Potatoes New Zealand

Young Grower of the Year - National Final
2025-09-10 13:00 - 2025-09-11 23:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | Canterbury
The Young Grower of the Year competition is an annual event, run by Horticulture New Zealand, designed to recognise and celebrate our most talented young growers. The competition highlights the skills, knowledge, and leadership potential of our next generation, ensuring the industry remains strong and sustainable.

The winners of each of the regional Young Grower of the Year competitions will contest a range of modules and challenges hoping to be crowned the New Zealand Young Grower of the Year.

The event comprises of competition days, 10 – 11 September, and an Awards Dinner on 11 September.

Date: Wednesday 10 September: 1pm – 5pm | Lincoln University; Union Lawn: Gate B

Module: Cultivate Leadership: Grow through Challenge

Date: Thursday 11 September: 9am – 2pm | Lincoln University; Union Lawn: Gate B

Module: Farmlands: Botany

Module: South Pacific Seeds: Innovation

Module: Horticentre Charitable Trust: Nutrition & Fertigation

Module: Ballance Agri-nutrients: Leadership Q&A Panel (runs prior to Awards Dinner from 4:30pm, Airforce Museum of New Zealand)

Module: FMG: Business & Finance

Module: Fruitfed Supplies; Integrated Pest Management

Module: Grow Home Safe: Health, Safety & Wellbeing.

Date: 11 September

Time: Young Grower of the Year Awards and Gala Dinner 5.30 – 11.30pm

Attend the Ballance Leadership Panel, Gala Dinner and Awards evening. Tickets are limited.

Location: Airforce Museum of New Zealand, Wigram, Christchurch

Consultation on Vegetable Collaboration Proposal - Ohakune
2025-09-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Powderhorn Chateau, 194 Mangawhero Terrace, Ohakune, New Zealand
You are invited to the upcoming meetings on the Vegetable Collaboration Proposal.Potatoes New Zealand’s Board wants to hear from you, so that they can be confident they understand your viewpoints, before the proposal is taken any further.The Vegetable Collaboration Proposal has been underway for two years now, considering what a future state may look like for the vegetable industry good structure.There are meetings around the country to provide you with the opportunity for robust discussion on the future of the vegetable industry good structure.

Find out more >>Register >>

Meetings also held at:

Levin – 11 September

Ashburton – 17 September

Pukekohe – 18 September

Consultation on Vegetable Collaboration Proposal - Levin
2025-09-11 15:30 - 17:00 | Horowhenua Culture and Community Centre, 10 Bath Street, Levin 5510, Levin, Manawatu, 5510, New Zealand
You are invited to the upcoming meetings on the Vegetable Collaboration Proposal.Potatoes New Zealand’s Board wants to hear from you, so that they can be confident they understand your viewpoints, before the proposal is taken any further.The Vegetable Collaboration Proposal has been underway for two years now, considering what a future state may look like for the vegetable industry good structure.There are meetings around the country to provide you with the opportunity for robust discussion on the future of the vegetable industry good structure.

Venue: Horowhenua Culture and Community Centre, 10 Bath Street, Levin

Find out more >>Register >>

Meetings also held at:

Ashburton – 17 September

Pukekohe – 18 September

Online - Vegetable Collaboration Meeting
2025-09-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Canterbury
Online – Microsoft Teams:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-nz/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting

Meeting ID: 475 206 930 211 4Passcode: [REDACTED]

Onions New Zealand, Potatoes New Zealand, Process Vegetables New Zealand, Tomatoes New Zealand and Vegetables New Zealand invite members to engage in the upcoming meetings on the Vegetable Collaboration Proposal.

Potatoes New Zealand’s Board wants to hear from growers, so Directors can be confident they understand their members’ viewpoints, before the proposal is taken any further.

Join the Online meeting with the following link:

Click to Join the MeetingMeeting ID: 475 206 930 211 4Passcode: [REDACTED]

The Vegetable Collaboration Project has been underway for two years now, considering what a future state may look like for the vegetable industry good structure.

These meetings around the country provide members with the opportunity for robust discussion on the future of the vegetable industry good structure.

Find out more >>

Online - Vegetable Collaboration Meeting
2025-09-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Canterbury
Online – Microsoft Teams:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-nz/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting

Meeting ID: 471 724 339 454 6Passcode: [REDACTED]

Onions New Zealand, Potatoes New Zealand, Process Vegetables New Zealand, Tomatoes New Zealand and Vegetables New Zealand invite members to engage in the upcoming meetings on the Vegetable Collaboration Proposal.

Potatoes New Zealand’s Board wants to hear from growers, so Directors can be confident they understand their members’ viewpoints, before the proposal is taken any further.

Join the Online meeting with the following link:

Click to Join the MeetingMeeting ID: 471 724 339 454 6Passcode: [REDACTED]

The Vegetable Collaboration Project has been underway for two years now, considering what a future state may look like for the vegetable industry good structure.

These meetings around the country provide members with the opportunity for robust discussion on the future of the vegetable industry good structure.

Find out more >>

Consultation on Vegetable Collaboration Proposal - Ashburton
2025-09-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Ashburton Events Centre, 211A Wills Street, Ashburton, Canterbury, 7700, New Zealand
You are invited to the upcoming meetings on the Vegetable Collaboration Proposal.Potatoes New Zealand’s Board wants to hear from you, so that they can be confident they understand your viewpoints, before the proposal is taken any further.The Vegetable Collaboration Proposal has been underway for two years now, considering what a future state may look like for the vegetable industry good structure.There are meetings around the country to provide you with the opportunity for robust discussion on the future of the vegetable industry good structure.

Find out more >>Register >>

Meetings also held at:

Pukekohe – 18 September

Consultation on Vegetable Collaboration Proposal - Pukekohe
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Navigation Homes Stadium, 21 Stadium Drive, Pukekohe, Auckland, 2120
You are invited to the upcoming meetings on the Vegetable Collaboration Proposal.Potatoes New Zealand’s Board wants to hear from you, so that they can be confident they understand your viewpoints, before the proposal is taken any further.The Vegetable Collaboration Proposal has been underway for two years now, considering what a future state may look like for the vegetable industry good structure.There are meetings around the country to provide you with the opportunity for robust discussion on the future of the vegetable industry good structure.

Find out more >>Register >>

Potatoes New Zealand Board Meeting
2025-09-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-19 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.

Cyber Security Week
2025-10-06 08:00 - 2025-10-12 17:00 | Canterbury
We want to encourage all New Zealanders to take smart, simple actions that will help protect them from financial loss, stress and lost time. This year’s focus will continue to encourage everyone to have strong password practices and adopt two-factor authentication on their main accounts.

Mental Health Awareness Week
2025-10-06 08:00 - 2025-10-12 17:00 | Canterbury
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is Top Up Together, encouraging you to connect with others as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life. A shared, community-based approach to wellbeing delivers the most sustained, long-term benefits.

Social connection is crucial for our wellbeing. It brings purpose and a sense of belonging to our lives, helps us feel valued, and makes us happier and more secure. Evidence shows that activities involving social interaction matter, actions like volunteering, shared learning, physical activity, cultural practices, and community events consistently have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Look after your oranga by topping up together with the Five Ways to Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week.

Me aro tonu/ Take Notice.

Tukua / Give.

Me kori tonu / Be Active.

Me whakawhanaunga / Connect.

Me ako tonu / Keep Learning.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your food basket and mine, the people will flourish.

Hort NZ Vegetable Grower Workshop
2025-10-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Tuakau Hotel, 1/3 George Street, Tuakau, Waikato, 2121, New Zealand
Vegetable growers are invited to participate in a workshop focused on effective water and irrigation management. The workshop aims to assist growers with on-farm practices and support with compliance requirements. It will focus on hard hose gun irrigators and pivot and linear irrigation systems and consist of a theory session at the Tuakau Hotel, followed by an outdoor session (weather dependent) on a nearby grower site.In collaboration with Irrigation New Zealand, the workshop provides the opportunity for growers to engage directly with water and irrigation experts.Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor at Irrigation New Zealand will facilitate the workshop. When | Wednesday, 15 October Time | 10am-2pm (refreshments provided)Where | Tuakau Hotel (downstairs conference room), 1/3 George Street, Tuakau, WaikatoNumbers are limited; early registration is encouraged.If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact arjune.dahya@hortnz.co.nz or call 027 336 4994.

WPC Webinar - Biology and integrated management of Potato Common Scab
2025-10-21 02:00 - 03:00 | Canterbury
Join the World Potato Congress Inc as they host a webinar on Biology and integrated management of Potato Common Scab, with presenter Dr Amanda Gevens from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Plant Pathology.

The webinar will provide information on the soil-borne bacterial pathogens that cause potato common scab and contemporary approaches to management of this challenging disease.

Agritech Unleashed: Canterbury 2025
2025-10-23 08:30 - 18:00 | Lincoln University, Springs Road/Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
Exclusive, limited-capacity event brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors to shine a light on the innovation driving the future of agritech in Canterbury and beyond.

Gain expert insightsEngage with industry leaders and participate in panel discussions on agritech advancements

Create valuable connectionsBuild relationships with key decision-makers and innovators in our thriving agritech ecosystem

Explore regional perspectivesHear how Canterbury’s deep science, cross-sector collaboration and diverse primary sectors are driving the future of agritech.

Contribute to the conversationTake part in our interactive workshop designed to spark collaboration and capture insights from across the sector.

With limited spots available, this event is designed for meaningful discussions and impactful connections.

Afternoon Workshops

As part of the day’s programme, you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into the topics that matter most through one of three interactive afternoon workshops.

Option 1. Exporters and Nextporters Ideal for business development leads, international sales teams, and C-level executives focused on global growth.

Option 2. Float All Boats: Mapping the agritech data tideBest suited for CIOs, CTOs, data architects, developers, and analysts working on interoperability and data infrastructure.

Option 3. Beyond the Baseline: Scaling what works in on-farm technology uptakeDesigned for farmers, technology builders, and product managers working to bridge real-world farm needs with agritech solutions.

WEBINAR: Safer Farms
2025-10-29 11:00 - 11:30 | Canterbury
Join Safer Farms Rachael Russell and Natalie Bowie for a session about who Safer Farms are and what they do.

In this webinar you will discover how Safer Farms collaborates with farmers, growers, and industry to create safer, healthier workplaces.

Explore easy-to-use tools and resources that are all in one place so that health and safety becomes a natural and easy part of keeping you and your staff safe on farm.

Let’s all work together to create safer farms!

There will be a presentation followed by any questions and answers.

This webinar is a Potatoes New Zealand and Safer Farms joint initiative, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Advancing Potato Breeding in the Asia-Pacific
2025-10-30 14:00 - 15:00 | 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 | Canterbury
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 | Canterbury
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 | Canterbury
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.

ARIA - Save the Date
2025-11-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Canterbury
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 | Canterbury
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 | Canterbury
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 | Canterbury
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 | Canterbury
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.
