Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025 Harsad (Harry) Bhula a respected Pukekohe vegetable grower and community leader, was presented with a Potatoes New Zealand Life Member Award at last night’s Potato Industry Awards 2025, recognising his work within New Zealand’s potato industry. Industry representatives have praised Harry’s mentorship of fellow growers and his commitment…
Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025: Industry veteran John Jackson’s contribution to New Zealand horticulture has been recognised with a Potatoes New Zealand Life Member Award at last night’s Potato Industry Awards 2025 ceremony. John’s work has positioned him as one of the country’s foremost authorities on potato seed and potato processing operations. In…
Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025 Andy and Tracey McKay, owners of Alps Seed Limited, have been honoured with the Community Award at the Potato Industry Awards 2025. The award recognises their dedication to community service and their innovative approach to involving the local community in horticulture. The McKays operate their seed potato business…
Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025 The Potato Seed Co-operative Limited has received the Innovation Award at the Potato Industry Awards 2025 for their transformative investment in cutting-edge potato seed processing technology. The Ashburton-based co-operative is a grower-owned entity that stores and supplies high quality potato seed for process growers in the Canterbury region….
Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025 Matt and Heidi Hart from Pye Group’s Longlane Farm have been recognised as champions of sustainable agriculture, taking home the prestigious Sustainability Award at last night’s Potato Industry Awards 2025. The Canterbury farmers were honoured for their groundbreaking approach to sustainable practices at the biannual awards ceremony, which…
Christchurch, New Zealand – 14 August 2025 Pukekohe agronomist Jamie Wells has been recognised as a rising star in New Zealand’s potato industry, taking home the Shining Star Award at last night’s Potato Industry Awards 2025. The 30-year-old agronomist at Balle Bros was honoured for his exceptional leadership potential and commitment to advancing potato farming,…
New Zealanders eat fresh potatoes more often than any other vegetable, but rather than recognising their health and nutritional benefits, many still see them as just a ‘carb’, according to new research. The consumer insights study from Potatoes New Zealand reveals that more than two-thirds of people eat fresh potatoes at least twice a week,…
Voting is open for the HortNZ board directors’ election – we have nine candidates standing to fill three vacancies (in alphabetical order): Simon Cook, Shane Flynn, Tom Keefe, Dermott Malley, Lochie McNally, John Murphy, Carol Palmer, Erin Simpson and Shaun Vickers. Click here to go to the HortNZ website to learn more about each candidate –…
To stay ahead in a landscape shaped by environmental regulation, emerging pests, and shifting consumer demands, Potatoes New Zealand continues to invest in a robust Research, Development and Extension programme. Focused on supporting growers by reducing production challenges, increasing yields, and ensuring the sector remains competitive as well as sustainable, Potatoes New Zealand’s current Research…
The White-Fringed Weevil (Naupactus leucoloma) has been present in New Zealand since 1944, having originated in South America before spreading globally. While its impact in New Zealand has been relatively minor to date, the experience of our counterparts in Australia means we should stay alert to the threat – particularly with changing climatic conditions and…