Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects birds. However, it can also spread to mammals – including people. There are 2 main types of avian influenza: What we need to know about HS bird flu H5 bird flu can infect a much broader range of wild…
Whether they’re eaten straight from the paper, tucked into buttered bread or drowned in tomato sauce, hot chips remain one of New Zealand’s most-loved comfort foods. Now, new nationwide research has revealed exactly how Kiwis like to enjoy them – with a simple sprinkle of salt coming out on top. Research commissioned by Potatoes New…
As winter settles in across Aotearoa, and politicians start to gear up into election mode. Potatoes New Zealand turns its focus on supporting growers through continued advocacy, industry collaboration and engagement, and practical tools to strengthen on farm performance. From policy developments and sector conversations to upcoming events and initiatives, there’s plenty happening across the…
More than 100 MPs, government officials, growers and other vegetable industry participants attended the launch of the New Zealand Vegetable Industry Manifesto at the second, Vegetable Industry Showcase held at Parliament on 30 June. ‘The New Zealand commercial vegetable sector is a $1.1 billion industry that provides New Zealanders and export markets with healthy and…
By Jamie Wells. As we pass the halfway point of the year, Youth Council members have continued to engage actively across the wider vegetable industry. North Island members recently attended the Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year competition, where the next generation of industry talent put their skills and knowledge to the test. Congratulations to…
New Zealand’s vegetable sector will take centre stage at Parliament today, celebrating a vital industry and sharing a clear, future focused vision for how it can continue to thrive. The Vegetable Industry Showcase, hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Todd McClay, and organised by the Potatoes New Zealand and New Zealand Vegetable Council (NZVeg),…
Potatoes New Zealand is celebrating the Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) Project being named a finalist in the Technology & Innovation Project Award at the Primary Industries New Zealand (PINZ) Awards. Finalist recognition places the SVS Project alongside some of the most forward thinking initiatives across New Zealand’s primary industries, highlighting the strength of innovation, science…
Potatoes New Zealand is proud to share that Amber Davy of Eurogrow was crowned the 2026 Canterbury Young Grower of the Year last Thursday. The competition saw a high calibre of contestants put through their paces across a range of challenges, showcasing technical knowledge, practical skills, business acumen and speaking skills. Since its successful restart…
Storage technology continues to advance rapidly overseas, with growers investing in increasingly sophisticated systems to improve quality and consistency. Globally storage is becoming a core part of the production system, with a strong focus on climate control, airflow, and maintaining product quality over longer periods. While storage duration across the New Zealand potato industry can…
Agronomist James Blair grew up on a United Kingdom dairy farm and says working in the potato growing industry has some similarities to working with livestock. “People often say that potatoes are the most similar crop to livestock farming because you have to be constantly checking and are very aware of how much you are…