August 1, 2025

Running a Thriving Orchard Takes More Than Hard Work

BusinessTax
We know orchard life isn’t easy. That’s why our advice is tailored to help you grow, season after season.
Kiwi fruit hang in clusters from the orchard vines.

Working the land is no small task. Whether you’re managing a kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke or growing avocados in Katikati, running a successful orchard operation requires more than just green fingers and good weather. With shifting export markets, changing compliance requirements, seasonal cashflow cycles, and increasing pressure to innovate, orchardists today wear many hats. That’s where having a knowledgeable, proactive accountant makes all the difference. 

Business support tailored for growers

Your business is unique. Your accounting should be too. At Ingham Mora, we work with orchardists across the Bay of Plenty to help streamline operations, minimise tax, and support long-term financial sustainability. We understand the specific challenges that come with horticulture businesses—from managing seasonal labour to navigating the tax implications of orchard ownership structures and capital investments. 

Business structure advice

Whether you’re operating as a sole trader, trust, company or a mix, we’ll make sure your business structure supports your goals and protects your assets. 

  • Make sure your structure is tax-efficient and suits your long-term plans. 
  • Reduce personal risk through smart separation of business and personal assets. 
  • Set things up properly from the start—or restructure when it’s time for a change. 

Cashflow forecasting

We’ll help you plan for off-seasons, crop cycles and capital expenditure with accurate, scenario-based forecasting. 

  • Understand your cashflow highs and lows across the season. 
  • Plan ahead for tax, equipment upgrades, or leaner periods. 
  • Assist with finance applications and bank reporting. 
  • Make confident financial decisions based on real data. 

Tax planning and GST

From depreciation on orchard development to GST on land sales and crop income, we ensure you’re set up to avoid surprises and make the most of available deductions. 

  • Clarify deductible expenses and capital costs specific to orchard operations. 
  • Navigate GST complexities around mixed-use land or changes in land use. 
  • Keep ahead of and advise on relevant tax changes, such as the Investment Boost. 
  • Keep you compliant and make sure you’re not paying more tax than you need to. 

Succession and exit planning

Thinking about scaling back or handing the business on? We can help plan for a smooth transition that protects both family relationships and business value. 

  • Facilitate conversations with family or business partners. 
  • Offer practical advice on valuations and phased transitions. 
  • Ensure legal and tax implications are addressed early. 

Avocados hang from tree branches in an avocado orchard.

Integrated systems

We’ll help you align orchard management software, payroll, and financial reporting so you have real-time insights when it matters most. 

  • Recommend accounting tools that integrate with existing orchard software. 
  • Set up payroll and reporting to reflect seasonal workers and changing labour demands. 
  • Ensure data flows smoothly between systems to reduce admin and improve accuracy. 

Buying or selling an orchard? 

If you’re considering purchasing or selling an orchard, there are specific tax rules that can have a big impact on the transaction. From purchase price allocation (PPA) to asset classifications, understanding the requirements can help you avoid unexpected tax issues and ensure a smooth process. Find out more about what the PPA tax rules mean for orchard transactions. 

We get what matters to orchard businesses

We know your time is often spent outdoors, not behind a desk. That’s why we offer digital accounting tools like Xero and Figured, so you can get clear financials on the go. And when it’s time to talk strategy, we’re only a phone call away. 

Need an accountant who speaks your language?

Whether you’re expanding your orchard, investing in automation, or just trying to get the books under control before harvest, the right financial advice can make a big impact. Chat to the Ingham Mora team today—we’re here to help your orchard business thrive.