By Wilhelmina Shrimpton
There's concern from New Zealand rose growers about the increase in foreign rose imports.
They are worried the cheap flowers are undercutting Kiwi businesses, and they could pose a huge biosecurity risk.
It is a thorny issue for the owners and staff at Van Liers Nurseries.
They have seen 3.3 million Indian roses flood into the market last year alone – 300,000 more than in 2013 – and at just 24 cents a stem, there is concern New Zealand growers can't keep up.
They say the Indian government subsidises its domestic growers, a luxury not afforded here.
3 News spoke to a number of suppliers that purchase and stock the Indian roses but they believe the flowers aren't undercutting Kiwi business and say they do not compare to the quality of roses grown in New Zealand.
Watch the video for the full 3 News report.
