2024 Bay of Plenty Finalists: Mark Yortt and Greg Prince of Sunchaser Investments LP – Avocado

Located on the Bay of Plenty’s Motiti Island, this avocado production orchard sits on deep fertile volcanic soils which are being carefully and sustainably managed. 
 
Since 2004, Sunchaser has been owned by Mark and Gavin Yortt, with an investment partner becoming involved in 2018.  Since 2016, Greg Prince and his wife Lynn have managed the 145ha avocado orchard which covers about 20% of the island. 
 
Mark and Greg use methods that respect the soil and waterways, while increasing overall production. Their management is informed by their knowledge of the land’s long cultural history, meaning the avocados are grown in a careful and sustainable way. 
 
Operating off–grid, power for domestic use is generated by solar and rainwater, while spray water is pumped from large, spring–fed, retention dams. All waste is collected and recycled on the mainland. 
 
Managing the logistics of an island orchard comes with unique challenges, however the team has found solutions that continue to boost long-term production. This includes offsetting costs by producing fruit early in the season, and developing an apiary for bee pollination. 
 
There’s an ongoing programme of native tree planting, alongside an increase in the use of organic inputs. The judges were impressed with the team’s progressive approach to spray use, which includes avoiding broad spectrum organophosphates. 
 
This open-mindedness extends to trialing new products on the orchard which combines with a focus on soil and tree health to ultimately improve fruit quality. Fresh water is protected through extensive riparian plantings, while water savings have been made through the development of products that retain soil moisture and regulate evaporation. 
 
Mark and Greg are on a positive growing journey as they continue to enhance fruit quality and the wider orchard operation, while balancing the impact on Sunchaser’s environment.