Seasonal fruit growers across Central Otago have experienced some setbacks due to the weather. The district is yet to feel a constant summer heat which has pushed the picking season back for many fruit growers. Mr Nolan said the grading of the fruit this season had had to be much harder. Teviot Valley grower Stephen Darling said the weather had not impacted export fruit. "The weather has not affected our exporting; in fact it’s quite good as our best export timing is generally later in the season.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 06, 2026 15:35 UTC