Over The Horizon

Tea Anyone?

Growing Japanese tea in New Zealand should not be tackled lightly, according to Motueka-based horticultural consultant Frank Pons, who has been involved in the region's tea industry for eight years. He spoke to about 80 horticultural professionals at the annual Massey University Fertilizer and Lime Research Centre conference last week.

Talk of establishing the crop in Motueka dates back to 1978 but commercial plantings were not made until 1987. About 250 hectares were planned but only 130 hectares were planted, between 1987 and 1991.

Pons says most decisions were based on Japanese practices which were not applicable to New Zealand conditions.

"Tea likes a consistent climate. It grows best where there is high humidity, small day/night temperature variations, and no late frosts."

Motueka unfortunately fills few of the requirements for growing tea but a determined few have persisted. Only 45 of the original 130 hectares remains in tea, and just 22 hectares yielded an economic return last season. Irrigation to prevent frost damage saved the 22-hectare crop.

Pons says the return from tea is attractive -- at $6000 to $8000 per hectare, with costs of about $1500 per hectare.

"I think there is a good future for tea but not for exporting as a drink -- rather in the health food industry."

Growing Japanese tea reliably is still about 20 years away due tof differences in growing practices compared to Japan, he says.