Cornelis van der Voort grew up in the Netherlands in difficult circumstances. His father died young, and his mother was left to bring up eight children, at that time ranging in ages from eight years to one month. At 19 years old Con was conscripted into the Dutch army and served overseas. Four years later he was able to immigrate to New Zealand. He worked as a market gardener in Lawrence, learned English, married, and bought his first orchard in Ettrick. Con was astute in expanding his business and was awarded the Bledisloe Cup for pip fruit growing. He describes different challenges of orcharding, how it has changed over time, and concludes that ‘nature is always the boss’.
Interviewer: Sue Johnston
Interview Dates: November 2024
Con van der Vort
Con van der Vort's Dumbarton Orchard
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