The impact of El Niño on the harvest in Waikato: experience of local producers

According to Earth Sciences New Zealand, El Niño is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) originating in the tropical Pacific Ocean that can significantly influence New Zealand's climate. Ahead of a strong El Niño, local producers are facing growing weather risks.

Representatives of the family business established in 1992 by Grant and Heather Cane note that due to changing weather conditions, harvesting strawberries after Christmas is becoming more difficult. The months of October, November, and December are gradually becoming hotter, and the weather more extreme. At temperatures above 30 degrees, plant pollination stops, shoot and leaf growth increases to the detriment of flowers, while high humidity and rain increase the risk of fungal diseases. To combat these problems, the farm uses chemically safe sprays and irrigation systems.

Dan Taylor and Ali Rute of Little Pirongia Farms grow seasonal vegetables and greens. They focus on soil health, use biochar compost, and cover the soil with black tarps or cover crops. Due to summer water restrictions, they installed two 30,000-liter tanks to collect rainwater, which feeds drip irrigation systems. Lettuce and microgreens are protected using low tunnels.

Brittany Stembridge, who founded Tomtit Farm in 2019, applies regenerative agriculture practices. She maintains soil health year-round using organic compost, leaves, and mulching, which helps retain soil moisture during droughts and makes plants resistant to pests and diseases. Before sowing, she inoculates seed with beneficial fungi and bacteria, and during the growing season uses organic foliar top dressing with microbes and trace elements.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has posted guidelines on its official website for preparing for El Niño.