Potatoes New Zealand Charitable Trust

Growing people, capability and the future of our industry

The Potatoes New Zealand Charitable Trust was established in 2009 to support initiatives that strengthen the New Zealand potato sector and deliver wider benefits to New Zealand communities.

The Trust plays an important role in advancing health, education, and research, ensuring the continued growth, sustainability, and success of one of New Zealand’s most valuable vegetable industries.

Purpose

The Trust has been established to:

  • Health – Advancement of New Zealanders’ health through promoting and encouraging the consumption of New Zealand potatoes and the health values of this produce.
  • Education – Advancement of education, through support of training and education within the New Zealand potato industry and assisting with the education of people connected to the industry.
  • Research – Promotion, encouragement, and fostering of research in relation to potatoes in New Zealand, and the dissemination of this research to improve knowledge and understanding across the sector and the wider community.

At its core, the Trust is about investing in people, because strong people build a strong industry.

How the Trust is Funded

The Trust’s income is derived from several key streams, including:

  • Royalties from Potatoes New Zealand’s investment in the seed potato breeding programme, delivered by the Crown Research Institute Plant and Food Research
  • Fundraising activities, including events such as an annual golf tournament and awards dinner

These funding streams enable the Trust to reinvest back into initiatives that benefit the potato industry and New Zealand as a whole.

How Funds are Used

Trustees are responsible for determining how funds are allocated to ensure alignment with the Trust’s purpose. A significant portion of funding supports:

  • Research projects that improve potato production, quality, and nutritional value
  • Initiatives that strengthen industry knowledge and capability
  • Programmes that deliver benefits beyond the industry, particularly in health and education

The Trust also considers grant applications from organisations outside the potato industry where their work supports the Trust’s objectives.

What We Support

The Potatoes New Zealand Charitable Trust focuses on supporting initiatives that deliver real value to the sector, including:

  • Education and Training – Supporting learning opportunities that build capability across the industry—from entry-level training to advanced skills development.
  • Industry Development – Funding initiatives that strengthen industry knowledge, improve practices, and support collaboration across the vegetable sector.
  • Youth and Future Leaders – Encouraging the next generation into the industry through scholarships, programmes, and leadership opportunities.
  • Research and Innovation – Backing projects that contribute to practical, on-farm solutions and support the ongoing sustainability of the sector.

Supporting New Zealand’s Growers

New Zealand’s potato industry plays a vital role in feeding communities and contributing to the country’s economy. The Trust complements the work of Potatoes New Zealand by supporting initiatives that:

  • Increase capability and resilience at farm level
  • Share knowledge and best practice across the sector
  • Strengthen connections across the industry

By supporting growers and those working alongside them, the Trust helps ensure the industry continues to thrive.

Governance

The Trust is governed by a board of Trustees who are responsible for:

  • Ensuring funds are managed responsibly
  • Making decisions on grant allocations
  • Maintaining alignment with the Trust’s purpose and long-term impact

How to apply for a Grant

The Trust welcomes applications from individuals and organisations whose work aligns with its purpose.

To apply for a grant:

Supporting people, advancing knowledge, and growing a stronger future for New Zealand’s potato industry.

Share: