kaipara kumara - delicious, healthy, nutritious

our vision
Kaipara Kumara will become the southern hemisphere's leading manager, packer and exporter of kumara and licensor of kumara technology by the year 2010.

what kaipara kumara do

Kaipara Kumara Limited processes and markets kumara from a pack-house and administration facility based at Ruawai, a small community situated on the northern Kaipara Harbour in the northern part of New Zealand.

kaipara, the primary growing region

Approximately 90% of the total New Zealand kumara crop is grown in the northern part of the Kaipara region. The soil structure and warm sub-tropical weather conditions unique to the region make it conducive to growing excellent kumara.

where is kaipara?

The Kaipara Kumara growing region of New Zealand is in Northland some 160kms north of Auckland on the flat alluvial plains north of the Kaipara Harbour. View location map...

the company

Kaipara Kumara Ltd was established in 1970 by Gary Blundell. The business initially focussed on mushroom cultivating at its Ruawai facility, supplying the New Zealand domestic market. During this time the business also started growing kumara to compliment its established marketing relationship with its key supermarket customer - Foodtown.

Mushroom cultivation was phased out in the early 1980's and business resources were focussed and upscaled for growing processing and marketing kumara.

By the late 1980's, the grower supply base expanded to the point where Kaipara Kumara was able to support grower suppliers in the region by focussing solely on the marketing aspects of the operation. Specifically the packing and selling of the kumara, along with seasonal crown pumpkin and buttercup squash.

The business has been family owned and operated. Gary's son Anthony, along with grower/supplier partners, purchased the business and Gary has assumed a consultancy role. Kaipara Kumara has made a conscious decision to vertically-integrate itself in the supply chain and believes it is now in an even stronger position to grow the business in the future.

Kaipara Kumara, and its grower suppliers, were amongst the first horticultural industry participants to support 'United Fresh' - an organisation funded voluntarily that initiated the 5+A day programme.

Kaipara Kumara and its growers were also some of the first to sign up and attain accreditation in the 'New Zealand Fresh Produce Approved Supplier' quality assurance programme.

From 01 March 2003 Kaipara Produce Ltd adopted a new name, Kaipara Kumara Ltd, and new partners.

our people

From small beginnings, the business has developed into one of Northland's premier kumara packhouse facilities, employing 20 full time staff and with an annual output of around 5000 tonnes.

associated growers

Kaipara Kumara has a supply base of 15 kumara growers who are geographically spread across the Kaipara region, with cropping areas from 5 to 40 hectares. This spread helps balance out the overall yield and performance of the kumara grown for any particular season. Kaipara Kumara place considerable importance on long standing relationships with their grower suppliers.

The photograph at right shows Anthony Blundell, Kaipara Kumara Managing Director (centre) with growers Brian Henderson (left) and Melvyn Evans (right). The Henderson family was the first supplier to Kaipara Kumara in 1970. Melvyn has been a grower supplier for nearly 25 years. Melvyn's dad, Bill, was the first commercial kumara grower in the 1940's. Toka Toka Peak, the distinctive local landmark and lookout can be seen in the background.

kumara seed scheme

The Kaipara Kumara Seed Scheme was initiated six years ago by Kaipara Kumara and its growers, with technical assistance from their horticultural consultant. The aim of the scheme is to continually improve shape, appearance, colour and taste of kumara grown in the region.

plant

Kaipara Kumara was one of the early pioneers of commercial kumara washing in New Zealand. In 1991 they commissioned a new kumara washing and packing plant for their Ruawai premises, the first of its kind in New Zealand. A new plant has since been built to increase quality and efficiency of the kumara production facility. This new facility features a 'Speed Sizing' machine imported from the USA.

customers

Kaipara Kumara markets kumara direct to their largest customer, Progressive Enterprises, which owns and operates the Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown supermarket chains here in New Zealand. This relationship started in 1968 at a time when Foodtown ran just 4 supermarket outlets. Kaipara Kumara also market kumara domestically to produce wholesalers, food processors and other food service providers.

export

Export opportunities are being developed. Kaipara Kumara are working with exporters requiring fresh and processed product for international markets.

. To be New Zealand's premier kumara packhouse with leading edge systems, equipment and services. These will be cost effective, efficient and environmentally friendly.

. Kaipara Kumara will anticipate the future needs of its chosen markets and enable its customers to operate at optimal benefit and satisfaction.

. Kaipara Kumara will provide overall value to: - grower suppliers; - customers; - recognise and reward its employees - increase contributions to shareholder's wealth.