As the crisp days of winter begin to settle in, June is a great time to pause, reset, and refocus for the second half of the year. Whether you’re wrapping up projects, planning ahead, or just taking stock, we’ve packed this month’s newsletter with insights, updates, and a few fresh ideas to keep you inspired.
During winter, it’s important to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Potatoes are rich in essential vitamins that support immunity and help ward off seasonal bugs.
Read on to find out about what’s happening in the potato industry…
Constitution accepted by Members
At Potatoes New Zealand’s recent Special General Meeting, members voted unanimously for the new constitution. Our constitution then went to the Registrar and has been accepted. Now Potatoes New Zealand can continue to progress our work for members under our new and modern constitution.
Register Now for your opportunity to attend this not to be missed event:
- Speakers: Exceptional, engaging and inspirational speakers
- Venue: Visit the award-winning Christchurch Town Hall
- Network: Strengthen relationships and share knowledge with growers, industry leaders and with wider potato sector.
- Insights: Hear from experts on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities.
Register Now for your chance to be a part of this key event for the potato industry!
Become a Conference Sponsor / Exhibitor
If your organisation is interested in partnering with Potatoes New Zealand for the Potatoes Conference 2025 as a sponsor and/or exhibitor, please contact the Conference organising team:
JThe Potato Industry Awards are held biannually to coincide with the Potatoes Conference. The awards are the highlight of the potato industry and acknowledge the exceptional achievements by individuals and potato centric businesses in New Zealand.
There are five categories for the Potato Industry Awards 2025:
Watch the webinar recording: Performing Under Pressure with Farmstrong’s Sam Whitelock
Farmstrong partnered with Potatoes New Zealand to put together a webinar on ‘Performing Under Pressure“, where Samuel (Sam) Whitelock shared his insights. Many thanks for Farmstrong and Samuel Whitelock for working together on this webinar.
International Day of Potato Promotion – Winners Announced
The 30th May 2025 marks the second International Day of Potato, which was officially announced by the United Nations last year, indicating the importance of the potato to the world.
To celebrate the International Day of Potato, Potatoes New Zealand had THREE amazing prize bundles up for grabs. And the three lucky winners are:
- Kerryn van Rij, Auckland
- Kerryl Brazendale, Feilding
- Merryn Skipper, Christchurch
International Day of Potato
The potato, an important crop that is consumed by over one billion people around the world, will be celebrated on 30 May 2025. The theme will be: ‘Shaping history, feeding the future. For more information, please visit international International Day of Potato | United Nations
TPP/Liberibacter Seminar
Join Potatoes New Zealand, Tomatoes New Zealand and Te Ahikawariki, either in person or online for the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) Seminar to update growers and industry professionals on the latest research findings.
Thursday 26 June
10am to 12.30pm
Pukekohe – 49 Cronin Road, Pukekohe
Mothers’ Day Promotion – Winners Announced
Potatoes New Zealand partnered with Griffin’s Snacks recently to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives on Mothers’ Day on Sunday 11 May. We were excited to honour the incredible mothers in our community by offering a chance to win one of four delicious goodie bundles to make this Mothers’ Day unforgettable. We are happy to announce our four deserving mothers
- Olivia Koolen, Hamilton
- Diana Hancock, Auckland
- Renee Campbell, Napier
- Lanah Sanders, Shannon
Powdery Scab Testing
Please note that Plant & Food Research is no longer able to do Powdery Scab testing for potatoes, however, Plant Diagnostics located in Templeton will be able to provide this service.
Reminder to Potato Growers
Reminder to all potato growers, when delivering empty bins to certified seed growers for filling, please ensure your empty bins are clean and free of potatoes.
Young Grower of the Year – Apply Now!
Apply now for the Young Grower of Year competition in a region close to you. Entries are open and now is your chance to shine. Test your skills and see if you are up to the challenge! Currently being run in the following regions – enter at a area close to you:
- 5&6 June – Hawkes Bay
- 19 June – Nelson
- 27 June – Bay of Plenty
- 10 July – Canterbury
- 17 July – Gisborne
If applicable, please enter yourself and encourage other young, talented people to enter.
Leadership Programme with Horticulture New Zealad
Scholarship applications for the 2025 HortNZ Leadership Programme are now open.
The programme equips emerging leaders in our sector with the skills, tools and confidence to lead change and innovation in horticulture. It has recently been refreshed to reflect the changing demands of the sector, offers participants a practical, hands-on development experience.
HortNZ is offering 12 scholarships to enable a diverse group of future leaders to take part in the 2025 programme, run in partnership with Rural Leaders. Applications close on Sunday, 6 July.
Join the Trailblazer Irrigation Study Tour 2025
The Trailblazer Irrigation Study Tour was introduced in 2023 in response to feedback from growers involved in the Awards in the years prior, many were interested in further sustainable irrigation learning opportunities and the chance to network with other growers involved in the Awards.
Following the success of the inaugural tour a study tour will be added as a regular bi-annual fixture in between the Award years and will visit different locations related to advancements in irrigation infrastructure, technology, policy, and sustainable application.
Keep your team informed
Keep your team informed on what is happening in the potato industry by adding them to the Potatoes New Zealand email list so they receive our monthly newsletter and stay in the know.
Please share your staff contact details with Potatoes New Zealand, so everyone is aware of potato industry activities and information.
Farmstrong Toolbox Tip
Farmstrong has a range of videos and podcast for you to check out, covering a range of topics to help you ‘get through’ your day and live well.
From injury prevention to time out and staying fit to sleeping – Farmstrong has got you covered.
Welcome to NZ Foam – New Associate Member
Potatoes New Zealand is delighted to welcome NZ Foam as an Associate Member. Through membership support, we can continue our work to strengthen, promote, and grow a sustainable and thriving potato industry.
As an associate member, NZ Foam is now part of a community that values innovation, collaboration, and the future of food and farming in Aotearoa. We look forward to connecting with NZ Foam and having them join the Potatoes New Zealand family.
Thanks to our Partners
Potatoes New Zealand extends our sincere thanks to all our Trade Members and Associate Members for your continued support, collaboration, and contribution to our industry. Your commitment plays a vital role in helping us grow stronger together and continue delivering value across the sector.
We appreciate your partnership and the important role you play in our shared success. We look forward to building on our relationships and achieving even greater things together in the year ahead.
We also encourage everyone in the potato industry to support these companies as they support Potatoes New Zealand.
Thank you once again for being an essential part of our community.
Our valued Associate Members
Events
Fieldays 2025
Join Potatoes New Zealand at Fieldays 2025 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation.
11-14 June 2025
Find out more >>
Primary Industries Summit & Awards
The Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards brings together influential stakeholders and leaders from across of the primary sectors of New Zealand. Delivering strategic insights around future challenges and opportunities and celebrating our most successful and innovative primary industry producers and businesses.
24-25 June 2025
Find out more >>
Horticulture Conference 2025
Registrations open for the 2025 Horticulture Conference and RSE Conference.
Held in Wellington on 26-27 August – Save the date now so you are ready for when tickets open!
Find out more and register >>
View the events calendar
Find out about the horticulture industry events and activities that are currently happening.
NIWA National Weather Outlook
NIWA outlook for rain
NIWA outlook for dryness/drought
NIWA seasonal forecast for next 3 months
