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The
New Zealand flower industry is as old as the country's indigenous Maori
population who cultivated native plants for medicinal and decorative
purposes; as old as the 19th century British settlers who brought to
this isolated country a love of botany and gardening and planted
species to remind them of their homeland as well as other countries of
the British Empire: Africa, India and the East.


Out of these humble beginnings developed the modern New Zealand floriculture industry, based on the
traditions of the earlier generations and complemented by modern technology.

The impetus for the export industry was the development of regular air
links to key markets such as Japan, USA and Europe in the 1960s and
1970s coupled with a recognition that New Zealand had the skilled
grower base and climatic conditions to compete successfully in this
international industry.

The export industry developed around the Cymbidium Orchid and New
Zealand soon became recogised for its ability to supply high quality
blooms in the northern hemisphere's off season.Cymbidium is still the
number one crop but its success encouraged diversification. New Zealand
growers have been particularly adept at taking exotic species, adapting
them to local conditions and continuing to develop improved varieties
of colour, size and shape. This has seen the development of commercial
industries in Calla, Sandersonia, Nerines, Lilies and Paeonies.


This combined with production of New Zealand's unique native greens and foliage provides a high
quality, premium portfolio of floraculture products.

New Zealand is blessed with a beautiful clean environment, perfect for
production of high quality flowers. Clean air, water and the intensity
of light are particular attributes that contribute to the intricacies
of the shape, size and colour of New Zealand flowers. |
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