Mervyn Evans
Burnage Road Orchards

Family-owned avocado property Burnage Road Orchards is setting a new benchmark for sustainable and resilient horticulture, combining cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship.

Mervyn Evans and his family started developing the first orchard, Huka, in 2019, adding another parcel of land shortly after which was subsequently developed into their Tote orchard.

Today, the property features 17.72ha of avocado on its 32ha footprint – all meticulously designed with sustainability in mind.

Tote has achieved an estimated one-third reduction in overall water usage thanks to a significant re-think in design and forward-thinking infrastructure development.

The foundation of this efficiency is a 50,000 m³ lined water reservoir – a significant investment that future-proofs water availability and reduces reliance on external consents.

The design uses natural slopes and a network of drains to direct all runoff into the reservoir. This secures the water supply and prevents nutrient leaching, ensuring valuable water and nutrients remain within the property – a clear win for environmental protection.

Mervyn’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond water. The entire operation – including the workshop, shed, and office – runs off-grid, powered entirely by solar panels and battery storage. Meanwhile, the three-phase pumps use a diesel generator and are only used when required. This approach demonstrates a commitment to renewable energy that provides business resilience and reduces environmental impact.

A highly advanced nutrient management system uses tailored software and a precise fertigation delivery method. This ensures nutrients are applied efficiently – minimising waste and optimising crops.

Innovation is visible right down to the rows where a unique staggered, double-row planting system is used. This clever design, placed on a shared mound, improves operational efficiency and significantly boosts picking productivity.

The family’s biodiversity stewardship extends to actively protecting mānuka stands and habitats for the endangered Northland Green Gecko.

The judges praised Mervyn for always striving to implement smarter and better solutions. This commitment to continuous improvement means Burnage Road Orchards is a genuine benchmark for others in the industry.