WEBINAR: Crop Rotation for WireWorm Control
2025-12-11 02:00 - 03:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
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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Potatoes New Zealand Board Meeting
2026-02-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-23 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-23 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.

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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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.

Hort Connections 2026
2026-06-01 08:00 - 2026-06-04 17:00 | Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
Hort Connections 2026 will be hosted between Mon 1st – Thu 4th June at the Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC). Hort Connections has grown to a 4,000-delegate event and welcomes almost three times the number of growers than it did at the time of conception. Hort Connections 2025 was hosted at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) and was the second largest conference ever produced. We are excited to expand on this in 2026 for a bigger and better conference than ever before.

All areas of horticulture will be recognised and celebrated at the conference, bringing together members from right across the vegetable, fruit and floral sectors. Hort Connections will yet again proudly showcase exciting new products, services and technologies to help shape the Australian and New Zealand industry – highlighting solutions in agricultural technology, finance, labour, energy and environmental sustainability.

Why you need to attend?

Professional Development: Hear from world-class experts on a range of topics including transformative research, global innovations, consumption trends and export development.

Networking: Interact with the largest cohort of industry stakeholders in the horticulture sector.

Recognition: Celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2026.

Trade Show: Grow your connections and supply contacts at the largest trade show in Australian and New Zealand horticulture, with exhibitors from more than 200 industry-leading companies showcasing the latest products and services.

Fieldays
2026-06-10 08:00 - 2026-06-13 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.

WEBINAR: Two Bills. Nine Questions. One Test: Will They Actually Help Farmers and Growers?
2026-06-11 17:30 - 18:00
This is an Open Discussion on the two Bills (Environmental Protection Agency – Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Amendment Bill and Ministry of Primary Industries Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Bill).

Note: This is an opinion piece and not necessarily the views of Potatoes New Zealand

Speaker

Fenton Hazelwood is an executive with grower and farm supplies merchant WestAg, with 30 years’ experience in the food and fibre sector.

Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards
2026-06-23 08:00 - 2026-06-24 17:00 | Cordis Auckland, 83 Symonds Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
The Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards continues to bring together the very best leaders from across the spectrum of New Zealand farming and primary sector business. This year the Summit will focus on understanding and seizing the opportunities of the future, with the event providing high level insights, analysis and debate around the key themes that will decide how effectively we meet the future challenges for the sector.

Canterbury Young Grower of the Year
2026-06-25 09:00 - 21:00 | Lincoln University, Springs Road/Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
The competition is open to both commercial fruit and vegetable growers. Contestants will be tested on a range of theoretical and practical modules designed to test their horticultural skills and knowledge. A dinner will round off the day’s activities with speeches and the announcement of the 2026 Canterbury Young Grower of the Year winner.

Competition Day – Lincoln University, Sunken Lawn

9am – Briefing

9.30am – Modules kick off

12.25 – 1.25pm – Lunch

2.25pm – Modules finish

Awards Evening – Lincoln University, Mrs O’s Cafe

5.30pm – Arrival Drinks

6pm – Seated for welcome

6.15pm – Speech competition

7pm- Dinner

8pm – Awards Presentation

9pm – Dessert

Rural Wellbeing Expo
2026-06-27 11:00 - 15:00 | Pukekohe Indian Association Events Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe, 2120, New Zealand
The Rural Wellbeing Expo 2026 is a free community event dedicated to supporting the health, wellbeing, and resilience of New Zealand’s rural communities. Delivered in partnership with Asian Family Services, this event brings together growers, families, workers, and residents in Pukekohe to access trusted health services, practical advice, and culturally inclusive support — all in one place.

Whether you are part of the horticulture sector or simply living in a rural area, the Expo is designed to make wellbeing services more accessible, break down language and cultural barriers, and ensure everyone knows where to go for help.

What to Expect at the Expo

Free health checks and wellbeing advice

Access to trusted rural support services

Mental health and counselling support

Information tailored for growers and horticulture workers

Multilingual support and culturally inclusive services

Community connection in a welcoming, family-friendly environment

Why Attend?

Rural communities often face unique challenges when accessing healthcare and support services. The Rural Wellbeing Expo is designed to bridge these gaps by bringing essential services directly to the community.

This event focuses on:

Improving awareness of available support services

Breaking down language and cultural barriers

Encouraging early help-seeking

Vegetable Industry Showcase
2026-06-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Parliament Buildings, Molesworth Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Feeding the future: Advancing New Zealand’s vegetable producers

This year’s event will shine a spotlight on the incredible role our growers play in nourishing the nation. From boosting the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders to driving economic strength, the vegetable sector is a powerhouse worth acknowledging.

It’s also a rare chance to connect face‑to‑face with growers from across the country, Members of Parliament, government officials, and leaders from the wider horticulture community.

Note: Invitation Only

New Zealand Horticulture Conference
2026-07-27 08:00 - 2026-07-28 22:00 | Takina – Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, 50 Cable Street, Wellington, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
This July, the New Zealand Horticulture Conference brings the sector’together in Wellington for two days of insight, connection and practical thinking.

Hear from industry leaders, explore the issues shaping ourfuture, and build your own agenda across three streams: strategic, technical and people-focused.

Whether you’re looking to deepen knowledge, strengthen networks or gain fresh perspective, this is where the industry moves forward together.
