Determination, and risk-taking bring rewards to Pukekohe kiwifruit grower

When Harinder Singh Sanger arrived in New Zealand 23 years ago, he did not have much on him to support himself in a new country.

He had earlier abandoned university studies in Australia because of a lack of money, before deciding to seek his fortune in New Zealand.

With hardly any money to pay rent for the flat he shared with a friend in South Auckland or to pay for food, the young Sanger worried about his future, and how he was going to support his family back in India.

What he did have in abundance was drive, determination, and the blessings of his family back in Punjab.

After struggling to make ends meet for a while, Sanger soon landed a job on a kiwifruit farm in Pukekohe where he stayed on for 15 years, learning the ropes and working his way up to a senior management position.

Today, more than 20 years later, Sanger, now aged 43, is a multi-million dollar kiwifruit grower and supplier, and proud owner of Sanger Smart Growers Ltd, providing a range of farm support services – employing 40 fulltime workers, swelling to 60 during fruit picking season.

“It wasn’t easy when I first arrived,” Sanger told Stuff as he took us on a tour of his kiwifruit farm – a total 109 hectares (270 acres).

“Worked very hard, sometimes sleeping only four to five hours a day, but that sacrifice has been paying off.”

One adage that has served him well in life is: “It matters not what you earn, but what you save,” Sanger said.

“When I started out I was earning $6.80 an hour, but when I finished at the farm I was in a management position earning $70 per hour.”

Sanger started Sanger Smart Growers in 2015 with 8ha (20 acres), and a little down the line bought neighbouring land, ending up with the current 109ha.

The farm produces the licensed red gold and gold kiwifruit varieties, and also the green variety – currently supplying industry body Zespri with a total 150,000 trays annually, making the company one of the biggest suppliers in the region.

“In five years’ time 1.1 million trays is the target, with a revenue target of $15 million,” Sanger said.

“We’re halfway there, and a lot more work is to be done ahead.”

Sanger said risk, coupled with right intentions, was important for success in business.

“So far the banks have been very good to deal with – they see the value and growth,” Sanger said. “Some people are afraid to take loan, but risk is important in life to be able to grow.

“Everybody can do business, but if you give up in the beginning, then you can’t.

“One also must have good intentions to be able to succeed.”

Sanger said it was important for employees to try and expand their horizons as well.

“If you’re an employee, you can’t help others, but if you do business, you can do a lot.”

Sanger also highlighted the need for a healthy supply of bees for the kiwifruit industry to flourish. His farm hires bees for natural pollination.

“Bees are so vital for agriculture, not just in New Zealand, but also in the world; the day there are no bees, agriculture will suffer hugely.”

Sanger Smart Growers is also involved in consulting work here and in Japan, property investment, contracting, and private water projects.

For now, Sanger is content with the progress in his life and business. His family – including two brothers, a sister and parents – are all in New Zealand.

He married in India in 2004 and has three children – two daughters aged 13, and four, and a son aged 14.