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…
Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) was recently detected in Northwest Tasmania – Australia’s first encounter with this plant pathogen. It’s a good reminder for New Zealand potato growers about the importance of continued vigilance against an existing but well-managed threat. For New Zealand’s potato industry, PMTV is not new territory. The virus was first identified here…
The current five industry good vegetable product groups (Potatoes New Zealand, Onions New Zealand, Process Vegetables New Zealand, Tomatoes New Zealand and Vegetables New Zealand) are considering coming together as one, new industry good organisation. Read the Business Case that has been prepared outlining: The five current product group Boards have all endorsed the Business…
As a keen runner, Bryan Hart doesn’t bother with commercial energy gels when he’s training for a half marathon – he boils a potato, sprinkles it with salt and it provides the perfect fuel. “I put it in a ziplock bag and two hours into the run I have that,” says Bryan. “It’s better than…
Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025 The finest in Aotearoa’s potato sector were honoured this week at the 2025 Potato Industry Awards, held as part of the Potatoes New Zealand Conference at Christchurch Town Hall. The awards celebrate individuals and organisations who have made outstanding contributions through leadership, innovation, research, and long-standing commitment to…
Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025 Pukekohe vegetable grower Peter Reynolds has been presented with a Potatoes New Zealand Life Member Award at last night’s Potato Industry Awards 2025. The Life Member Award recognises outstanding career contributions within the Potato Industry Awards programme, which celebrates excellence whilst raising public awareness of potatoes’ value, versatility,…