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

Comments

#1

I'm signing because I'm a flower farmer rapidly heading towards broke

Penelope De Boer (Martinborough, 2021-09-07)

#2

I am a flower farmer.

Liz Stewart (Upper Hutt, 2021-09-07)

#14

I am flower grower and desperately need to see the rules changed to keep my business open.

Jacqui Whelan (Wellington, 2021-09-07)

#15

I support this petition for all flower growers and florists

Pippa Strong (Whakatane, 2021-09-07)

#16

Grower in Wairarapa region.

Brigid Van der Tol (Wellington, 2021-09-07)

#18

I have a small flower farm in Auckland and this is killing me! Have been working hard since autumn planting all these spring flowers and they are finally here and going to no one. Have waited months to finally get paid, what a waste!

Eve Clarke (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#20

I grow commercial cut flowers and we are struggling with the financial loss, mental health and emotional toll from this

Nicola Burnett (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#23

Flowers bring joy and are essential for health and well being.

Deborah Crowe (Tauranga, 2021-09-07)

#25

I am signing this as I’m just starting out flower farming and don’t want to stop or be stopped due to restrictions that could be lifted before I’ve got my business started.

Maria Edgar (Sefton, 2021-09-07)

#29

I’m a both florist and also a flower farmer.

Jenny Clark (Albert Town, 2021-09-07)

#35

We are losing too many of these smaller businesses to big supermarkets.

Ellen Thompson (West Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#37

I believe that it is unfair that most cut flowers are a one-time-only crop with huge investment in time and money to bring that flower to the market and growers are forced to destroy them losing all that investment - in comparison to a nursery or plant grower who even if in lockdown, still has their product that they can sell down the track

Roslyn Chambers (Hamilton, 2021-09-07)

#38

This is my industry and I am worried about its future. The longer we are in level 4 lockdown and can not trade flowers or the more level 4 lockdowns we have I fear this Industry might fall over.
Its already been detrimentally effected over the last 2 years with covid, high flowers prices and a monopilised auction set up. Adding long periods of no trading, this could be the last straw for many small flower busineses to topple.

Cath Baker (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#40

I am with the growers and support them 100% . Without them we are non existent, we need them !

Rose Murray (Levin, 2021-09-07)

#42

I am apart of the industry. Something has to change. Its killing us.

Cheryl James (Palmerston North, 2021-09-07)

#44

I’m a flower wholesaler and have online sites that can work contactlesly

Conny Kiteley (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#45

I agree there is no sense destroying peoples livelihoods when they can safely operate at level 3 and 4 like other producers

Jill Bush (Blenheim, 2021-09-07)

#49

I am a small flower farmer directly effected by this.

Cathy Andrew (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#53

I agree that flower producers are farmers and should be treated as such. Especially when many are smaller family run businesses, and there fore the workers are all part of the same bubble nyway.

Helen Chambers (Rangiora RD7, 2021-09-07)

#55

We’re loosing so much invested money!!

Jeremy Butler (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#56

I'm a flower farmer in Australia and understand and feel for the hurt that New Zealand flower farmers (big and small) are dealing with this Spring. New Zealand is an innovative place, lets make this work for these amazing flower growers.

Joanne Diver (West Albury, 2021-09-07)

#58

I’m a flower farmer and I strongly believe in flowers being needed during these times of stress and emotionally difficult times..some people need flowers like some need alcohol..and I believe it can be done safely.

Teri Wilkinson (Gisborne, 2021-09-07)

#59

I know the sale of flowers at a wholesale level can be done safely with 0 contact between the store and growers . The loss for our unique industry is to high. We don’t want to be loosing New Zealand growers and relying on imported product.

Tash Eagleton (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#60

I'm signing because I support our local flower growers and would love to be able to support them through out the levels. It's a shame to know the flowers are going to waste. There's no reason I can't pay via bank transfer and pick up the flowers at the gate contactless.

Rosina Hamilton (Warkworth, 2021-09-07)

#65

Flowers should be classed as an essential item for peoples emotional wellbeing. Giving and receiving are beneficial to both parties. If you can buy wine and beer you should be able to buy flowers.

Jenny Martin (Napier, 2021-09-07)

#66

I am sign in as I sply super markt and I think flower is Essential as chocolate waen card is selling…..
I list 40,000 stem of flowers as I have to close my door

Fadia Xxxx (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#67

I grow flowers for sale and all my spring flush of flowers are going in the compost. I'd like flower growing to be considered part of the agriculture essential industry.

Lynley Alderson (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#69

So much hard work goes into producing these beautiful flowers that are now going to waste unnecessarily. The current crops that are being wasted would have been months in the making, nurtured through the winter so they are timed perfectly to bloom in spring. The financial and emotional toll on these growers will be huge - what happened to being kind?!

Rebecca Shearing (Invercargill, 2021-09-07)

#71

I'm signing because in the UK lockdown the same thing happened and thousands of plants and flowers were wasted. Small nurseries went out of business.
It's been proven flowers and plants give people joy and are good for your mental health.
Learn by our mistakes in the UK reconsider the decision please.

Susan Wylie (Whitley Bay, 2021-09-07)

#73

I'd like to support my floral growers that are not able to sell their perishable product in level 4 Delta. I am extremely proud to be associated with growers that stick to the mandate but I am also extremely saddened by their plight in not being able to maintain their businesses during this time. We want our businesses to be taken seriously and counted.

Natalie Tolchard (Hastings, 2021-09-07)

#74

It’s imperative that these local businesses can survive in these COVID times . So much hard work & money has gone into establishing these businesses

Fiona Oliver (Mahana, 2021-09-07)

#81

I'm a small, one woman flower grower. Another level 4 lockdown during my season where I couldn't sell flowers would be too much for my business to sustain. Flower growing takes considerable investment upfront if the product of that investment can't be sold itbiscs kids but not a loss that the wage subsidy or resurgence grant recognises.

Lauren Bartram (Waikino, 2021-09-07)

#88

NZ has a wonderfully sustainable flora culture that provides local blooms for local people. Come on NZ government… let’s support local and not let big chain supermarkets import and sell high carbon footprint flowers while local flower farmers are having to compost their flowers!

Kylie Sargeant (Owen River, 2021-09-07)

#91

I support our local florist every week

Catherine Senior (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#93

I understand the complexities of flower business and the seasonal peaks and troughs.

Jan Hall (Waipawa, 2021-09-07)

#94

Being unable to sell their flowers is ridiculous. It’s a waste of a product that is perishable. Flowers are in my opinion just as essential as alcohol.

Raewyn Smith (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#96

I’m signing because I’m a flower farmer too, I think it’s pretty unfair to ban growers from selling safely but still allow flowers from some commercial places and overseas to be sold in supermarkets. Are they essential or are they not? Treat them consistently and allow flower farmers to be included in farming We are at risk of losing a lot of local flower farmers if lockdowns continue and they have no way to recoup any income with no choice but to write crops off.

Anna Davis (Rotoorangi, 2021-09-07)

#102

I think flower grower should be able to cut and send flowers safely.

Christine Flexman (Te kuiti, 2021-09-07)

#105

I'm a flower farmer in Hamilton and totally support this as flowers can be delivered in a contactless manner.

Esther Smits-Wilson (Hamilton, 2021-09-07)

#107

As a flower farmer this affects me directly but also as someone who tries at every level to protect the environment I want to prevent our floral industry from collapse and handed over to poisoned, unsustainable imported flowers! We can operate safely under level 4! Please give us a chance!

Bridell Clark (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#114

I am a flower farmer and I lost a lot of money watching my flowers compost

Sineaid Smith (Rotorua, 2021-09-07)

#117

Think we should be supporting small business in NZ.

Lisa Taylor (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#124

I’m signing this petition because I know t flower farming from personal experience I had an orchid farm many years ago. Flowers don’t wait for changes in levels. When they are ready they need to be sold. No sales result in devastating losses. Our flower farms deserve to be treated as the farmers they are - growers of perishable goods.

Anne Chase (Nelson, 2021-09-07)

#125

Flower Farmers can easily distribute flowers contactless. Many work on their own or within their family bubble, or if there are external employees, farms can easily accommodate social distancing. Flowers may not be essential to life itself, but certainly help improve mental health and well-being, and can show loved ones your thinking of them when you can't physically be there.

Angela de Klerk (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#126

There should be fairness across the cut flower industry.

Diane Atkinson (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#127

This is absolutely an essential, in level 4 you can’t be with sick or dying people at least you could send flowers!! Not to mention the waste of beautiful flowers!

Tessa Wilkinson-Joyce (Whangamata, 2021-09-07)

#131

This is just illogical and unfair!

Rebecka Keeling (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#135

I see no reason why some contactless delivery cannot be achieved of these highly perishable products - when allowing this would both save local business and benefit recipients

Jodi Drake (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#141

I support the premise that flowers can be traded safely within level 4 and want to show support for other flower farmers.

Sarah Koks (Christchurch, 2021-09-07)

#144

This affects my family and friends

Georgina Holyoake (Newport, 2021-09-07)

#145

We need to support NZ flower farmers

Rayleen Currey (Waiuku, 2021-09-07)

#154

Local growers are every bit as able to provide safe contactless flowers. Their livelihoods are spoiling fir no reason and small and large scale businesses are struggling or going under because they cant trade. Flowers are enriching for the soul.

Louise Edmunds-Dyer (Warkworth, Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#157

We should always look after our farmers, all of them, and they should be able to trade under level 4. No questions asked. Flower farmers are providing a much needed product to the community. Their longevity is important for us all if we want to support local.

Amelia Dutch (Waiuku, 2021-09-07)

#160

I am signing because as a florist our industry is on the brink of I’m no longer existing due to these conditions for our growers.

Jamie-Lee Taylor (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#161

I feel the growers should be able to sell!!

Michelle Eastwood (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#171

To save the industry I work in

Ruth Wilson (Wellington, 2021-09-07)

#177

This needs to happen asap

Anna May (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#178

I support the views of this petition

Margaret Campbell (Te Awamutu, 2021-09-07)

#180

I'm signing because I have a small flower farm

Sharleen Hobson (Matakohe, 2021-09-07)

#187

It’s only right!

Reuben Keeling (Warkworth, 2021-09-07)

#188

We need to learn to live with Covid,
lockdowns and restrictions
are destroying NZ businesses and our economy,
Buy NZ grower flowers ,
Not Imports

Brenda Mason (Coromandel, 2021-09-07)

#189

I'm a floristry student

Kelly Hughes (Napier, 2021-09-07)

#190

Flowers are perishable and therefore the long term effect of the current treatment is unique to growers more than any non perishable industry. The long term effect of this is destroying not only my business as a florist but the opportunities for my clients. Also, how the hell can supermarkets be allowed to access and sell imported flowers? Disgusting hypocrisy

Sarah Heares (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#195

We need flowers..if we can buy a bra on line in level 4..purchase paint in level 4 we can get flowers

Mireille Sitters (Mangawhai heads, 2021-09-07)

#196

It is unfair that this industry is unable to sell their perishable flowers. We need to support our NZ flower growers or we will lose them.

Christina Hannam (New Plymouth, 2021-09-07)

#197

I am an affected NZ Flower Farmer

Caroline O'Neill (PALMERSTON NORTH, 2021-09-07)

#198

There are times when flowers would be the best way we can say we care during lockdown.

Shelley Martin (Auckland, 2021-09-07)

#199

I would have loved to buy flowers in lockdown

Jess Seymour (Ohakune, 2021-09-07)

#200

I am a flower grower

Deborah Thorp (Katikati, 2021-09-07)