Articles

James Bowan was “born into potatoes”, growing up on Fallgate Farm near Orari. South Canterbury, which his parents Raymond and Adrienne bought in 1975. James, who now manages the growing side of the operation, spanning just over 1,400 hectares, inherited Raymond’s passion for potatoes and that’s passed on to the next generation too. “I used…

Last month Potatoes New Zealand hosted the annual New Zealand Certified Seed Potato Grower meeting in Methven. I want to acknowledge the vital work of our seed potato growers, who supply the high quality, certified planting material that underpins the entire potato industry while managing significant on-farm challenges. The meeting offered a forum to share…

Potatoes New Zealand is saddened to learn of the postponement of the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event, following the recent severe weather that has impacted the region. As a proud sponsor of the Potatoes Powering Performance team – Onya Bike 1.5, that had entered this national event, Potatoes New Zealand had…

Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella) (PTM) can be a significant pest of potato crop production particularly in the upper North Island and under ideal conditions can result in substantial crop losses estimated at up to 40%. Hot, dry weather conditions over the growing period favours insect development along with field cracking of the soil surface…

In September 2025, Potatoes New Zealand’s Paula Lleras had the opportunity to travel to the Netherlands “the heart of potato innovation”, to attend Potato Europe in Lelystad, visit Wageningen University and Research, as well as take part in the Potato Business School (PBS) in Emmeloord. It was an inspiring trip full of fresh ideas, valuable…

Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarships HortNZ and the Horticentre Trust are offering scholarships to students who have a special interest in the fruit and/or vegetable industry and are studying towards an undergraduate degree. Sixteen Horticulture Undergraduate Scholarships are available to students studying in 2026. The Horticulture New Zealand Scholarship allows successful applicants to attend the 2026 Horticulture…

Seed potato growers Tracey and Andy McKay, winners of the Community Award John Jackson was recognised with a Life Member award for his instrumental role in developing New Zealand’s potato processing sector and leading the fight against Liberibacter Heidi and Matt Hart from Canterbury’s Longlane Farm were presented with the Sustainability Award by Potatoes New…

The Vegetable Industry Showcase held in Parliament Buildings, Wellington on Tuesday 9 September, was an important opportunity for the sector to connect directly with government, highlight the challenges and opportunities facing growers, and begin shaping how we can work together for better outcomes. The event featured an address from Hon Minister Nicola Grigg, a talk…

Article from Leaving School Magazine – writer Peter White Bridgett James is an assistant seed manager at the Potato Seed Co-Op in Ashburton – part of the potato supply chain that eventually reaches McDonald’s restaurants. The purpose-built facility specialises in storing, cutting and grading seed potatoes for McCain’s process growers. Bridgett (28) says the best…

At Potatoes New Zealand we’ve been listening closely to what matters most to our growers – and one message came through loud and clear: the importance of encouraging young people to get involved in industry representation. Growers told us they see real value in bringing fresh energy and new perspectives into governance roles and industry…