Potatoes New Zealand

Advancing Potato Breeding in the Asia-Pacific
2025-10-30 14:00 - 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Pukekohe Research Centre, 59 Cronin Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, 2676, New Zealand
Advancing Potato Breeding in the Asia-Pacific: The CCCAP Germplasm Collection and the CipPotNet Initiative

The CIP-China Center for Asia and Pacific maintains a Breeding Resource Center with a collection of approximately 1,900 potato accessions. This collection includes advanced tetraploid lines, wild species, and landraces.

These germplasm resources have been introduced to more than 80 institutions across China, where some have been successfully utilised in traditional breeding programs. A key initiative is the establishment of “CipPotNet,” a joint potato breeding network for the Asia-Pacific region. The network focuses on developing new varieties with target traits such as late blight resistance, drought tolerance, high starch content, early maturity, climate resilience, and enhanced nutritional value.

Speaker

Dr. Li Jieping Scientist, International Potato Center – China Center for Asia and PacificDr. Li Jieping is a scientist at the International Potato Center – China Center for Asia and Pacific, where he leads research initiatives aimed at improving potato quality and resilience. He earned his Ph.D. from China Agricultural University and is passionate about translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions for global agricultural and environmental challenges.

Research Expertise

His research encompasses several key areas:

Nutritional and Quality Trait Genetics

Innovative Breeding Biotechnologies

Environmental Physiology: He investigates how climatic and environmental factors influence the physiological growth and development of the potato plant, ensuring new varieties are adapted to real-world conditions.

The underlying vision of the organisation is to help achieve the United Nations SDG goals and improve global food security etc. The nutritional traits include making potatoes healthier through increasing uptake of iron and zinc, etc.

Pukekohe Young Grower Competition BBQ and Beers
2025-10-30 17:30 - 20:00 | Pukekohe Indian Association Events Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe, 2120, New Zealand
The Pukekohe Young Grower Committee is kicking off the 2026 competition with a BBQ on 30 October at 5.30pm.

If you are a previous sponsor or contestant, a potential new sponsor or contestant thinking of entering in 2026 or 2027 come along. BBQ will be on, spot prizes to be won and networking to be had.

AI unpacked – Practical tools for vegetable growers
2025-11-06 14:00 - 15:00
Soil Wealth ICP webinar: AI unpacked – Practical tools for vegetable growers

Join an interactive webinar to share lessons from vegetable growers who are already using AI tools to improve planning, monitoring and decision-making on-farm.

You’ll learn about using simple AI tools to help build your confidence and explore how these technologies could make everyday tasks easier, delivered by the Australian Regional AI Network (ARAIN) in conjunction with RMCG.

Whether you’re new to AI or already experimenting with the technology, this is your chance to ask questions, see what works in practice, and connect with others exploring similar opportunities.

WEBINAR: 2025 Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety - Launch
2025-11-12 14:00 - 14:30
Join the Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) for the official launch of the 2025 Fundamental Guidelines for Fresh Produce Food Safety — the industry’s trusted resource for managing food safety risks across the fresh produce supply chain.

The refreshed Fundamental Guidelines bring together the latest science, good practice and regulatory insights to support the ongoing safety and integrity of fresh produce from production to post-harvest handling. Developed through extensive research and industry consultation, the 2025 edition is designed for every business seeking to strengthen food safety culture, protect consumers, and meet market and regulatory expectations.

In this webinar, you’ll get an exclusive look at what’s new in Version 5, including:

New chapters on Managing Critical Incidents and Recalls and Food Safety Culture

Expanded appendices on Food Safety Regulation and Assurance Programmes and Faecal Indicator Bacteria

Updated guidance on water quality criteria and microbial testing protocols

A refreshed structure, improved usability, and new visuals to make navigation easier

The all-new Quick Guides for Fresh Produce Food Safety – practical tools to help growers and teams apply good food safety practices every day

Whether you’re a grower, packer, supplier, auditor or part of the broader supply chain, this session will help you understand how to use the new guidance and where to find the key updates that matter most to your operations.

Be part of this important conversation and ensure your business is up to date with the latest in fresh produce food safety.

WEBINAR: Potato Mop Top Virus
2025-11-13 11:00 - 11:30
Hear from Professor and the Neil C. Gudmestad Endowed Chair of Potato Pathology, Julie Pasche, how potato mop top virus has impacted potato growing and processing over time, and how the industry has responded. Dr Stephen Dibley and Dr Susanna Driessen, Chief Plant Health Officers of Victoria and Tasmania, respectively, will provide an update on the current activities in their states.

Cyclone Gabrielle Research Symposium
2025-11-19 10:00 - 2025-11-20 15:00 | Havelock North Function Centre, 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North, 4130, New Zealand
The symposium is intended to bring together those involved in reacting to Cyclone Gabrielle’s impacts on highly productive land to present and discuss findings and observations and together, draw out lessons to aid land managers and policy makers in future events.

What resources can be prepared that others can easily access and use to guide decisions immediately after such events, and in the months and years to follow?

What seemed to work and what didn’t?

What was not studied and should have been?

Horticulture Canterbury - Pre Xmas Dinner and Drinks
2025-11-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Dunsandel Cafe and Bar, 3374 Main South Road, Dunsandel, Canterbury, 7682, New Zealand
Growers – come and mingle with other growers, meet the Canterbury Growers committee and your regional representatives.

Potential 2026 Young Grower participants are encouraged to attend – come and chat to this years contestants and get to know more people in the industry.

Potatoes New Zealand Board Meeting
2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-23 08:00 - 17:00
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.

ARIA - Save the Date
2025-11-26 08:00 - 17:00
ARIA: Arable Research in Action with Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).

Save the Date!

More information coming soon.

WEBINAR: Crop Rotation for WireWorm Control
2025-12-11 02:00 - 03:00
The cryptic behaviour of wireworm larvae, combined with their broad host range and the limited availability of effective insecticides, makes managing this pest particularly challenging. Potatoes are a key economic crop and severe wireworm damage can result in substantial financial losses or even complete crop failure. In response to the lack of viable control options, research was conducted to evaluate the use of rotation crops. The results showed a marked decrease in the number of heavily infested fields confirming the positive impact of the crop rotation strategy used. Detailed research findings will be presented and discussed.

Presenter: Dr. Christine Noronha is a research scientist (Entomology IPM) at the Charlottetown Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PEI.

Dr. Noronha’s research has focused on developing pest management strategies for major pests on agricultural crops. She is the inventor of the NELT™, a solar powered trap for click beetles, developed an effective crop rotation strategy for wireworm suppression and the “Stem Crusher” for European corn borer control in potatoes.

Her leadership in developing innovative pest management strategies has had a significant impact on the agricultural sector. She is frequently sought out for consultations, expert advice, and presentations by growers, industry groups, and the scientific community in Canada and Europe. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Agrologist Recognition Award from the Prince Edward Island Institute of Agrologists in 2016 and was named one of the Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture in 2022. Dr. Noronha has published scientific papers, book chapters and fact sheets. She collaborates closely with the researchers, consultants and individual farmers from Canada, Europe and USA. The World Potato Congress Inc. is grateful to Dr. Noronha for taking this opportunity to be part of the World Potato Congress Inc. Webinar series.

WEBINAR: Potatoes New Zealand - 2025 Wrap Up
2025-12-11 11:00 - 11:45
Join Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Kate Trufitt for a End-of-Year Wrap-Up WebinarAs we close out another productive year, Potatoes New Zealand CEO Kate Trufitt is hosting a special webinar to reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved together and share what’s ahead for the industry.

Why You Should AttendKate will share some key achievements from 2025 along with a forward-looking conversation about how we can continue to grow together.

This is a chance to hear firsthand what Potatoes New Zealand is working on and what are some of new opportunities coming in 2026.

You’ll gain valuable insights into upcoming campaigns, hear about innovations, and learn how Potatoes New Zealand is working to ensure potato growers’ voice drives the strategy. It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work that made this year a success. Your participation matters because everything we do starts with you.

Field Day - Potato IPM Trial
2026-01-20 13:00 - 15:00
You are invited to visit an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) trial in a Canterbury process potato crop.

Join Potatoes New Zealand on Tuesday 20 January for a Potato IPM Trial Field Day.

Location: Acton Rd, Dorie >> | Coordinates: -43.864028, 172.131917

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.

Paul Horne from IPM Technologies will be there to share insights, alongside the team from Plant & Food Research.

Drinks and nibbles will be provided.

Please RSVP for catering purposes

Field Day – Potato IPM Trial

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Vegetable Research Roadshow - Dargaville
2026-02-24 16:30 - 21:00 | Northern Wairoa Boating Club Inc, Totara Street, Dargaville, New Zealand
The Vegetable Research Roadshow welcomes you to come hear the latest research results from the vegetable industry.

Veg Big Day Out 2026
2026-03-05 09:00 - 20:00 | Plant and Food Research – Pukekohe, 49 Cronin Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, 2120, New Zealand
After a massively successful inaugural event in 2025, Veg Big Day Out is back for 2026!

Join us for a day filled with research updates, technology demonstrations, field walks, and networking with a wide range of vegetable industry stakeholders.

Veg Big Day Out 2026 will be a one-day event and tickets are limited, so register ASAP.

We look forward to seeing you again!

Potatoes New Zealand's Birthday
2026-04-17 08:00 - 17:00
Potatoes New Zealand became incorporated on 17 April 2012 (Incorporated Society Number 2559200),

Representing growers’ interests, Potatoes New Zealand is committed to listening to, enabling and promoting better outcomes for the New Zealand potato industry.

Vegetable Research Roadshow - Pukekohe
2026-04-21 15:30 - 21:00 | Pukekohe Golf Club, 654 Karaka Road, Karaka, Auckland, 2580, New Zealand

Vegetable Research Roadshow - Gisborne
2026-04-22 16:00 - 21:00 | Bushmere Arms, Waerengaahika, Gisborne, 4071, New Zealand
The Vegetable Research Roadshow welcomes you to come hear the latest research results from the vegetable industry.

Welcome to the Vegetable Research Roadshow – Gisborne! Join us at the Bushmere Arms on April 22, 2026, at 4pm an exciting event featuring innovative research on vegetables.

Vegetable Research Roadshow - Hawke's Bay
2026-04-23 16:00 - 21:00 | Havelock North Function Centre, 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North, 4130, New Zealand

Meet the Board
2026-04-23 17:30 - 20:30 | Franklin Club, 7 East Street, Pukekohe, 2120, New Zealand
Got something on your mind about the industry? An opportunity you think we should be exploring? Or just keen to hear what’s happening across Potatoes New Zealand?

Join the Potatoes New Zealand Board for an informal catch up with fellow Pukekohe growers. This is your chance to have a chat, raise ideas, ask questions, and hear what Potatoes New Zealand is working on for growers.

No presentations. No pressure. Just good conversation with people who care about the future of the potato industry.

Meet the Board – RSVP Now

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AUSPICA Workshop

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Vegetable Research Roadshow - Ashburton
2026-05-12 15:30 - 21:00 | Noble 600, 231 Burnett Street, Ashburton, Canterbury, 7700, New Zealand
The Vegetable Research Roadshow welcomew you to come hear the latest research results from the vegetable industry.

Vegetable Research Roadshow - Levin
2026-05-13 16:30 - 21:00 | Levin Cosmopolitan Club, 47/51 Oxford Street, Levin, Manawatu, New Zealand

Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year
2026-05-15 08:00 - 22:00 | LaValla, 131 Dominion Road, Tuakau, Auckland, 2121, New Zealand
The 2026 Pukekohe Young Grower of the year competition will be held on Friday, 15 May 2026.

The competition is open to both commercial fruit and vegetable growers from the Pukekohe region. Contestants will be tested on a range of theoretical and practical modules designed to test their horticultural skills and knowledge. The gala dinner will round off the day’s activities with speeches from each contestant and the announcement of the 2026 Pukekohe Young Grower of the Year winner.

The day competition will be followed by an Awards and Gala dinner being held at La Valla, Tuakau. – Mix & Mingle welcome drinks from 5:30 pm. Dinner programme from 7:00 pm.

NZPPI CONFERENCE
2026-05-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Karaka Pavilion, 10 Hinau Road, Karaka, Auckland, 2113, New Zealand
The NZ Plant Producers Conference and Awards Dinner 2026 will be held 20-21 May at Karaka Pavilion in Auckland, bringing together plant producers, retailers, suppliers, educators, researchers and more.

At our 2026 conference we’re celebrating NZPPI’s tenth anniversary. Don’t miss this unique celebration of our industry’s success and the collective effort behind it.

We have listened to our members and made this our largest and most exciting conference yet. The compact, fast-paced and fun two-day programme includes plenty of social events, field trips and networking opportunities.

At our industry ‘Night at the Races’ Awards Dinner at the premium Karaka Pavilion venue, we’ll be galloping through an unforgettable evening and having a bet on the horses as well.

This year we are including the Young Plant Producer of the Year competition and awards ceremony in the conference programme for first time – a special edition as the popular event marks 30 years of supporting up-and-coming talent.

E Tipu
2026-05-21 08:00 - 2026-05-22 17:00 | Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, 188 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
Join this exciting journey toward a sustainable and resilient future for food and fibre production in New Zealand and beyond.

E Tipu is setting the stage for big conversations, bold ideas, and a community ready to shape what’s next.

E Tipu The New Zealand Future Food and Fibre Summit 2026 will be an opportunity to join a vibrant, immersive experience to help answer some of the most critical, sometimes uncomfortable questions about how we can grow together as a sector for the future.

E Tipu 2026 uses a bold new format to inspire and empower its delegates.

This is a summit not just about sharing ideas; it’s about igniting innovation and fostering a collaborative spirit that can drive the industry forward.

E Tipu will encourage connection, spark conversation, and convert critical thinking into action.

Vegetable Research Roadshow - Ohakune
2026-05-26 16:30 - 21:00 | Powderkeg, 194 Mangawhero Terrace, Ohakune 4625, Ohakune, 4625, New Zealand

LandWISE Conference
2026-05-27 09:00 - 17:00 | Havelock North Function Centre, 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North, 4130, New Zealand
Theme: “Soil Health for Profit”

LandWISE arose out of work to combat soil erosion through use of minimum tillage and they are returning to strip-till in 2026.

A lot has been learned in the intervening years! Along with that, they will look at what can be done to measure and manage crop nutrition and soil health to ensure sustainability and long-term profitability.

The Changing World of Potatoes
2026-05-29 20:00 - 22:00
A webinar exploring how the potato sector is evolving across markets, production, sustainability, innovation and new scientific developments.

Webinar agenda

Welcome and IntroductionsIan Toth, Director of the National Potato Innovation Centre at The James Hutton Institute.

Speaker sessions (15 minutes each)

GB potato industry update 2025-26 – Alex Godfrey (GB Potatoes)

An Upturned World Potato Market – Cedric Porter (World Potato Markets)

Outcomes from the PCN Action Scotland project – Kerry Leslie (SRUC)

Precision breeding in potato – Sasha Eremina (The Sainsbury Laboratory)

Beyond Yield: Soil Health and Nutrient Density in Potatoes – Rob Ward (Vitagri)

Novel uses for potato: Solanesol and protein – Gordon McDougall (James Hutton Institute)

International Day of Potato
2026-05-30 00:00 - 23:59
In 2024, we celebrate the first International Day of Potato by focusing on the contribution of the potato to the lives of producers and consumers with the theme: Harvesting diversity, feeding hope. #InternationalDayOfPotato

The potato represents one of the most important contributions of the Andean region to the entire world, as it is one of the five main food crops consumed in the world, contributing to food security.
