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A Katikati couple has taken a leap from city life to orchard life, meeting the ups and downs of the avocado market with creativity—and a touch of passionfruit.

Alistair Niven and Carol Palmer were living in a 12th-floor apartment in Auckland when the Covid lockdowns triggered a life-changing reflection. “We realised this wasn’t where we wanted to be,” said Niven. A conversation about avocados sparked their move to Katikati—New Zealand’s avocado heartland—despite having no prior experience in the industry. “All we really knew was avocado on toast,” he laughed.

Niven, with a background in agriculture, adapted quickly. For Palmer, who came from corporate leadership roles, the transition was more dramatic—but welcomed. “It’s a huge change, but I love it,” she said. “Being surrounded by nature is incredibly grounding.”

However, orchard life hasn’t been without its challenges. The couple quickly learned how volatile the avocado market can be. “In our first season, export trays sold for $37,” Niven said. “Two years later, after weather setbacks, prices dropped into the single digits. This year, we’re hoping for around $20.”

Determined not to be at the mercy of market fluctuations, they focused on producing export-quality fruit and opened up new market streams. Their avocados now reach Australia, South Korea and Taiwan—and even Costco, following an orchard inspection.

To diversify their income, the couple planted 100 passionfruit vines among their avocado trees. “The avocado canopy provides ideal conditions for the vines,” Niven explained. “The two crops complement each other in terms of fertiliser and pest control.”

“It’s still experimental, but so far it’s going well,” said Palmer. “Passionfruit can be finicky, though, so I’m constantly checking for pests.”

Weather remains a wildcard. A severe windstorm in December 2023 caused widespread orchard damage across the Bay of Plenty. “The best export pack out in the region was only 60%,” Niven noted. “Some orchards fared as low as 20%.”

Despite setbacks, the couple are proactive learners, attending field days and staying connected through Apata and NZ Avocado industry groups. They’ve even hosted events on their own orchard.

Niven now works with Apata Grower Services, and Palmer joined the NZ Avocado board in 2023—contributing both on the ground and at the policy level.

“You’ve got to be adaptable and think outside the square,” Niven said. “If every Kiwi ate just one more avocado a year, we’d have no surplus—it’s that simple.”

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