When Ngāi Tukairangi Trust grew its horticultural footprint into Turanganui-a-Kiwa | Poverty Bay in 2022 by acquiring two orchards, it not only added some 36 hectares of premium Gold kiwifruit, persimmons, and mandarins to its operation, but also expanded its wealth of local knowledge. 

Bruce van Dorp and John MacPherson, two season orchard managers, brought decades of experience to the merger and began a valuable and continuing relationship between Bruce, John, and Cristiano Padiha, Fruited Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative.  

One of the new orchards, Kahui ā Nuku located in Makauri, grows nine hectares of persimmons, six hectares of Gold kiwifruit, and two and a half hectares of mandarins. Bruce has managed these blocks for over 30 years during which time he has cultivated a deep-rooted knowledge of Gisborne’s horticultural landscape. He has shaped the orchard into a high-performing operation through his commitment to innovation. From pioneering the region’s early transition from Hayward to Gold kiwifruit in the 1990s to combating changing climate conditions by elevating root systems to allow water to run off into the middle of the rows, the orchard’s success can be directly linked to Bruce’s handiwork.  

John has managed Kahui ā Rangi for decades prior to the Ngāi Tukairangi Trust's purchase. The site currently spans 11 hectares of persimmons and eight hectares of Gold kiwifruit. For years, Bruce and John have worked together, combining their crews for harvest and thinning. Finding strength in collaboration, they maintain close communication with Ngāi Tukairangi Trust’s other regional managers to share insights and best practices. Both orchards supply domestic and export markets with export fruit destined for Asia, Australia, and North America.

^{Cristiano Padilha (C), Fruitfed Supplies Technical Horticultural Representative, checks out this season's satsuma mandarin harvest with Bruce Van Dorp (L) and John MacPherson (R), both Orchard Managers with Ngāi Tukairangi Trust, near Gisborne, Tairāwhiti.} 

 After joining Fruitfed Supplies 15 months ago, Cristiano Padilha, Technical Horticultural Representative, quickly became a trusted advisor to Bruce and John, providing timely product recommendations, technical support, and logistical assistance.  

“Cristiano has slotted in seamlessly,” Bruce says. “He understands our routines and the seasonal pressures we face, assisting us with monitoring pests, planning crop protection programmes, and ensuring the orchards have access to the latest ag-chem solutions. We’ve been working with Fruitfed Supplies for over 15 years and our partnership is particularly critical in managing the unique challenges of Turanganui-a-Kiwa, such as heavier soils and increasing autumn rainfall. It’s always handy when Cristiano can deliver supplies directly to us, especially when we’re in the thick of harvest or thinning.” 

Cristiano appreciates Bruce’s knowhow, “Working with Bruce is a privilege. His depth of experience and practical knowledge make every conversation valuable. My role is to support his vision with timely advice and reliable service. Together, we’ve built a strong relationship to help the orchard thrive. It’s rewarding to be part of a team so committed to excellence and innovation.” 

Their collaboration with Cristiano ensures the operations run smoothly. Christiano’s technical expertise and quick response to their needs ensures Bruce and John can focus on strategic orchard management, confident that their crop protection plans and supply needs are in capable hands. 

The horticultural landscape in Gisborne is evolving, Bruce says there is a shift toward larger corporate ownership and increasing compliance demands, “It’s a different environment now, but one that still depends on good people and strong local knowledge.” Fruitfed Supplies is proud to be part of this environment, supporting growers like Bruce and John with tailored advice, reliable service, and collaboration. Their partnership is a testament to the value of trust, consistency, commitment, and the strength of relationships.