GG Dame Silvia Cartwright visits ZESPRI

20th September 2005
Media Alert

Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright visits ZESPRI

Tractors and safety gear were part of the vice-regal formalities when Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright and husband Peter Cartwright visited ZESPRI today.

The purpose of the visit was to learn more about New Zealand's leading horticultural exporter and ZESPRI's billion dollar business. The tour began with a visit to ZESPRI's headquarters in Mount Maunganui, where Grower Services Manager Steve Low outlined the importance and success of the ZESPRI Brand and integrated ZESPRI System.

The group travelled to Te Puke, where they met with SEEKA Managing Director Tony de Farias and visited a packhouse and coolstore. Following the packhouse visit, the vice-regal party were treated to a personal tour of kiwifruit grower Murray McBride's ZESPRI GOLD orchard.

Dame Silvia was impressed with the intricacy of the kiwifruit supply chain.

"I can now understand why ZESPRI kiwifruit is the market leader overseas," she said.

The Governor General's visit to ZESPRI was part of a wider trip to the Bay of Plenty region. She also visited the Tauranga and Western Bay councils, viewed the flood-affected areas of Tauranga and Matata and observed protection and preservation initiatives for the Rotorua lakes.

ENDS

The grower in the photo is Murray McBride, and his orchard is in Paengaroa, Te Puke. The gentleman in the packhouse shot is Tony de Farias, Managing Director Of SEEKA.

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