By Jo Ferris

This year’s kiwifruit season is already looking good, with vines around the region showing an abundance of fruit. With February’s forecast on target, orchardists can expect healthy returns and pleasing profits. Investors are back in the market, with Property Brokers’ Brett Ashworth saying buyer inquiry picked up with the start of the New Year. With sales and offers on his books, this current listing of a sizeable G3 Gold kiwifruit orchard has come to the market at the right time. Sitting in a prime spot on the main Te Puke Highway, the total land covers approximately 14.72 hectares. The orchard has been newly developed over the past four years, with all- new Ag beam structures. Comprising 9.04 canopy hectares of G3 Gold kiwifruit, this includes 3 ca/ha picking third crop this year’s harvest. A further 6 ca/ha will pick first and second crop this year. This is an early start orchard, which is an advantage and the crop looks excellent. Good orchard management is reaping early rewards. However, its development highlights a significant investment by the vendor. Brett says the hard work has been done. Hail cloth and frost protection, underground drainage “In this orchard, 6.16 ca/ha is fully covered with hail cloth roofing and a permanent frost fan ensures protection from the elements. A further Tow and Blow portable fan covers frost control. Any gaps have now been filled with young plantings.” Brett adds that the vendor has invested heavily in underground drainage systems to ensure the rapid escape of excess rain. With reduced areas of G3 licence able to obtain this year, Brett says there are not many gold orchards of this size available today. It places a greater appreciation on the property as a whole and the future rewards it will bring in return for outlay. The main focus for investors sits fairly and squarely on the orchard, its set up and potential earnings per canopy hectare of fruit. However, given the accommodation string that already provides income here, that aspect should not be overlooked. The property comes with a solid brick home and unit – both of which are currently rented and bringing in immediate income. The large house was one of Te Puke’s prime homes in its day, according to Brett. Including the fully self-contained unit sitting behind the house, this provides six-bedroom housing and three bathrooms. Given this particular location on the main highway, the property represents longterm secure value. Number 529A Te Puke Highway is going to tender – tenders closing on March 28 – unless sold prior. Viewing is strictly by appointment and Brett is fielding buyer inquiry. Full property information is available on request.