In the wake of a huge vote in favour of the Zespri empowering commodity levy, Turners & Growers is going back to the High Court to again challenge the regulatory powers of NZ Kiwifruit Growers, owners of the Zespri brand and marketing arm.
Turners & Growers has now lost all five claims it has taken to various courts claiming Zespri is in breach of the Commerce Act, the latest being a 154-page ruling by the High Court just last week. Turners & Growers has now announced it is taking that ruling to the Court of Appeal.
The omens for a change of mood from the courts are not good, however, as kiwifruit growers gave the status quo a resounding vote of confidence last week when 87% supported continuation of the commodity levy that funds Zespri.
NZKGI president Peter Ombler said: “This is a strong endorsement by growers for NZKGI. Growers have given NZKGI a new mandate for its funding and activities.
“NZKGI is the only kiwifruit grower body with members actually elected by all kiwifruit growers. We were already mandated by the democratic process to speak on behalf of growers, but the overwhelming support for our funding and activities further strengthens this mandate.”
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