Proposed high court litigation against New Zealanad’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), relating to negligence over the Psa kiwifruit disease, appears to be losing momentum after two members of the committee leading the claim announcing their resignation.
Matthew Hooton, a spokesman for the Kiwifruit Claim committee, confirmed Allan Dawson and Murray Gibson had chosen to withdraw their involvement in the matter.
“They've both come under considerable personal and professional pressure from people associated with Zespri and Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated and felt unable to continue as committee members,' Hooton told Fairfax Media.
The pair’s resignation comes after the release of an open letter to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on behalf of a number of industry heavyweights, who outlined their reasons for opposing the class action. The letter’s authors claim to represent approximately 75 percent of the New Zealand kiwifruit postharvest industry.
The letter suggests the industry has benefitted from a close working relationship with successive governments, and criticises the Kiwifruit Claim committee for failing to outline the full basis of their claim.
“The industry as a whole has not received anywhere near the appropriate information to make an informed financial decision before signing up,” the letter stated. “This is a grossly irresponsible approach taken by the group behind the claim. We urge all growers to think carefully about the long-term impact on their business and their industry when making their choice on whether or not to join the claim.”
Signatories to the letter included; EastPack, the Maori Growers Forum, OPAC, DMS Progrowers, Mainland Kiwi, the Apata Group, Western Orchards, Riverlock Orchard Pack, Auckland Pack & Cool and Mount Pack & Cool.
Earlier this week, single-desk marketer Zespri and peak grower repetitive body New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated announced they would not be joining the class action.
