Happy New Year from the Potatoes New Zealand team! We hope you enjoyed a safe and happy holiday season and are ready for the year ahead.
As Potatoes New Zealand steps into 2026, our focus remains firmly on supporting growers through the busiest part of the season. We recognise that environmental pressures have made this a challenging season so far, and we are committed to standing alongside growers as they navigate these conditions.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the New Zealand potato industry. Together, we look forward to another year of growth and collaboration.
Grower Trip to Europe 2026 – Expressions of Interest
An unforgettable, industry focused European adventure is taking shape — and you’re invited to be part of it.
Potatoes New Zealand is assembling a group of interested people for a tour across Europe, culminating in Potato Europe, one of the world’s most influential potato events. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in cutting edge technology, global innovation, and future‑focused research that’s redefining the industry.
Departing New Zealand on Tuesday, 1 September, the journey begins in Amsterdam before heading through Emmeloord and into Germany. Along the way, the group will visit leading seed companies, progressive growers, and state‑of‑the‑art storage, processing, and packing operations — offering insights and connections you simply can’t get anywhere else.
The pinnacle of the trip is Potato Europe on 9–10 September, where the world’s top innovators gather to showcase the next era of potato production. The group returns to New Zealand on Saturday, 12 September.
The estimated investment for this unique experience will be approximately:
- $6,600 per person – Twin Share.
- $8,500 per person – Single.
If you’re ready to broaden your horizons, strengthen your business, and be inspired by the best in the world, register your interest now for this exceptional European Grower Trip.
Drinking water compliance
Growers who supply drinking water to staff or other people will need to check whether they need to be in compliance with the Water Services Act 2021. This could apply to you if you provide drinking water in workers’ accommodation, in smoko rooms or shared with neighbours.
The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai, is the responsible government agency. Find out more >>.
If you meet the definition of a drinking water supplier, you will need to register your supply with the Authority by November 2028. Read more on the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai website.
Queensland Fruit Fly Response 2026
Controls are now in place which prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of a controlled area in Mt Roskill, where the fruit fly was found. The controlled area has two zones – A and B. Zone A is a 200m zone, including 262 properties. Zone B covers a 1500m area, including 8,300 properties.
- Zone A – No whole fresh fruit and vegetables, except for leafy vegetables and soil free root vegetables, can be moved outside Zone A. This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.
- Zone B – All fruit and vegetables grown within Zone B cannot be moved out of the controlled area.
Biosecurity New Zealand says it is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least the next four weeks. If it established here, the Queensland fruit fly could have serious consequences for New Zealand’s horticultural industry. It can damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables and could lead to restrictions affecting our horticultural exports.
Stay up to date is via the News section on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
A new record for potato production
Article courtesy of Cedric Porter, World Potato Markets
World potato production in 2025 is likely to have been at a record volume, nearing 400 million tonnes with large volumes in a number of key countries…
Royal Show highlights
Potatoes New Zealand was proud to be a part of the Royal Show with NZ Foam, over the three days in Canterbury. The stand created plenty of interest, with information about the potato sector, hands-on engagement, and a chance to showcase the importance of potatoes within New Zealand agriculture.
A big thank you to NZ Foam for their collaboration and to everyone who stopped by to check out the stand.
Website updates
Potatoes New Zealand has been working behind the scenes to refresh and improve the website, with a focus on making it easier to navigate, more informative, and more useful for our growers and wider industry.
These updates include clearer content, improved structure, and a more user friendly experience across devices. As the website continues to evolve, we welcome your feedback on what is working well and where further improvements could be made—your input is valuable in helping us ensure the site meets the needs of the sector.
Website Spotlight – Seed Potatoes
Seed potatoes are the starting point for every successful crop. They are specially grown and certified to be free from disease, ensuring vigorous growth and reliable yeilds. Each tuber is a living plant starter, carrying the genetic potential for the variety chosen, whether it is a early, maincrop or speciality type potato.
CPLI Newsletter
Now we are into the start of a new year and with research projects as well as partial trials completed it is time to review and reflect on the past seasons since Canterbury Potato Liberibacter Initiative (CPLI) was formed.
Read the latest CPLI newsletter to find out more:
Fiji Audit – Thank you
In December 2025, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) visited New Zealand to conduct rigorous audits for potato trade, focusing on phytosanitary compliance, quality standards, and traceability, in collaboration with New Zealand to verify that Aotearoa systems meet Fiji’s strict import conditions, ensuring fresh produce is safe and disease free before reaching Fiji’s market.
Fiji’s visit extended beyond auditing potatoes — it encompassed a broader review of multiple products groups and provided Fiji with a valuable opportunity to comprehensively assess New Zealand’s entire phytosanitary system.
Potatoes New Zealand extends a huge thank you to Hinemoa Quality Producers Ltd and Master & Sons Ltd for your time and effort as part of this audit process.
Young Grower of the Year
Entries are open for the Young Grower of the Year, and Potatoes New Zealand is encouraging young people across the potato sector to get involved. This is a chance to step outside your comfort zone, showcase your skills and passion, and gain industry recognition, confidence and valuable professional development.
Know someone who would be a great fit? Give them a nudge or encourage them to enter — sometimes all it takes is a bit of support to help future leaders take that next step. The competition celebrates the talent and dedication shaping the future of New Zealand’s potato industry.
Support the future of New Zealand Horticulture by supporting the Young Growers.
Field Day: Potato IPM Trial
Tuesday 20 January 2026 | 1pm
Location: Acton Road, Dorie
Coordinates: -43.864028, 172.131917
You are invited to visit an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) trial in a Canterbury process potato crop. The trial, funded by the Canterbury Potato Liberibacter Initiative (CPLI), is testing a full IPM approach across a 10-hectare commercial site. Managed collaboratively by Bioeconomy Science Institute (Formed from a merger of AgResearch, Maanaki Whenua, Plant & Food Research and Scion in 2025), IPM Technologies, McCain Foods, the grower, and Seed & Field.
This is a great opportunity to see IPM in action and hear from experts in the field.
Drinks and nibbles will be provided.
Vegetables Big Day Out 2026 – Register Now!
Thursday, 5 March 2026 | 9am | Free Entry
Vegetables Big Day is returning – and it’s shaping up to be the event of the year! Gold Sponsor, Horticentre Charitable Trust, and Silver Sponsor, Agworld, are helping to deliver a full day of insights and innovation for vegetable growers.
✅ Hot topics for indoor and outdoor cropping
✅ International keynote speaker
✅ AgTech demos
✅ Research results, expert panels and in-field trials
✅ Tradeshow with networking for growers, researchers and industry partners
Tickets are free, however they are limited, so Register Now!
In 2026, the entire fresh produce industry will converge at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Monday 1 June to Thursday 4 June, for Australia and New Zealand’s premiere horticulture event . Through the trade show, attendees will gain exclusive access to the latest products, services, and technologies driving the horticulture industry forward.
Hort Connections 2026 will bring together the entire fresh produce industry for four days of learning, networking, and celebration.
Events
13th World Potato Congress
26 – 30 October 2026
Sawela Lodges, Naivasha, Kenya
The World Potato Congress brings together the global potato community every two years. Kenya 2026 will focus on sustainable agriculture, innovation, and building partnerships for a food-secure future.
View the events calendar
Find out about the horticulture industry events and activities that are currently happening.
National Weather Outlook
Weather Watch
Weather Watch brings you the latest New Zealand forecasts weekdays.
NIWA outlook for rain
NIWA outlook for dryness/drought
NIWA seasonal forecast for next 3 months
