Established in the 1950s by Dutch immigrants in the region northwest of Auckland, Van Lier Nurseries has developed under the leadership of Theo Van Lier and his family. Today, it operates from its Riverhead site, with 1.5 hectares of glasshouses dedicated to cut flowers and 0.6 hectares for propagation materials. As Joanne Hurley, COO of Van Lier Nurseries, explains, "We're a third-generation family business with a rich history, and we aim to carry this legacy forward by adapting to changing times while maintaining our commitment to quality."
A diverse range of crops
The nursery has built its reputation on cultivating premium cut flowers, including roses, alstroemeria, dahlias, gypsophila, limonium, and tweedia. Roses, in particular, remain their trademark flower. In 2016, the business diversified into houseplants, addressing a growing demand for indoor greenery. "Houseplants became hugely popular during the COVID years, and while demand has moderated, they remain a favorite gift item," says Joanne.
Megan Blatchford, Propagation Manager and Marisa Van Lier, Owner and Operations Manager
The transition to renewable energy
According to Joanne, hydroelectricity is the primary source of renewable energy in NZ, providing 57% of New Zealand's electricity needs. Other sources of sustainable energy to generate electricity are geothermal (18.5%), wind (6%,) and solar (1%)."
In 2021, Van Lier Nurseries faced a crossroads when their gas supplier declined to renew their contract. "We had six months to find a viable alternative," recalls Joanne. Without a solution, the business risked scaling back operations, endangering their year-round production and jobs. After exploring options, the nursery adopted a CO₂ heat pump system, a move Joanne describes as "a complex but necessary journey."
"The CO₂ heat pump, powered by electricity, uses airside evaporators to absorb energy from the air, amplifying and transferring it to water. This hot water is then distributed through existing piping to maintain optimal temperatures in the glasshouses. The system also integrates a 450 m³ hot water storage tank, acting as a thermal battery. By operating during off-peak electricity hours, our nursery reduces costs and grid load," Joanne explains.
The results have been remarkable: a 61% reduction in energy use and an 88% drop in carbon emissions within a year. "We've seen a significant positive impact, cutting our energy usage by 9,295 GJ and reducing emissions by 773 tonnes. This ensures our operations are not just sustainable but also cost-effective," says Joanne.
Joanne adds that a CO2 heat pump would not be a good solution to lower carbon emissions in a country where they are still heavily reliant on burning fossil fuels to generate electricity to power the heat pump.
Airside evaporators
Adapting to ongoing changes and challenges
Van Lier Nurseries continues to explore advanced technologies to increase efficiency. "We are currently trying a platform that uses data from our heat pump for energy mapping and predictive adjustments based on weather conditions", Joanne adds. This technology enables the nursery to avoid high-cost electricity periods without compromising productivity.
The heat pump's potential does not end with heating. "It can provide simultaneous cooling for dehumidification, a functionality we plan to tap into soon," Joanne notes.
The flower-propagation industry in New Zealand faces increasing pressures, including rising labor and heating costs, competition from imports, and urban expansions impacting agricultural land. Despite these challenges, Joanne is optimistic about the enduring demand for cut flowers. "Flowers are a universal expression of care, love, and celebration. While the industry is shrinking, these moments ensure there will always be a market," she says.
The houseplant segment also remains an area of interest. "While their popularity has tapered off since the pandemic, houseplants continue to be a strong category for us," Joanne adds.
CO₂ heat pump
Growing sustainably
Van Lier Nurseries was the first flower grower in New Zealand to adopt recyclable paper sleeves for cut flowers and has installed reservoirs to ensure water self-sufficiency. "Our transition to a low-emission heat pump system is also a first of its kind in Australasia for a nursery. What we're doing here can serve as a model for other covered cropping businesses or industries that require process heat," says Joanne.
"Our goal is to create a viable, long-lasting company that can be passed down for our next generations," Joanne concludes.
For more information:
Van Lier Nurseries
Joanne Hurley, COO
[email protected]
www.vanlier.co.nz