. This is more than an orchard project — it’s a transparent, step-by-step guide to what it really takes to become a grower.
Through The Growers Grower, you’ll learn how to purchase, plan, and develop an orchard — the real inputs, services, costs, and decision-making involved. Nothing is hidden. We're laying down the blueprint for anyone passionate about kiwifruit but unsure where to start. Whether you’re a young person dreaming of owning land or a family looking for a path into horticulture, this is your inside track.
There’s a gap in the industry — try finding real information on becoming a grower on YouTube or through Zespri’s Canopy platform, and you’ll hit a wall. That’s why we’ve started this initiative: to open doors and provide real access to knowledge that’s often locked away. Join us and grow your future from the ground up.
Boost Productivity, Slash Labor costs
* Strategies that deliver results​
* Hayward Leader Reconstruction
* Fencing to enhance productivity both labour & fruit
* Strategies for all varities
* Enhanced spray coverage and efficacy
* Expertise in Orchards of all altitudes
* Strategic planning for your orchard business
* Navigate market access challenges
* Combat Disease and PSA pressure
* Pollination optimisation - get it sorted in a short time not a long time
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* Dedicated and experienced Orchard Practitioner
* Provide oversight and staff management when owners or managers are unavailable
* Integration of low cost sensors that are precise and provide Business intel for your operation
* Irrigation integration and automation. We use Schneider and Honeywell BMS systems
* Assistance with systems integration i.e. specifications for tasks, contracts
* Advice on Armilleria Control
* Contacts in transport & logistics for harvest, fert, compost, etc.
* Certified BioGro we have the experience to maximise productivity on your organic orchard, We own one, we should know!
* We have new varieties experience with the commercially released Red, 4 years pre-commercial
Relief/full Orchard Management
For the next 3 years I will be taking everyone on a journey to experience how to take a run down entry point orchard into a world class development and what kiwifruit growing is all about including the service industries that support our great industry.
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If your passionate about kiwifruit or have a desire to own or lease a block you should watch the regular content uploads as it will be humorous, human and easy to digest, but also dive into the finer details through interviews and off the cuff discussions with service providers, contractors and their employees.
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​I've put my money where my mouth is so brought a run down orchard in Athenree to show case the journey and I'm excited and fortunate to be able to help others through my experience.
Want to know more visit my Instagram or Facebook pages, see tags below.
FB thegrowersgrower
IG the_growersgrower
​Unique Opportunity for passionate people
service PRICING
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Full Orchard Management (any variety) starting from 3,000 per ha.
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​Non CAV management company.
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We use Grasp/Globalgap approved contract staff that have been working with us since 2018.
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Winter Leader Prune to improve productivity and market access - POA or ask for a quote.
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Armillaria Management - POA or ask for a quote.
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Mowing and mulching - POA (no gate fee).
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Grafting strategies to optimise pollination quick turnaround - POA.
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Orchard evaluations and strategic planning
our FOCUS
The definition of The Growers Grower in our opinion, is a person that dedicates his or her time to the success of a kiwifruit business, embedded and thriving as a partner should; optimising results that all stakeholders win!
The Grower's Grower - a solid foundation:
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Family run
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3 decades of experience
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Results focused
Family run
This is my family, hard working and dedicated, Jono, Lily, Gabriela, Emily and Giovanni walking off, are the strong team that makes The Grower's Grower.
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We own and manage orchards in Opotiki, Pongakawa, Oropi, Pyes Pa, Te Puna, Aongatete Katikati and Athenree. Being exposed to many growing areas offers our customers valuable insights and exposure to staffing, innovations, technological advances, and mature canopy solutions that ensure sustainable long-term growth.
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We also produce organic products and have begun integrating organic principles into our conventional practices.
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A trail blazer, Jono likes to be bold and forge new pathways through innovation and outside the box solutions.
Experience
Jono started in 1995 as the 1st modern apprentice in the industry, accumulating 3 decades of Kiwifruit management experience both post harvest and orchard, giving him grounding that is hard to find these days.
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2 times DMS Large Green Orchard OGR winner 2018, 2019.
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Innovator and systems developer
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Inquisitive by nature and critical thinking. Fruitforce Orchard 2010-2014 (FON facilitator)
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Built a 48ha gold development in Maniatutu
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Strategies to integrate biodiversity and production into the same space
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Redevelopment of poor performing orchards into thriving investments
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Strong networks
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​Current Apata suppliers entity Ltd board member.
Results focused
Driven by tangible outcomes, The Growers Grower is committed to boosting your orchard’s productivity while cutting labour costs. Our proven strategies—like Hayward leader reconstruction, optimised pollination systems, enhanced spray efficacy, and fencing innovations—have consistently delivered stronger yields and increased profitability.
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As experienced orchard practitioners, we integrate precision sensors, biosecurity measures, and organic management expertise providing more data driven decision making to ensure your orchard thrives under expert guidance.
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We're grounded in results, focused on building sustainable wealth for families and communities through performance-driven horticulture.
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Your Partner, Our Journey!
