A Tasman kiwifruit grower couldn’t bear to see his hail-damaged crop go to waste so has donated it to a food distribution hub servicing the entire South Island.

A Tasman kiwifruit grower couldnt bear to see his hail-damaged crop go to waste so has donated it to a food distribution hub servicing the entire South Island.
Mac Hops lost half of its crop of hops and had its small gold kiwifruit block written off when a freak 40-minute hailstorm hit the Motueka region on Boxing Day.
There was widespread damage to not only crops but also buildings and businesses that still remain closed, director Brent McGlashen said.
It has been devastating for the community with effects still ongoing.
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After the storm, many growers were advised to thin their crops but Mac Hops decided to keep growing its crop, so it could donate it to people in need, he said.
The company approached kiwifruit giant Zespri to get approval for the move.
We were very thankful when they said yes, and it has put a golden glow on a tough year for our family farm and staff.
About 35,000 tonnes of gold kiwifruit was delivered to the Food Network South Islands distribution hub in Christchurch on Friday.
Food Network South Island manager Leo Kwon and Christchurch City councillor Phil Mauger inspect the crop.
Mac Hops carried the growing and harvesting costs and local city councillor Phil Mauger covered the transport costs, McGlashen said.
A second truck and trailer load, carrying about 20 tonnes of braeburn apples from Riwaka family farm The Cederman Bros, would be delivered to the hub this week.
It is pretty awesome really when an idea can come together that benefits so many with the help of just a few key people who believe in helping others.
McGlashen said a ridiculous amount of food was being wasted around the world because it may be misshapen, have a mark, or not fit a colour grade.
A truck and trailer load of kiwifruit arrives in Christchurch from Motueka.
It doesn’t change its taste because of not conforming to rules of how things should look. Farmers always bear the losses and the criticism and just have to get on with it.
Mauger said he was lucky to help bring the fruit to Christchurch, noting McGlashen couldnt bear to see the food get thrown out.
There’s nothing really wrong with it, it’s just got a couple little dents … but it’s fantastic to eat.
I can’t wait to send see it out there to people who need it.
Brent McGlashen of Mac Hops with hops destroyed by a hail storm that hit the Motueka area on Boxing Day.
Food Network South Island manager Leo Kwon said the fruit would be distributed to food banks, charities and iwi across the South Island, including in Christchurch, Nelson, Blenheim, Dunedin, Queenstown and Invercargill.
Schools and hospitals would also receive deliveries.
Kwon said the fruit was a generous donation and the network was grateful for it.
It will add so much nutritious value to what we give out. Kiwifruit is a luxury buy in the supermarket. There will be a lot of smiles and happy faces. We don’t get kiwifruit a lot.
In February, the Insurance Council of New Zealand said preliminary support from insurers after the Tasman storm was estimated to be $41 million.
However, the true costs were much higher, chief executive Tim Grafton said.
Sudden and unexpected extreme weather can leave widespread losses for individuals and their communities in its wake.
It is sobering to think of the numerous orchards in the region that may not have had insurance in place.
Andrew MacDonald/Supplied
Motueka Beach covered in hail on Boxing Day 2020.