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

Comments

#1406

I’m a small scale flower farmer and need to be able to sell my fresh produce in COVID level 4 in order to keep my business going.

Rhonda Haag (Gisborne, 2021-09-08)

#1407

Flower growers have the right to sell their highly perishable product at all alert levels. Thousands of flowers in the bin is senseless. A waste of time, resources and a massive strain on natural resources not to mention having a huge financial, and mental impact on the growers who pour their heart and soul into growing for the good of the NZ cut flower industry. They deserve the same treatment as other primary industries who are allowed to distribute their product at Level 4. Something needs to change now.

Alison Watts (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#1412

Flowers make you feel good.

Deborah Brown (Morrinsville, 2021-09-08)

#1413

I am a florist and heavily effected by lockdowns. Especially effected this time with events in level 2 being 50 people only. My main income is through weddings which are usually more around 100 guests minimum.

Anita Rodger (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1414

I’m signing this petition because the government needs to wake up and listen and support local growers!

Marina Munro (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1418

Flowers are important for our wellbeing and health. They do not keep. Months of hard work is being totally wasted.

Tania Sweet (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1422

I think florists and supermarkets / essential shops should be able to supply flowers during level 4 and 3 lockdown. Whilst they are not essential, their product is perishable and also something that can brighten peoples day and help with mental health. I also most definitely think they should be able to be supplied for funerals during level 4 and 3. Just because nobody can attend, it does not mean the deceased should go without flowers.

Celeste Goodwin (Whangarei, 2021-09-08)

#1423

Flowers are essential for happiness & well being. Flower growers & florists should be able to trade in any level of lockdown.

Debbie Connors (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1424

I’m signing because I believe this industry needs support too at this time. Flowers can be amazing to receive at any time and during a difficult time like COVID we should be supporting our flower growers and florists too alongside other small businesses.

Jessica O’Brien (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#1427

My daughter is a florist in Wellington, she is extremely lucky to open contactless from level 3. Please change the law so that flowers can become an essential item, they are a very meaningful item for many during difficult times, they bring joy and happiness to all who receive them, please change the law so they will not be sent to the compost. Flower farmers deserve the same consideration as food growers. Thank you 😊

Nicky Kelly (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#1431

it is extremely unfair that flower growers have to lose out on so much during such a busy time.

Rebekah Chainey (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1436

I simply can’t see beautiful flowers being thrown away!! They bring joy to everyone, and there is a lot of work involved in growing them.

Francisca Reed (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1439

These rules make no sense. Why are the big corporations allowed to remain open + trading but yet the small businesses and growers are not?

Emma GALLOWAY (Raglan, 2021-09-08)

#1442

Please support flower growers and florists in NZ. Flowers are an essential part of looking after my mental well-being and everyone should have that choice

Tracy Kent (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#1446

I see how badly the livelihoods of our family and friends are impacted by this. They still have to put the labour in regardless and it’s unfair that they are the only perishable industry not allowed to complete contactless deliveries.

Katie Hamilton (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1448

Flowers are a crop and should be treated the same as other crops. I'm sure the harvesting, delivery etc would be done safely and hate the thought of all that work gone to waste.

Kate Kelly (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1451

It needs to be allowed

Dave McGregor (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1455

I find it incomprehensible that I can buy pet food, a new mattress and a reciprocating saw online during Level 4 with contactless delivery but I can’t buy a bunch of flowers to support our growers.

Debbie Jackson (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1456

I'm signing because incredible hard work and beautiful blooms are going to waste unnecessarily. Flowers could be safely delivered, like fresh veggie boxes...beer, wine etc, at Level 4. More than that, flowers would be an amazing gift at this time, for those who've list loved ones and couldn't be with them, or attend a funeral. For those in hospital or old aged homes who can't have visitors...or for yourself to lift your spirit. Local flower growers are small businesses that deserve our support so please make it possible for us to do so🌼🌹🌻🌸

Lara Koolen (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1457

Flowers can be a wonderful way to reach out to those struggling with mental health and loneliness duting lockdowns. If people can get alcohol, online shopping parcels, groceries, and takeaways delivered, there’s no legitimate reason that another product such as flowers doesn’t fit that criteria - especially when many florists would deliver these themselves and not put extra strain on couriers.

Lauren Strpko (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#1460

I am a florist and a flower grower and I understand the hardships these flower growers are going through. It takes months and years to grow these flowers to sell and they often only have a short lifespan to be able to sell them. They can be sold without contact just like all the food outlets in Auckland!!

Elle Melody (Feilding, 2021-09-08)

#1462

It is unfair that flower farmers cannot sell their flowers

Robyn Woodall (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1464

Simply flowers bring me joy! I don’t drink alcohol and would spend the same amount on a good bottle of wine most weeks on flowers for my well-being. We need the flower growing industry in NZ to continue to flourish and allow NZ growers to keep producing such stunning and meaningful blooms. Please don’t ignore parliament!

Siobhan Keating (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#1477

I'm signing because this just doesn't seem fair, when people are putting so much time and energy into creating a beautiful product so far in advance to only to have to put this product in the compost! On another note, flowers are a beautiful way to spark joy in this strange time when you are stuck at home.

Natalia Cable (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1478

I’m signing because I support small businesses that are trying to keep our economy afloat, in a safe and sustainable way.

Kelly Stubbs (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1480

Totally agree with reasons it’s Is absolutely ridiculous that flowers can’t be sold on, esp to supermarkets . And such a shame of the waste and effect on growers livelihoods

Melanie Chitham (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1483

I’m signing because consistency is required over what is deemed essential, particularly through perishable goods and what might be observed as luxury goods

Simone Findsen (Hamilton, 2021-09-08)

#1485

I feel that the cut flower industry should be able to do contactless deliveries during covid lockdowns.
Flowers have a valuable place with mental health and well-being.
This is an industry that deserves Government support.

Marcus Alexander (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1486

I manage a florist in L3 and we are devastated to see our Auckland (L4) suppliers and industry partners struggle so much, especially when there is so much L3/L2 demand!

Natalie Peden (Hamilton, 2021-09-08)

#1489

Flowers bring smiles to sad faces

Wendy Gordon (Orewa, 2021-09-08)

#1491

As a flower grower myself, not being able to sell my perishable product when its ready is devastating!

Carl Jaunay (Whangarei, 2021-09-08)

#1493

So many other non-essential (eg scented candles) and non-perishable items are being sold and delivered contactlessly, many of these items have brands available in supermarkets. This is a terrible waste and has an appalling effect on the industry. Please allow flowers to be sold and delivered via the same contactless delivery that so many non-essential items are allowed.

Anne Durham (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1496

I think it is very unfair to discriminate against this industry,

Brigid Wellwood (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#1497

Come on Jacinda be fair !!

Carole Ann Chant (Tauranga, 2021-09-08)

#1501

Our flower farmers need to be able to survive these times. Flowers can be a huge boost to mental health. They should be able to be delivered on a contactless basis alongside other ‘essentials’ alcohol & coffee. (Save our butchers too!)

Nicky Cooper (Waiheke Island, 2021-09-08)

#1507

Flowers are a gift of love and more especially so for our whanau and friends during lockdown times when we can’t see them or visit with them. My mother is in a rest home and our only contact was via the phone, which was often difficult.

Claire Taggart (Lower Hutt, 2021-09-08)

#1510

I am a small flower farmer living in Auckland suffering through this strange time. The rules about what is considered essential and not are completely arbitrary. Why can people buy fertilizer but not compost?! That the government has chosen to ignore or cut out such a important industry in NZ is very discouraging and frustrating. Most of the world considers flowers essential 🌸

Michelle Steele (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1512

The effects of not being being able to sell these flowers will be utterly devastating for the industry.

Georgia Plested (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1516

I 100% believe in this cause!

Sally Burke (Hamilton, 2021-09-08)

#1518

This is peoples livelihood at stake not to mention their hard work totally wasted.

Chris O'Loughlin (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1519

I find this situation grossly unfair, you can have alcohol, cupcakes etc delivered but not flowers!

Bronwyne Hawkins (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1520

I'm signing because I believe flowers should be included in essential perishable items. I have a sister who is a flower farmer and it is devastating watching the effect of the loss of product and the loss of income. Its not as if she can just turn around and plant another crop to recoup her losses. Flowers are seasonal and can only be planted at certain times of the year. There is no way to make up for the crop loss and the $600/week wage subsidy does not in any way cover the thousands of dollars of profit lost.

Sandra Dick (Warkworth, 2021-09-08)

#1524

I’m signing because of the glaringly inconsistent imbalances with who can and can’t trade safely with these lockdowns.

Glyn Flutey (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1529

I am signing because I believe that NZ flower growers should be allowed to sell or trade to some capacity during Level 4 lockdown. In most cases it can be done contactless as many fresh products are.

Fiona Mackay (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1532

Flower growers do not want Tobe dumping their beautiful crops. Let them sell them to supermarkets and online.

Ester Lewis (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1534

Flowers like produce should be able to be distributed and delivered in a contactless manner. It makes no sense to discriminate against growers and waste crops that take time to grow.

Angie Lotter (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1539

Flowers bring a smile to your face, help with the cabin fever by giving you something to admire and brightens your day

Nicola Webb (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1543

I’m signing because we nees support all growers in New Zealand. Whether it be kai or putiputi.

Veronica Thompson (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1544

I am signing this petition because I am a small florist, like many others around the country who is fully dependent on the flower growing industry. Without them, we florists, do not exist. That means more job loses, more financial strain, and more closed doors of businesses which are largely family owned and operated.
Why is it that these growers cant sell to us directly in a contactless way yet the local supermarkets have flowers to buy?
Please reconsider your decision and let these growers continue to work and operate as this can all be done contactless easily. Just like the other perishable items such as fruit, vege, meat etc can operate.
They are essential for so many of us florists and the community as without them, there is no love, thoughts and support shared to the nation during this time of difficulty from family and friends through flowers.

Nikki McBeth (Taupo, 2021-09-08)

#1545

Flowers should be available no matter what level we are in. Flower growers and florists can all manage complying to essential rulings - many florists run their own businesses and can deliver flowers contactlessly. If alcohol can be accessible so should flowers be. Flowers speak words to those in isolation, grieving or unwell in these times.

Lorraine Collier (New Plymouth, 2021-09-08)

#1546

It makes sense. Not only would it be at a huge cost for growers to lose their product, but people need some more beauty in their life during lockdown.

Laura Dallaston (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1547

The government has no idea how this lockdown with its rules for one industry and different rules for another is affecting our economy.

Jemma Grobbelaar (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1554

I can’t sell my flowers under level 4

Rosi Aspin (Waiuku, 2021-09-08)

#1555

New Zealand flower growers are in an extended, shattering, demoralizing, state of economic ruin.
During covid New Zealanders are rediscovering local resources. Unbelievably, this does not include being able to start and continue to support New Zealand grown flowers.
Surely approval for a system can be found to continue to move these joyful, perishable beauties into people's lives.
Save our primary producers.

Chrys Neal (Hastings, 2021-09-08)

#1556

I believe if a Liquor outlet is able to do contactless delivery and stay local, so can a flower grower

Gail Irwin (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1559

Everyone loves flowers esp in these trying times.

Becky Walker (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1561

Flower growers have a perishable product and should not have to compost all their money. There is absolutely a way to sell and distribute safely.

Alisha Message (Whangārei, 2021-09-08)

#1566

I'm grower myself and a florist and it's been extremely hard for my family and I to be throwing away thousands of dollars but not only that to watch such beautiful flowers we work so hard to grow be thrown away. Flowers are great for the mental health they helped me through my mental health

Jody Bell (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1568

I fully support the appeal for changes to L4 restrictions for flower farmers - there are ways the issues can be mitigated without impacting the health and safety of consumers, especially when non NZ purchased flowers are available in supermarkets and when other perishable goods are claimed to be essential.

Emilie Bean (Arrowtown, 2021-09-08)

#1570

I’m signing because flower growers can deliver contactless and flowers brighten up everyone’s lockdown. I would but then to support local businesses if I could in level four

Prue Sinclair (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1571

I just can’t stand watching the waste.. so upsetting and disheartening for everyone involved not to mention the financial ramifications for so, so many

Deb Crosby (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#1573

This is just wrong and penalises a group of businesses for no good reason, while willfully ignoring the benefits they bring.
Idiotic

Anthony Russell (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1574

Im a flower grower

PETRA KERKHOVEN (AUCKLAND, 2021-09-08)

#1577

Flowers are the same as any other household product currently sold through supermarkets and other shops and online and can be delivered safely - I and many others suffer during lockdown- what a fantastic way / essential to help brighten our days and contribute to better mental health. Primary industries are 'primary' they shouldn't be left to fail.

Trish Reynolds (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1578

It makes me very sad to see all the flowers being composted and the growers livelihoods being jeopardised😢

Jennifer Campbell (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#1582

These Aren’t just flowers they are peoples livelihoods!

Aliesha Mcgilligan (Christchurch, 2021-09-08)

#1583

Flowers are essential

Sharon Bichachi (Wellington, 2021-09-08)

#1586

Flowers are essential! I believe if the product only has a certain amount of life expectancy or shelf life then it should have the chance to be sold before it expires.

Renee Oliver (Piopio, 2021-09-08)

#1588

Because I am a grower and retailer in this industry and there needs to be a better solution for the whole industry when in a position like level 4 for all of us to be able to trade contactlessly so that growers, wholesalers and retailers do not completely loose out. Our industry has suffered enough especially the growers.

Rees Bell (Pokeno, 2021-09-08)

#1592

There is no reason that they should not be able to sell their produce if they have a contact less way of doing this. Throwing produce away is terribly wasteful !

Susan Rae (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1593

It's ridiculous that we can get donuts delivered in a level 4 area, alcohol delivered but not flowers! Yet supermarkets can sell imported flowers!! What the heck is that about? Other sectors have been allowed to pivot but not this one? The cost to growers is too high to ignore.

Ron Suyker (Auckland, 2021-09-08)

#1594

For my love of flowers & small businesses

Jasmine Spooner (Paraparaumu, 2021-09-08)

#1596

Flowers are perishable. The growers are impacted long after lockdown is over.

Christine Spemann (Auckland, 2021-09-08)