The saga of the kiwifruit industry continues, as another industry group enters the fray.

The Independent Kiwifruit Growers Association has been established at a grower meeting in Tauranga, out of what its leadership says is frustration with Zespri and grower body Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (KGI).

Chairman Marcus Wilkins says growers’ concerns aren’t being taken on board, and there needs to be more accountability and transparency on Zespri’s part.

“The group was started because there was a sense f frustration amongst a number of growers – they didn’t feel like they were being heard and there was a lack of transparency and accountability in the industry.

"That wasn’t exclusively levelled at Zespri, but there was a sense of frustration at the grass roots level and a look at the structures of KGI, the grower group being funded by Zespri and housed in Zespri’s building, they didn’t think that was a particularly good model.” 

But KGI President Peter Ombler says the industry is in good health, and growers are happy with the status quo.

“Currently the industry has been under some attack from Turners & Growers, around the structure of the industry and the regulations we currently have.

"It is the view of myself and the majority of growers, that if that was to change, it would have a significant impact on the kiwifruit industry -  and not for the better.”

The announcement comes as Zespri and Turners & Growers wait on the decision of a four day hearing at the Auckland High Court last week.

Turners is arguing Zespri’s control over supply is anti-competitive, and wants current export regulations overturned.

The court is considering whether it has jurisdiction to hear a full case early next year.