Potatoes New Zealand

Dr Paul Horne Talk - Pukekohe
2025-02-28 08:00 - 10:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | 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, 2025-05-01 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.

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
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.

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

Member's Event - Palmerston North
2025-04-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Distinction Palmerston North Hotel and Conference Centre, 175 Cuba Street, Palmerston North, Manawatu, 4441, New Zealand

Member's Event - Pukekohe
2025-04-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Club, 7 East Street, Pukekohe, 2120, New Zealand

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Ashburton
2025-04-30 16:00 - 19:00 | Hotel Ashburton, 35/11 Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700, New Zealand

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Oamaru
2025-05-01 10:00 - 12:30 | Brydone Hotel, 115 Thames Street, Oamaru, North Otago, New Zealand

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Invercargill
2025-05-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Ascott Park Hotel, Corner of Tay Street & Racecourse Road, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand

WEBINAR: Potatoes New Zealand - Shaping the future of the industry
2025-05-02 10:00 - 10:45
Join Potatoes New Zealand’s CEO Kate Trufitt as she discusses the Constitution changes, a general update and discussion about the future of the industry.

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

Key topics

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

A valuable opportunity to ask questions and have your say

We look forward to seeing you online!

Everyone is welcome to attend, please share with you team and network.

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Gisborne
2025-05-06 16:30 - 19:00 | Bushmere Arms, Waerengaahika, Gisborne, 4071, New Zealand

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Hawke's Bay
2025-05-07 16:30 - 19:00 | Havelock North Function Centre, 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North, 4130, New Zealand

WEBINAR: Performing Under Pressure with Samuel Whitelock
2025-05-08 11:00 - 12:00
Join Farmstrong and Potatoes New Zealand for a webinar on ‘Performing Under Pressure“, where Samuel (Sam) Whitelock will share his insights.The science of wellbeing tells us that investing in simple habits, like connecting with mates and getting off farm regularly, really boosts your mood and builds resilience.Farming and growing are a lot like rugby – to perform at your best you need to be physically and mentally prepared.That’s why you, your family and team are invited to join Sam on this FREE, online session where he will share how he managed the pressures of high-performance sport and discuss how you could apply these strategies to your farm and life.The chat box will be open throughout for questions. This session is being offered by Farmstrong in partnership with Potatoes New Zealand.

Lincoln University Career Fair 2025
2025-05-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Lincoln University, Springs Road/Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
Student Career Fair for Lincoln University to profile companies with opportunities available.

Vegetable Research and Innovation Roadshow – Nelson
2025-05-16 16:00 - 18:00 | The Headingly Centre, 2 Headingly Lane, Richmond, Nelson, 7050, New Zealand

Special General Meeting - Potatoes New Zealand
2025-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Ashburton Events Centre, 211A Wills Street, Ashburton, Canterbury, 7700, New Zealand
All members are invited to the Potatoes New Zealand Special General Meeting. To vote on the changes to the Potatoes New Zealand Constitution.

Members are invited to attend a Potatoes New Zealand Special General Meeting (SGM) to vote on the extraordinary resolution.

Tuesday 20 May | 6pm to 8pm Ashburton Events Centre 211A Wills Street Ashburton, Canterbury

RSVP to attend In Person >>

RSVP to attend Online >>

Member participation is essential to ensure a quorum and that decisions made reflect the collective interests of our membership.

Please arrive at 6pm ready for 6.15pm start.We look forward to your presence at this important meeting.

Notes– There is no online voting as per our current constitution.– Proxies need to be declared to CEO 48 hours prior to Tuesday 20 May 6pm.– One vote per grower member and trade member.

RSVP to attend In Person >>

RSVP to attend Online >>

LandWISE Conference 2025
2025-05-21 08:00 - 2025-05-22 17:00 | Havelock North Function Centre, 30 Te Mata Road, Havelock North, 4130, New Zealand
In 2025 LandWISE is delighted to bring you a conference with focuses on regenerative crop production, carbon footprinting, and electrification. They’ll have new technologies to think about and see, there will be speakers with proven track records, and a chance to catch up with old friends and new.

If New Zealand are going to get to Carbon Zero (or better) then we need to think about both inputs and outputs from our systems. Can we soak up more than we release? Which inputs have the greatest impact?

International Day of Potato
2025-05-30 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.

Hort Connections (Australia)
2025-06-04 08:00 - 2025-06-06 17:00 | Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Cnr Merivale and Glenelg Streets, South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia
Hort Connections 2025 will be held in Brisbane and will again adapt to the horticulture industry’s ever-changing needs, and will offer plenty of networking opportunities, champion the trade show, and host the Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2025 on Friday 6 June.

Hort Connections speakers and exhibitors will showcase the latest research, technologies, and innovations to offer new perspectives on the future of Australasia’s horticulture industry.

Fieldays
2025-06-11 08:00 - 2025-06-14 17:00 | Mystery Creek, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation.
