New Zealand's Organic Sector Showcased During Associate Minister's Regional Visit
Hon Mike Butterick, Associate Minister of Agriculture – Organics, with Napier MP Katie Nimon and representatives from Organic Aotearoa New Zealand during the Hawke's Bay organic sector tour.
15 July 2026 | Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Hon Mike Butterick visited Hawke's Bay's leading organic businesses last week, highlighting the innovation, economic contribution and community impact of New Zealand's $1.18 billion organic sector.
New Zealand's organic sector was in the spotlight last week as Hon Mike Butterick, Associate Minister of Agriculture – Organics, joined industry leaders on a tour of some of Hawke's Bay's leading organic businesses.
Hosted by Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ), the visit showcased the innovation, diversity and economic contribution of New Zealand's organic sector through some of Hawke's Bay's leading organic businesses.
The visit marked one of the Associate Minister's first opportunities to engage directly with New Zealand's organic sector since the portfolio was established. It comes at a significant time for the industry, which is now worth $1.18 billion, with exports exceeding $606 million and growing at nearly twice the rate of New Zealand's total primary sector exports. The establishment of a dedicated Associate Minister for Organics reflects the sector's increasing importance to New Zealand's economy, premium export growth and international reputation for high-quality, sustainably produced food.
The tour began at Hōhepa Hawke's Bay, where the Minister experienced how people with intellectual disabilities play a significant role in New Zealand's organic sector and the local economy through meaningful employment, organic farming and food production. Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay has been a living example of organic principles and kaitiakitanga, demonstrating how caring for people and caring for the land go hand in hand. During the visit, the Minister also spent time with people supported by Hōhepa, joining them in bottling the farm's organic milk.
Hon Mike Butterick, Associate Minister of Agriculture – Organics, and Napier MP Katie Nimon join people supported by Hōhepa Hawke's Bay during organic milk bottling.
The tour continued to BioRich Compost, where the Minister learnt how organic waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost that supports healthy soils and sustainable food production. At Hapi and Chantal Organics, he saw how two Hawke's Bay pioneers are helping make organic food more accessible to New Zealanders –
from Hapi's philosophy of he kai, he rongoā (food as medicine) and organic market gardens to Chantal Organics' long-standing commitment to producing and distributing certified organic food nationwide. The tour then continued to Bostock New Zealand's organic apple packhouse and organic chicken operation before concluding at Bostock Winery, where the Minister addressed industry representatives and reflected on the opportunities and future of New Zealand's organic sector.
Hon Mike Butterick visiting Hōhepa Hawke's Bay, where organic farming provides meaningful employment and learning opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
“It was great to see the passion, enthusiasm and willingness to explore opportunities to grow value in the organic sector, this aligns with the National led governments ambition to double our export value in ten years, creating jobs and opportunities for all New Zealanders.”
OANZ Board Member Scott Lawson said the visit demonstrated the breadth of New Zealand's organic sector and the value it creates across the country.
“Having a dedicated Associate Minister for Organics sends a strong signal that our sector matters. Organics is making an increasingly important contribution to New Zealand’s economy, export success and international reputation, and it’s encouraging to see that recognised at Government level.
Hawke’s Bay provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the breadth of the sector. From Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay’s inclusive organic farming model through to compost production, food manufacturing, horticulture and premium exports, the Minister saw first-hand how organics is delivering environmental, social and economic value. It’s this combination of innovation, collaboration and long-term thinking that is helping shape the future of organics in New Zealand.”
As the Government progresses implementation of the Organic Products and Production Act and supporting regulations, the visit provided an opportunity for growers, producers and industry leaders to share firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. It also reinforced the important role organics plays in delivering premium products, protecting New Zealand's natural environment and strengthening regional communities.
The appointment of Hon Mike Butterick as Associate Minister of Agriculture – Organics is believed to be the world's first dedicated ministerial portfolio for the organic sector, signalling New Zealand's commitment to supporting a high-value industry with significant opportunities for future growth.
Hon Mike Butterick, Associate Minister of Agriculture – Organics, takes part in a Q&A session with Hawke's Bay organic growers and industry leaders at Bostock Winery.