Research plots have been established at Lincoln University for some years and, through Publications from HGANZ (Hazelnut Growers Association of New Zealand) and the Tree Crops Association, local knowledge and experience is being augmented with local research data-this is essential as overseas data is not always transferable to New Zealand conditions.

Becoming involved in your local branch organizations, through your subscriptions you will receive quarterly magazines with relevant data and articles and the opportunity to attend field days and meetings.

Most growers choose to sell their nuts in shell to a processing and marketing company. At present demand for the product in New Zealand is especially high in the area of confectionery and cuisine although most of the product at present being used is a poor quality imported nut. NZ currently imports around 250 000 kilos of hazelnuts annually mostly from USA, France, Turkey and Italy. As more product becomes available we are seeing an increase in consumer awareness and subsequent demand for the quality local product. More active marketing strategies will continue to develop this.

Marketing and processing are being carried out at present by four small, independently owned businesses, all based in the South Island.

Hazelnuts return on average $5-6/kilo in shell to the grower with the expectation that this price will fluctuate and at times increase as growing demand outstrips supply and processors compete for nut supply to meet their markets (we are already seeing this happen).

As the industry is relatively young in New Zealand we don’t have available the data to know with certainty the expected producing lifespan of a hazelnut tree, however we do know that there are many very mature orchard in other countries and isolated very old trees in parts of the South Island still producing.

Will my pollinator trees produce nuts?

Yes, the trees will cross pollinate between varieties and produce a full crop of nuts although of a different size, shape and quality than your main crop.

The amount of water and the type of system that you will require varies largely depending on soil type/structure, drainage and climate. There are a few orchards in reliable rainfall areas thriving without irrigation, however most areas, especially in the east and central South Island will require summer irrigation.

Maximum amounts for very free draining soils in drought conditions would be around 50 litres per tree per day. Most orchards will require less than this. In some areas you will also require resource consent to utilize your water for horticulture.

Consult your local council or irrigation consultant for more details.

They are collected from the ground during a six to eight week period February/March. Vaccuum/suction systems are most commonly used for this purpose.

The nuts are then air dried and stored in onion (net) sacks for transport to a wholesaler for processing and marketing.

Hazels are very stable and can be stored for up to three years in shell with little deterioration in quality if stored dry, in dry rodent free conditions.

This varies significantly and will depend on your property. Things to take into consideration:

• Irrigation-Is water already available? What type of system will I require?
• Site preparation
• Existing windbreaks
• Possible regressing of the orchard floor
• Size of the trees
• Soil condition