Horticulture
The Bay of Plenty has always lived up to its name, offering an abundance of food and resources, fresh water and fertile soils to those who have made it their home.
Through advanced management of its sustainable resources, the Bay is sharing its abundance with the rest of New Zealand and the world. Bay of Plenty produce is the real thing, whether it's stone fruit, kiwi fruit, berries or vegetables, and this growing industry is set to be a major player in the local economy.
Julians Berry Farm
Julians Berry Farm has grown from humble beginnings to become a popular Whakatāne tourism attraction and a must-do summertime activity for local families and visitors alike. The business has expanded to include a large café, playground, mini-golf and petting farm. With more than 100,000 visitors and 80 tonnes of fruit produced each year, the business is a prime example of what can be achieved with the District’s sunshine, good soils and natural abundance.
Established by Joan and David Julian in 1975, a need for expansion saw them move to a neighbouring site, then onto the present location in Huna Road. This move, combined with a change in ownership to their son Paul and his wife Monica, saw the business develop as demand for their berry products grew. Their efforts were eventually recognised through the 2006 AAA Small Business of the Year Award. They didn't stop there, continuing to increase the attractions of the farm; this led to them receiving the AAA 2008 Overall Supreme Award for Business of the Year.
When they are not managing the business, Paul and Monica enjoy an active lifestyle, competing in and supporting a number of local sporting events. They are also the major sponsor of the Julians Berry Farm Toi’s Challenge.
“We love the region – it’s got plenty of sun and lifestyle opportunities for our whole family. We’ve got beaches, lakes, rivers, volcanoes and kiwis, and of course berry farms, right on our doorstep. It’s all here!” —Paul Julian
Blueberry Corner
Blueberry Corner is owned by Ben and Heidi Rosewarne, who shifted to Whakatane in 2002 from south Taranaki. They purchased their first orchard on Te Rahu Road, the Blueberry Corner shop in 2005, and another Blueberry orchard at Nukuhou in 2009.
The business is a large seasonal employer with up to 120 pickers/sorters each season harvesting blueberries for local and export markets, aiming at 60,000 tonnes of fresh blueberries. Blueberry Corner also grows strawberries and raspberries. This year, they're expecting a tonnage of about 45,000 tonnes. This will be sold predominantly through the Blueberry Corner shop and café, a busy destination for tourists and locals alike. The shop stocks a wide range of their delicious fresh berries, berry products and blueberry honey.
The business has made a conscious effort to move away from many conventional growing practices to more ecologically-friendly farming practices. Blueberry Corner is constantly trialling new methods of controlling bugs and diseases. Fortunately, blueberries require very little in the way of insecticides, so this has been easy. Blueberry Corner is now well on the way to being organic certified for blueberries.
“We love the saying “know your farm, know your food.” Whakatāne is small enough to allow us to be a part of this community, share who we are and we also get to enjoy the rural lifestyle and the benefits of having a business in a busy summer tourist town.” — Heidi Rosewarne
