New Zealand Flower Farmers deserve fairer treatment and consideration. Support contactless deliveries for cut flowers through level 3 and 4 Delta lockdown.

Comments

#606

There's plenty of other "essential" products I'm able to purchase online and have delivered to my doorstep during Level 4 lockdown. Why not cut flowers?! Very unfair on the growers with a perishable product they'll have to throw away.

Jamie Norton (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#608

I’m signing this because I believe in these certain circumstances florists should be able to be able to contactless deliver flowers, just as couriers are able to contactlessly deliver packages

Ella McKee (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#614

Flowers are essential! Stuck inside all day I need something to make me smile!!

Tyla Oud (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#615

I believe flower growers have the right to distribute their blooms in Level 4. Items such as wine and skateboards are freely being delivered, neither of which are essential.

flower growers invest a lot of time and money into the spring season and I fear this lockdown restriction will spell the end for many of the smaller growers who do much for their local communities.

Isabel Buckley (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#617

I don’t believe that all the investment of time and money our flower farmers have made, should go in the compost. Their produce is just as essential as chocolate.

Rebecca Williams (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#619

I am a flower farmer

Sarah Rutherford (Wanaka, 2021-09-08)

#629

This is devastating for these growers, they are losing their business because of this unfair call by the government.

Fleur Sandford (Tauranga, 2021-09-08)

#631

Flowers and other similar produce can be harvested and couriered in a safe, hygienic and contactless manner just like all other foods and goods. Flowers are essential for people's mental wellbeing and it's a disgrace that growers and florists are not afforded the same courtesy and opportunity to operate like other producers, such as cellars. Reconsider your restrictions on flower growers and florists urgently!

Bianka Lee (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#634

I want our flower growing industry to survive. 🌷

Maire Vieth (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#635

I want to be able to buy free flowers during lockdown and I don’t see how sistema containers and wine are essential but flowers are not.

Simone Boonekamp (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#637

With being apart of the wedding industry flowers are one of the biggest part of this sector. Our community is already suffered huge blows and to see growers unable to sell their products will essentially kill the industry.

Sarah Malone (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#640

I'm outraged at the losses growers and in turn, florists are facing during lockdown. There are safe ways to harvest and sell flower crops during level 3 and 4.

Jodi Crouch (Bay of Plenty, 2021-09-08)

#641

Beautiful flowers are going to waste which would cheer up so many people in lockdown! If food companies can do contactless deliveries, florists should be able too aswell

Rebekah Joyce (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#646

I’m signing because if companies like liquor stores, bakeries and butchers can do contactless deliveries then so too should flower growers be able to. This is a valuable primary industry in NZ and to not allow them to continue to operate in a safe way during level three and four is crushing more businesses that once closed, won’t reopen. We stand to lose a valuable primary industry business and all the expertise that goes with it. Not to mention it’s a waste of beautiful flowers that could be safely gathered at a distance by their growers and safely sold or donated to people who could use a lift in lockdown.

Jo Fourie (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#648

Flowers are an essential item to me.

Yana Sobieski (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#649

It’s such a waste to throw away perfect good produce, edible or not. If food can be delivered safely, so can perishable flowers. Fully support this.

Debbie Yardley (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#653

I am an avid supporter for florist and understand their plight against their job and mostly livelihood and believe their goods are going to waste and shoul be able to open to public and be able to follow guideline rules to operate.
Stay safe

Lindsay Isaia (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#656

I'm signing as I believe flowers growers should be an essential as their product does not have a shelf life

Rachel Beere (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#659

these primary businesses need supporting- the product is just being wasted and there is no reason why they can't operate in level 3 and 4, under covid safety guidelines.

Stacey Rowe (Westmere, 2021-09-08)

#661

I grow orchids which only crop annually. It was very stressful not being able to sell a perishable crop. Flower growers should be able to sell their flowers at level4!!

Tracy Patterson (Whangarei, 2021-09-08)

#663

To support those affected flower farmers in level 4 who are losing thousands of dollars each week.

Toni Sterling (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#668

These flower farms need to be saved now!!!!

Joanne Adonis (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#670

Unfair dismissal of this industry from L4 essential items. This country is already suffering from horrific mental disorder rate, let is just improve it by simply allowing them to trade under L4.

Elena Mohanty (Birkdale, 2021-09-08)

#671

I agree with the concern being raised by the flower grower community. They definitely need more consideration from our Government and allowed to operate and sell at level 4. This will ensure the value of their stock is preserved and they don't incur big losses. At the same time it allows for continued flower supply and keeping the price of local flowers fair.

Priya Arora (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#680

Cause it’s a joke eah

Adam Brown (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#681

I agree flowers are essential to creating a Wellbeing factor and conveying heartfelt messages when visiting is not possible.

Heidee Visick (Thames, 2021-09-08)

#683

I’m a flower farmer and would love to see the regulations change for the good of the growers and our like minded community

Augusta Kennedy (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#684

I am a flower farmer.

Heidi Holbrook (Carterton, 2021-09-08)

#685

If I can click and collect pies for non contact delivery from my local bakery why can I not do the same for flowers from my local florist. I can still buy flowers from the supermarket but I would rather shop and support local small businesses

Laura Cooke (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#686

They can be delivered safely as systems already in place. Flowers make lockdown more pleasant. People’s livelihoods at risk. If I can buy scented candles on line in level 4, why not flowers?

Hilary Dodd (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#689

I’m signing because producers with perishable goods should be able to distribute them in a safe contactless way to preserve their livelihood.

Ashleigh Brown (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#693

At a time like this we need all the things we can to brighten our day. They can easily do contact delivery and continue to operate using strict infection prevention controls

Diana Littler (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#695

Would love to support NZ florist businesses during lockdown and a delivery of beautiful flowers would make many peoples' days brighter

Venne Niu (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#696

I believe that this industry should be allowed to continue trade in a safe manner
The cost to their livelihoods, business continuation and mental health far outweigh the ruling that they are not allowed to trade

Alex Bedford (Hamilton, 2021-09-08)

#697

I'm a florist should say it all...we depend on our local flower growers...l believe we have been treated badly.

Lynda Libeau (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#698

I’m signing because flowers have such a huge impact on mental health! Contactless delivery of flowers is no different than takeaways!!!!! Let the growers sell their hard work!!!!!

Kaille Harris (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#699

Flowers make people happy, we could all use some flowers in times like these!

Elle Kunzli (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#701

I’m signing because I cannot understand the governments decision not to allow the safe sale of locally grown flowers contactless in level 4 . Apart from this our growers have a perishable product causing them needless loss of income and stress. Flowers impact positively mental health and during lockdown how wonderful to be able to have them rather than a bottle of wine .

Carrol Sandston (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#703

I work in the flower industry and I would hate to see small, independent flower growers in New Zealand have to dispose of perfectly good product, when there is a short supply in the market, and their business futures jeopardised.

Kath Parkes (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#707

I believe they should be able to deliver the flowers without any contact in level 3 & 4 it would be devastating for these flowers to go to waste and it would help to support such a large industry through such a hard time

Chelsea Ellis (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#708

I think the cut flowers bring joy in a difficult time & that it is a massive waste to not cut & dispense them. I personally would be disappointed if all the flower growers went bankrupt because they couldn't harvest their flowers when they are ready, leaving consumers less flowers and devastating the lives of flower growers!

Michelle Hulbert (Tauranga, 2021-09-08)

#710

We need to help these people protect their futures.

Summer Hunt (PALMERSTON NORTH, 2021-09-08)

#711

I’m signing because flowers make people feel better and should be an essential service during lockdown and because it’s not fair on people who work their guts out all year round to then have to dump their product and lose money !

Melanie Bailey (Tauranga, 2021-09-08)

#712

This is just a silly decision by our Government! Like butchers having to remain shut, bakers remain shut, along with others, yet ALL of these products, including IMPORTED flowers remain available at Supermarkets! It is senseless and VERY hard to understand the rationale😤

Baz Hastings (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#713

I’m signing this as all the wonderful flower growers need to be able to sell their goods in Level 4 . Come on Government help them this is their livelihood you are playing with.

Kerry Vickers (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#715

I believe this can be done safely and allow people to generate some income in what can be very seasonal work. And who doesn’t think flowers bring joy, which is essential!!

Alice Jackson (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#718

I'm signing because my parents grow freesia's in Greytown. They have been doing this for 16 years.
Obviously growing flowers isn't really the 'average joe' thing to do in NZ. It was a tough start for them, they got little advice and support as this is uncommon in NZ. A lot of trial and error, and long sleepless nights were involved to get those flowers to grow.
As you can imagine it wasn't all sunshine and perfect flowers to begin with. My parents lost greenhouse’s full of flowers to sickness, they struggled with soil temperatures, weather and so much more. Over time they gained experience and learned from the things that went wrong. They started steaming the soil, running cooling systems, installing sprinklers etc.
It took them years but they got there in the end. They now grow tall beautiful Freesia’s in a wide range of colours. They have found solutions for almost everything that could go wrong… That is except for Covid 19. The last two years have been very difficult for our family business. Its bittersweet to see a greenhouse blooming with flowers. On the one hand its beautiful to see the fruits of all your hard work, on the other hand it is heart breaking to know that it was all for nothing.
I am signing this petition because if there is anything we can do to help flower growers, then please lets do it!!!!
Kia Kaha

Ineke Vanderput (Greytown, 2021-09-08)

#722

I’m in the industry and our small businesses can not sustain this!!

Kelly Karam (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#724

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Melita McMaster (Waitangi, 2021-09-08)

#732

Flowers are an essential item they bring joy and in times of need.
Flowers farmers plan a year ahead to produce these lovely blooms that are grown seasonally. Its a perishable item. This needs to be sorted by the government.
NZ flowers stand for eco friendly, locally grown and sustainability. Why hurt our local industry, if its not sorted we will lose growers.

Debbie Fletcher (Upper Hutt, 2021-09-08)

#733

I’m a florist and I under how painful this must be. I am also in an area where we have moved to a lower level yet flower supply is short so I can only operate at a much smaller capacity which effects my lively hood.

Brigette Gardner (Tauranga, 2021-09-08)

#738

I am a Flower grower and florist

Claire Maetzig (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#740

My sister is a flower grower and it's heartbreaking to see all her hard work have to be thrown away when it could bring joy to so many. It takes months to get to the flower stage, and so much hard work. Please don't let it all go to waste! Flowers are wonderful for mental health - something so needed at this time.

Debbie Thompson (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#741

Seeing beautiful flowers binned is heartbreaking, growers should be put into the same category as other perishable goods.
The fact we can buy things like wine, cigarettes, alcohol and junk like McDonald’s but can’t buy a beautiful fresh flower, grown by local people who themselves support local business and bring so much joy during these crazy times is nonsense.

Kirsten Crossan (Papamoa, 2021-09-08)

#745

I’m signing because I believe that for a consistent playing field for all concerned, that flower farmers and flower retailers should be able to operate if they can do so safely, under levels 3 and 4. Flowers are well known to lift mood and spirits and should be considered to be just as important commodity as some other commerce items which are able to operate.

Maureen Roberts (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#746

I can't believe how unfair and hard these restrictions are for flower growers

Amanda Holland (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#747

Flower deliveries bring joy at a difficult time. They can be delivered in a contact less manner, so are of no threat to the community.

Anne Nellist (Whangaparaoa, 2021-09-08)

#748

Support the flower growers and we all need the joy of flowers during these challenging times

Denyse Wilcox (Otaki Beach, 2021-09-08)

#750

It simply doesn't make sense !!

Susan Smith (Whakatane, 2021-09-08)

#754

Because it is fair 🌸. Many other businesses with much less needed support and none biodegradable things, have been able to work through level 4. I myself bought stupid things of no urgency or need during this period. I’m all for the lockdown, but it has to be fair to all.

Bia Harrison (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#764

It's a horrible waist and destroys the soul.

Daniel Repko (Waipawa, 2021-09-08)

#768

Flowers can be delivered contactless.
They are great for mental health.
It helps business.

Debbie Burridge (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#769

I’m a Florist. And I believe my industry needs support.

Melissa Schuler (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#772

I’m signing because I’m a florist and I’m worried for our industry and our local flower farmers and the important role they have within the industry!

Amy Laidler (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#773

Flower (and other) growers of seasonal produce have a limited time to reach their market. As sustainable businesses they are meeting a market we want them to meet. The planet needs all of us to move with seasonal growth. If they cannot sell their produce in the market timetable, they are not able to function. It’s ridiculous that their production is not regarded as essential. Just not green enough, NZ govt.

Amanda Smith (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#774

Sell the flowers not waste them farmers hard working profits and jobs

Susan Earl (Hastings, 2021-09-08)

#778

I am a huge flower lover and buy fresh flowers every week. I cannot bear to see these beautiful flowers destroyed and the growers affected financially. Why can they not be in the fruit vege shops/supermarkets that are open in level four and receive contactless delivery from vege growers! What is the difference. These growers rely on this income and flowers bring a tremendous amount of joy and wellbeing in an already dreary challenging time.

Deborah Camplin (auckland, 2021-09-08)

#781

I love flowers and they are very beneficial for mental well being.

Linda Gascoigne (Otane, 2021-09-08)

#783

Having worked as a florist in NZ myself and having suffered the loss of loved ones over the pandemic, I support this petition as a way to show love and support from a safe distance.

Julia Smith (London, 2021-09-08)

#786

I am also part of the flower industry, as a florist, I understand the hard work, time and money that goes into growing flowers, without these flower growers, I have no business. Not only is it heartbreaking that perishable crops have to be thrown away, causing financial & emotional hardship for the growers... but the knock on effect for the rest of the industry is huge. If alcohol can still be sent around the country, then so should fresh product.

Charlotte Robertson (Dunedin, 2021-09-08)

#787

I believe that if you can sell alcohol. At L4.. You can sell flowers contactless. Not fair at all. Another industry going under when it doesn't need to.

Kelly Kay (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#789

I strongly feel that flowers need to be sold at this time. Flowers are important to so many people for different reasons. Flowers make people happy. They make you smile. They can be therapy for some for different reasons. Please don't let this go to waste. Right now we need all the smiles we can get with the current covid situation. It will ruin people's livelihoods should it carry on for too long. Peoples hard work, people's finances could be gone just like that. Please don't destroy the nature of the business. Please don't destroy what growers work so hard to achieve. If you can sell wine then why can't Flowers be sold. Wine can do damage Flowers cannot. Please reconsider. Thank you.

Lisa Casey (Rotorua, 2021-09-08)

#790

Flowers support wellbeing providing a happy uplifting feeling to any space or recipient. Please support our growers.

Donna Rendell (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#794

flower growers should be allowed to trade in level 4

Shona Gibbs (Napier, 2021-09-08)