Webinar: Gene editing in New Zealand crops: Something different, something similar, something coming
2024-11-22 11:00 - 11:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Canterbury
Join Dr Zac Hanley from Plant and Food Research as he talks about ‘Gene editing is a technology’. Gene editing is causing changes in breeding programmes and regulatory regimes around the world. This will be an insightful 30-minute webinar on what gene technology might mean for New Zealand.

Dr Hanley works at Plant and Food Research as the General Manager for New Cultivar Innovation.

Crops 2024
2024-11-27 09:30 - 17:00 | Canterbury
Attend CROPS 2024 for the latest in FAR research and product information.

Full programme coming soon.

Thanks to the Platinum Agronomy sponsors: ADAMA, BASF, Bayer Crop Science, Corteva and Syngenta.

Webinar: Optimising Nitrogen Use: Sustainable Vegetable Systems Tool from Aotearoa
2024-11-27 15:30 - 16:30 | Canterbury
Join Soil Wealth ICP for an insightful webinar on the Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) project, which is focused on understanding and quantifying the dynamics of nitrogen (N) in vegetable production within Aotearoa‒New Zealand. This project aims to equip growers with the SVS Tool to support grower decision making and the information they need to determine the optimal nitrogen fertiliser rate for their crops — balancing maximum yield with improved environmental outcomes.

Future of Certification Programme General Industry Hui (Online)
2024-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Canterbury
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Trade Certification Release 3.0 successfully went live on Monday 25 November. This release gives industry users access to the system for the first time.

Wine businesses, exporters of organic products to Great Britain, and requesters of free sale certificates have been registering and requesting certificates in MPI Trade Certification. It is exciting to see these flow through the system and certificates being issued. This is a significant milestone for the Future of Certification Programme.

Register for the hui by completing this registration form and you will be sent a link to attend.

At the hui updates will be provide on the following:

Future of Certification Programme timeline

MPI Trade Certification Release 3 launch

MPI Trade Certification planned future releases

Proposed transition approaches for Animal Products

MPI Trade Certification Business to Government (B2G) specifications

User testing of Animal Product designs

Cost recovery next steps.

Field Discussion Day - South Canterbury
2024-12-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Canterbury
Explore practical examples of regenerative farming on Mike Porter’s hill country farm in South Canterbury, with a focus on tackling emerging herbicide resistance.

For Mike, addressing soil erosion and degradation was the driving force behind adopting no-till and regenerative practices over 20 years ago. His farm now thrives with nutrient-rich soils and no bare ground. Mike is eager to share his journey—the wins, lessons, and strategies for managing herbicide resistance and weed challenges.

We’re also thrilled to have Dr Charles ‘Merf’ Merfield, an international expert in non-chemical weed management on hand to discuss innovative mechanical weed management techniques, particularly as part of managing herbicide resistance.

Topics of Discussion

The journey to adopting regenerative practices: motivations, goals, and results.

Key techniques: no-till farming, crop residue retention, multi-species cover crops, and moisture conservation.

Managing weeds sustainably: alternatives to herbicides, including cutting-edge mechanical methods, ecological weed management and resistance prevention.

What to Expect

A short farm tour showcasing regenerative practices in action.

Engaging discussions with like-minded farmers and experts.

Refreshments provided.

We look forward to welcoming you to a day of shared learning and practical inspiration!For more information contact Jo@quorumsense.org.nz 0210 304 783

Webinar: Soil Microbes - why are these important?
2025-01-09 07:30 - 08:30 | Canterbury
Agriculture has long managed microbes, largely focusing on the control of disease pathogens, but this is just a tiny slice of the microbial world. Linda’s research interests include the management of soil microbes to suppress plant diseases and promote plant growth. Microbes are powerful partners in plant productivity, what can we do to enhance the capacity of microbe communities to provide benefits to our systems?

Prof Linda Kinkel specialises in plant pathology at the University of Minnesota and will join this breakfast webinar to share her research with New Zealand growers and update us on the developing area of microbiome management.

Potato Horti Agritech 2025
2025-01-22 08:00 - 2025-01-24 17:00 | Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center, Mezhdunarodnaya Ulitsa, 16, Krasnogorsk, Moscow Oblast, Moscow Oblast, 143401, Russian Federation
From January 22 to 24, 2025, the II International Trade Fair of Technologies for the Production and Processing of Potatoes, Vegetables, and Fruits AgroTech Potato Horti will be held at Pavilion No. 1 of the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center in Moscow.

POTATO HORTI AGRITECH 2025 will bring together Russian and international manufacturers and suppliers of modern solutions for the production and processing of potatoes, vegetables and fruits.

Investors, managers, seed breeders, agronomists, processing technologists, technical and other specialists in the field of growing and processing potatoes, vegetables and fruits, representatives of trade and retail companies, consulting, financial and insurance services, quality control services, industry associations, science, education and government bodies will attend the fair.

Play

Vegetables Big Day Out
2025-02-03 10:00 - 2025-02-04 16:00 | 50 Cronin Road, Pukekohe, 50 Cronin Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, 2120, New Zealand
This will be an informative day onsite at Plant & Food Research, learning about vegetable research happening in Pukekohe and across Aotearoa.

Hosted by the Te Ahikawariki/Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE) project, Vegetables Big Day Out is a great opportunity to meet with growers, industry members, academics, and government bodies to share best practice and be a part of the next generation of kiwi vegetable research.

There will be indoor seminars, outdoor demonstrations, yummy food and great company.

There is also a Grower subsidy to attend the day available, for more information and to apply Click Here >>

Sign up to the VICE newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i3K36U

American Growers' Visit - Get Together in Kirwee
2025-02-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Canterbury
You are invited to a Get Together in Kirwee.

Potatoes New Zealand is hosting an afternoon gathering at Tom Webster’s Woolshed in Kirwee, Canterbury. There will be a group of American growers who are travelling New Zealand and will finish their week at this networking event. Come along and connect with your peers at this casual gathering.

Date: Friday 7 FebruaryLocation: Tom Webster’s Woolshed, 1031 Wards Road, Kirwee 7670Time: 4pm to 6pm

Please RSVP for catering numbers by Wednesday 5 February.Please contact info@potatoesnz.co.nz with any questions.

Nelson-Tasman grower meeting
2025-02-12 14:30 - 17:30 | Mapua Boat Club and Maritime Museum, Mapua Wharf
When | Wednesday 12 FebruaryTime | 2.30pm-5.30pmWhere | Mapua Boat Club and Maritime Museum, Mapua WharfThis is an opportunity to hear an update on the proposed national policy and legislation changes from HortNZ General Manager of Strategy and Policy, Michelle Sands, meet Kate Scott, HortNZ Chief Executive and the Country Liaison Officers (CLOs) from Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa. The CLOs will talk about their recruitment processes, cultural expectations, how to manage issues and communication strategies.We encourage RSE employers attending to please email any questions they would like the CLOs to answer to RSE@hortnz.co.nz – questions will be provided to the CLOs ahead of the meeting. To register your attendance and/or for more information about the meeting and agenda please email matt.thorn@hortnz.co.nz.

AgriFutures Evoke AG
2025-02-18 08:00 - 2025-02-19 17:00 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Cnr Merivale and Glenelg Streets, South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
This unique, cross-sector, international event brings together thought leaders and change makers in agriculture, food manufacturing, research, innovation, investment, and policy to build connections for a more resilient, productive, and profitable agricultural sector and value chain.

Save the date for evokeAG. 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland.

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Dargaville
2025-02-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Northern Wairoa Boating Club Inc, Totara Street, Dargaville, New Zealand
There are number of grower roadshow events running across Aotearoa to highlight the research that is occurring in the vegetable industry. These events will cover updates from multiple product groups based on the region they are being held. Topics will include specific project updates, integrated pest management, resistance management, etc. This is a chance for growers to hear about the latest research results, industry updates, and provide feedback to help direct future research work.

This road show will visit multiple growing areas and focus on key research outcomes and themes relevant to that region.

Organic growers, connect with the HortNZ policy team
2025-02-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Canterbury
Organic growers are invited to the quarterly Horticulture New Zealand organic grower policy catchup.

When | Thursday 20 February

Time | 12-1pm

Where | Online

Please register in advance. If you have any questions, email emily.levenson@hortnz.co.nz.

Implementing Safety II in Horticulture: Evolving Risk Management and Cultural Competency workshop
2025-02-25 08:30 - 12:30 | Mount Sports Centre, 49 Miro Street, Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
When | Tuesday 25 FebruaryTime | 8.30am-12.30pmWhere | Mount Sports, 49 Miro Street, Mount Maunganui This workshop is ideal for growers, packhouses, business owners, operations managers, HR managers, and safety managers in horticulture organisations.From the workshop, participants will be able to:

Understand the principles and evolution of Safety II

Recognise the support provided by regulatory bodies like Worksafe and the Institute of Directors in driving Safety II,

Introduce contemporary critical risk management methods in their organisations

Introduce a Safety II framework and reporting structure

Understand and apply cultural competency when working with RSE teams.

View the Safety II pilot video here.Places are limited and there is no cost to attend.RSVP to Matt on matt.thorn@hortnz.co.nz by Friday 14 February.

Dr Paul Horne Talk - Lincoln
2025-02-25 17:00 - 18:30 | Canterbury
You are invited to join Potatoes New Zealand for a Dr Paul Horne talk on Harnessing Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Potato Production.

Dr. Paul Horne, AustraliaAs a distinguished applied entomologist, Dr. Horne initiated his impactful career in 1986 at the Victorian Department of Agriculture, later establishing. IPM Technologies P/L in 1996—an industry leader in integrated pest management.

Dr. Horne’s unique methodology, blending technical proficiency with a practical focus on growers, has generated tangible solutions in agriculture. His influence is particularly notable in potato crops, where he leads integrated pest management for various insect pests, including potato virus vectors like aphids and thrips. His adept guidance aids growers in managing caterpillar pests, such as the notorious potato moth, through the application of IPM principles. Ongoing research addresses challenges posed by the Tomato Potato Psyllid, a vector linked to Zebra Chip disease, ensuring preparedness for effective pest management in regions like Australia and with immediate application in areas such as New Zealand.

Under Dr. Horne’s leadership, IPM Technologies has markedly reduced pesticide reliance, advocating sustainable pest management practices. His influence extends to fostering improved stewardship in the judicious and environmentally responsible use of pesticides.

Dr Paul Horne will be sharing his insights at the afternoon session.

Please RSVP for catering purposes.

Location: Inaka, Waimarie Building, Lincoln University85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln, Canterbury

Dr Paul Horne Talk - Massey
2025-02-26 17:00 - 18:30 | Massey University, Palmerston North
You are invited to join Potatoes New Zealand for a Dr Paul Horne talk on Harnessing Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Potato Production.

Dr. Paul Horne, AustraliaAs a distinguished applied entomologist, Dr. Horne initiated his impactful career in 1986 at the Victorian Department of Agriculture, later establishing. IPM Technologies P/L in 1996—an industry leader in integrated pest management.

Dr. Horne’s unique methodology, blending technical proficiency with a practical focus on growers, has generated tangible solutions in agriculture. His influence is particularly notable in potato crops, where he leads integrated pest management for various insect pests, including potato virus vectors like aphids and thrips. His adept guidance aids growers in managing caterpillar pests, such as the notorious potato moth, through the application of IPM principles. Ongoing research addresses challenges posed by the Tomato Potato Psyllid, a vector linked to Zebra Chip disease, ensuring preparedness for effective pest management in regions like Australia and with immediate application in areas such as New Zealand.

Under Dr. Horne’s leadership, IPM Technologies has markedly reduced pesticide reliance, advocating sustainable pest management practices. His influence extends to fostering improved stewardship in the judicious and environmentally responsible use of pesticides.

Dr Paul Horne will be sharing his insights at the afternoon session.

Please RSVP for catering purposes.

Location: AgHort Lecture Block (AH1)

Northland Field Days
2025-02-27 08:00 - 2025-03-01 17:00 | Northland Field Days, 33 Awakino Point Road, Dargaville, Northland, New Zealand
Over 300 Exhibitors showcasing the latest in Farming Technology, machinery and Innovations. With exhibitors from all over New Zealand and overseas you are sure to find what you are looking for.

Two large Lifestyle Pavilions and many outdoor lifestyle sites bringing to you the highest quality products and services. From Home, Garden & Leisure to Food, Wine & Gadgets there is something for everyone.

At the Northland Field Days we have entertainment for the whole family. From Sheep/Dog trials, Lawn Mower Racing & Tractor Pull to Rides & Kids Entertainment a great day out is guaranteed.

Three Food Court areas clearly marked throughout the event with many food vendors, coffee, refreshments, ice cream and much more. If you are looking for a place to rest or something delicious to eat look for one of the food courts.

Dr Paul Horne Talk - Pukekohe
2025-02-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Plant and Food Research – Pukekohe, 49 Cronin Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, 2120, New Zealand
You are invited to join Potatoes New Zealand for a Dr Paul Horne talk on Harnessing Integrated Pest Management for Sustainable Potato Production.

Dr. Paul Horne, AustraliaAs a distinguished applied entomologist, Dr. Horne initiated his impactful career in 1986 at the Victorian Department of Agriculture, later establishing. IPM Technologies P/L in 1996—an industry leader in integrated pest management.

Dr. Horne’s unique methodology, blending technical proficiency with a practical focus on growers, has generated tangible solutions in agriculture. His influence is particularly notable in potato crops, where he leads integrated pest management for various insect pests, including potato virus vectors like aphids and thrips. His adept guidance aids growers in managing caterpillar pests, such as the notorious potato moth, through the application of IPM principles. Ongoing research addresses challenges posed by the Tomato Potato Psyllid, a vector linked to Zebra Chip disease, ensuring preparedness for effective pest management in regions like Australia and with immediate application in areas such as New Zealand.

Under Dr. Horne’s leadership, IPM Technologies has markedly reduced pesticide reliance, advocating sustainable pest management practices. His influence extends to fostering improved stewardship in the judicious and environmentally responsible use of pesticides.

Dr Paul Horne will be sharing his insights at the afternoon session.

Please RSVP for catering purposes.

Meet the Potatoes New Zealand Board
2025-03-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Club, 7 East Street, Pukekohe, 2120, New Zealand
This is your opportunity to connect with the Potatoes New Zealand Board and have a casual chat about our sector and any concerns/comments you may have.The Board plays a key role in governing the industry body – helping to direct research, innovation and policy to support growers and the wider potato community.

You can hear from Board members, ask questions, as well as discuss the challenges and opportunities of the industry in an informal setting. It’s also a great opportunity to network and strengthen industry connections.

View Potatoes New Zealand Board Members >>

Please RSVP for catering purposes >>

Potatoes New Zealand Board Meeting
2025-03-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Canterbury
Potatoes New Zealand Board members are committed to developing and driving the potato industry in New Zealand. They regularly meet to progress the strategic direction for the membership and best practices throughout industry.

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival
2025-03-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Cass Square, Cass Square, Hokitika, West Coast, New Zealand
The 35th edition of Hokitika’s Wildfoods Festival – a celebration of the West Coast’s unique wild food and lifestyle, with premiere entertainment.

Hokitika’s annual Wildfoods Festival is a celebration of the West Coast’s unique wild food and lifestyle, accompanied by premier entertainment. Visitors can sample a wide array of local natural foods, ranging from some of the weirdest and most exotic delicacies to fabulous gourmet specialties. What’s traditionally found in the heart of the bush and deep in the ocean is served up with a fork for the daring. Apart from hunting the mountains for pigs, deer, thar and chamois and fishing the sea, keen stallholders have not left many stones unturned in their efforts to explore edible possibilities. Even garden weeds have been discovered as herbs useful in festival salads and beverages.

The festival first came into fruition in 1990 when Hokitika local, Claire Bryant, instigated the very first celebration of local wild foods. Her wine cellar was very well stocked with a home brew of West Coast gorse flower wine and people were clamouring for a taste of her rose petal brew. The first event also coincided with the 125th anniversary celebration of the birth of Hokitika in March 1990. Locals and the rest of New Zealand were captured by the magic of the idea – a celebration of Hokitika and the wild foods of the West Coast.

Offering tunes for all tastes, entertainment is comprised of a top line-up of New Zealand musicians playing the main stage.

Those with a creative flair can enter Feral Fashion – a wearable arts style competition modelled on the racing circuits Fashion in the Field. Contestants get creative, forage in their surroundings, and create a wild alter ego to wear to the festival.

If children are not interested in sampling huhu grubs, the Kids Corner will keep them occupied with face painting, a massive inflatable pirate ship, a candy shop and more.

Central Districts Field Days
2025-03-13 08:00 - 2025-03-15 17:00 | Manfield, 59 South Street, Feilding, Manawatu, New Zealand
From farmers and foodies, to tech-heads and townies, New Zealand’s largest regional field days has something for everyone.

Central Districts Field Days, is a unique agricultural event that attracts over 27,000 people each March for three days, to friendly Feilding in the Manawatu where they connect, discover and experience the future of New Zealand’s primary industries.

Central District Field Days is central to business, central to rural connections, central to supporting local and has been bringing Kiwi communities and industries together for the past 29 years. The event has grown from a collection of marquees to a significant national event, attracting exhibitors and attendees from across the country to the rural heartland of the North Island.

The event showcases, cutting-edge machinery and equipment, the latest developments in rural innovation, thrilling FMX shows, lifestyle trends, top-notch regional food and local brews. You can score yourself a heap of exclusive event deals and have the chance to yarn with sellers and exhibitors. It’s a great time to stock up, plus there’s fun and freebies for the whole family.

Methven Show
2025-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Methven Show Grounds, 54 Barkers Road, Methven, Canterbury, 7730, New Zealand
The show promises to be a great family day out with lots to see and do, including equestrian events, sheep shearing, wool judging, livestock and poultry, Sheep Dog Trials, Ute muster, farm vehicle and equipment exhibitions, vintage machinery, art precinct, produce and home industries, trade and retail sites, food and wine vendors and an onsite bar,

​Children can attend the show free of charge and enjoy complementary pony rides, sheep colouring competition, animal petting shed, face painting and balloon twisting.

Research & Insights Forum 2025
2025-03-18 11:30 - 2025-03-19 14:00 | Wharewaka Function Centre, 2 Taranaki Street, Wellington, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Beyond the Ordinary: Navigating Challenges, Redefining Success

There will be revealing presentations, interactive workshops and plenty of chances to leverage our collective voice on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the food and fibre sector.

Research & Insights Forum 2025 will run across two days – Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 March – with a networking function on Tuesday evening, and the Capability Forum breakfast on Wednesday morning.

The Forum will showcase crucial projects delivered throughout the year, that help address the challenges our sector faces, specifically around workforce talent, the pace of change in technology and the uncertainty around government reforms.

Mental Health & Resilience with Sir John Kirwan in Whangarei
2025-03-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Semenoff Stadium – Level 2 Lounge, 51 Okara Drive, Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand
Together with the Rural Support Trust Te Tai Tokerau (Northland), Westpac are proud to bring Sir John Kirwan to Whangārei for a free talk on mental health and resilience. As a Westpac Ambassador of over 10 years, Sir John Kirwan (JK) has a passion for mental health and sharing his own mental health journey with the aim of helping others with theirs.

JK is an All Black legend, but it’s his contributions outside of rugby that have made him one of our most treasured New Zealanders. As Westpac Ambassador, JK is helping New Zealanders understand mental illness, talk more openly with each other, and build supportive networks.

About the event:

At this free event, hear JK speak openly about his own struggles with mental illness while being at the top of his game. He offers insight into the steps he took to manage and learn about his own mental health and the things he does in his daily life to take care of himself not only for him but his family too.

Doors open at 9:45am, JK will begin speaking at 10:30am.

Please stay and join us for a light BBQ lunch and kōrero from 11:30am.

This is an opportunity not to be missed and a chance to hear and learn from one of New Zealand’s most well-respected All Blacks!

South Island Agricultural Field Days
2025-03-26 08:00 - 2025-03-28 17:00 | SIAFD, 1191 Courtenay Road, Kirwee, Canterbury, New Zealand
This even aims to provide an interactive demonstration site focused on delivering an enjoyable, informative experience for our exhibitors and visitors alike. Held in Kirwee, Canterbury it is a not to be missed event in March.

Established in 1951, the South Island Agriculture Field Days is one of the oldest and largest agricultural events in the South Island.

Member's Event - Ashburton, Canterbury
2025-04-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashburton Events Centre, 211A Wills Street, Ashburton, Canterbury, 7700, New Zealand
You are invited to a Member’s Event, where Potatoes New Zealand will be discussing key updates that will shape the future of our industry.

Key topics

Important updates and changes to the Potatoes New Zealand Constitution following the update of the Incorporated Societies Act.

Insights into the Potatoes New Zealand Business Plan and activities 2025/26

A valuable opportunity to ask questions and have your say

This is your chance to stay informed, provide feedback, and ensure your voice is heard on important industry matters.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please arrive at 6pm ready for 6.30pm start.

Please RSVP for catering purposes!

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Pukekohe
2025-04-08 16:00 - 21:00 | PIA Events Centre, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe, New Zealand

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Ohakune
2025-04-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Powderkeg, 194 Mangawhero Terrace, Ohakune 4625, Ohakune, 4625, New Zealand

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Palmerston North
2025-04-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Distinction Coachman Hotel, 140 Fitzherbert Avenue, West End, Palmerston North, Manawatu, 4410, New Zealand
