Tom EleyMultimedia journalist·Waikato Herald·25 Jun, 2026 06:00 PM6 mins to readCider Apples New Zealand co-founder John Powell stands among hundreds of experimental cider samples. Photo / Tom EleyTo most people, apples are just fruit.To Cider Apples New Zealand co-founder John Powell, of Tamahere, they are possibilities.At one point, a comparison is made between Powell’s fascination with apples and J. Robert Oppenheimer’s obsession with the atom.Looking around the room, it does not seem entirely unreasonable.
The Oppenheimer of cider: Among 12,000 trees, John Powell is searching for the future
The breeding programme now includes about 12,000 genetically unique trees.
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