Why stop at oxalis?

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33519, 27 April 1974, Page 14

Why stop at oxalis?

The enterprise of Mr Kerry Fitzgerald, a New Zealander selling oxalis to New Yorkers at 52.50 a pot, desenes not only commendation but emulation. Weeds being but plants which grow where they are not wanted, it follows that they are things of the mind — change a mind and a weed is removed. Why stop at oxalis? Or at New York*’ The possibilities offered by nodding thistle, nassella tussock, twitch, gorse, broom, docks, manuka, and convolvulus should excite any mind looking for the untapped resources of the country.

Each would have its individual marketing problems. Like oxalis, some are introduced plants. The English, who gave New Zealand nodding thistle, consider it among the most handsome of thistles, and its beauties might be shared elsewhere in the world. Gorse, broom, docks, and twitch are all from England or the European continent, though there are species of broom, convolvulus, docks, and twitch which are native to New Zealand. The native species should obviously command a higher price in world markets. For the more common species a higher price might depend on New Zealand's ability to form cartels with other growers. Manuka, being native. i> clearlv the plant which should command the highest price. The principle of sound marketing is that, if one has a unique product, the price is whatever the market will bear. However, nassella tussock holds as bright a future as any of them This impressive plant is seen at its best in North Canterbury. In summer the anthers of its flower are red and it is then that it should be exported Tourists might be persuaded to dig out the tussocks, though it should not be sold more cheaply because of their enthusiasm. Helicopters, diverted from hauling deer around Fiordland, might carry tourists and grubbers to infestations of nassella tussock. Nassella tussock was Introduced from South America to stop erosion That continent, having adequate supplies of its own, should not be a prime target for marketing: in fact it might be better not to mention New Zealand's intention at all to South America.

The Nassella Tussock Board would have to be formed along the lines of the other producer boards Its members should campaign for their election on the basis of their exporting experience. The trade In nassella tussock might grow markedly. New Zealand, lacking the necessary expertise, would invite a large international company to handle the exporting of the tussock Guarantees should be given that the interests of the company would be protected. What international company would risk total acquisition of nassella tussock by the Government?