ABSTRACT
The history of importing of taro and other tropical root crops in New Zealand is one that parallels the increasing number of Polynesian itnmi-grants from Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and Rarotonga. The earliest large shipments of taro began around 1950, primarily from Fiji. However, flooding in Fiji led to increased importing of Samoan taro, which has since grown to greater popularity.
Trial and error led to the use of cool storage units at 38 to 40°F. A later development was the use of refrigerated containers which minimized handling of taro and speeded up the unloading process. Air freight has been used occasionally to fill market gaps, but has been unsatisfactory. Fumigation is occasionally necessary, but tends to cause faster spoilage.
The availability of tropical root crops has helped Polynesian immigrants to settle more quickly into their new environment, and has provided a valuable source of income to the islands of the South Pacific who have ventured into the export of such crops.
