The Limery
In 2016, Jan and Steve set up The Limery near the mouth of the Wairoa River to establish a value-added business to the area.
Maximising the opportunities that horticulture brings to Wairoa and the wider region, The Limery sits on 4 hectares, produces 4 lime varieties, and houses 4,000 trees creating a full facility that enables them to grow and process both whole fruit and juice direct to market.
The Limery received a $355,000 Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) loan to expand their juicing and processing capacity and to ensure structural improvements are made to meet demand. With the opportunity to grow and employ even more people, in 2023 the Limery received a $300,000 grant from the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund (RSPF) as a co-investment to increase plant operational capacity.
Their extra capacity and processing expertise has led to at least 13 East Coast landowners establishing citrus orchards to share in the success.
Both investments are bringing employment and improved social and economic outcomes for people in Wairoa and the wider region. With the facility’s expansion underway, their product will be even more widely enjoyed across New Zealand.