Orchards in the Motueka area have been hit hard by flooding from Cyclone Gita, prompting fears fruit will not make it to market.
Photo: RNZ/Carol Stiles
The Nelson region grows a quarter of the country's apples, and in the past week has started harvesting this year's crop.
Apple and Pears Incorporated chief executive Alan Pollard said the flooding came at a bad time and was a big set back.
"A lot of damage means fruit won't make it to market," he said.
Flooding north of Motueka Photo: RNZ / Logan Church
In proportion to the overall crop, the effects will be small, he said, but to individual orchardists the damage would be a "significant challenge".
Riwaka suffered a lot of damage and, while Motueka also experienced flooding, it had some relief in good drainage, Mr Pollard said.
"Some orchards are out there picking already," he said.