Zespri won’t play

Embroiled in the midst of a “please explain” from the World Trade Organisation, monopoly kiwifruit exporter Zespri is sticking to its knitting - or picking.

The WTO, prompted by the United States, has asked the New Zealand government to explain further the anti-competitive behaviour of the exporter, which is protected by legislation.

Zespri, in an emailed missive this morning, said it was focused on ensuring a successful finish to the kiwifruit selling season and will not become publicly engaged in the detail of trade policy issues.

Private Bin thinks this is a bit of a cop out, given that only the government can change the rules. Zespri could and should add to the battle, because it will be more fun.

Or Zespri is considering it as the media beat-up, which it is, and the questions from the WTO concerning the organisation’s monopoly status are just part of hundreds of inter-country complaints that has become the Doha Round(about).

In all seriousness, the Doha Round is pretty important to New Zealand, and if settled would mean a green light for expanded export markets. However, at the moment, it’s just a sandpit squabble that shows no signs of ending.

Zespri still took the time to take a swipe and the instigator of the “issues” Turners & Growers.

“It appears that Turners & Growers, having failed to convince New Zealand kiwifruit growers or the New Zealand Government of the merits of its case, has now turned to seeking to work with foreign governments,” Carol Ward, the company’s spokeswoman said.

Kiwifruit is a $1 billion industry in New Zealand and represents a huge part of New Zealand’s horticultural income.