As we reach the end of another busy year, it’s a great time to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and progress we’ve made together across the potato industry. December brings the start of summer and the busy growing season — it is also a chance to celebrate our work, enjoy time with whānau, and look forward to the opportunities that 2026 will bring.
Quick Links
WEBINAR: Potatoes New Zealand – 2025 Wrap Up
Join Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Kate Trufitt for a End of Year Wrap Up Webinar
Thursday, 11 December | 11am – 11.45am | Online
As 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 Attend
Kate 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.
Biosecurity Update: Bacterial Survey
Potatoes New Zealand will be conducting a bacterial survey to determine whether the species Dickeya solani is present in New Zealand. Historically, blackleg symptoms in New Zealand have been attributed to Erwinia carotovora (now known as Pectobacterium carotovorum), but we want to confirm if this is accurate or if Dickeya solani is also present. This species has become a widespread problem for potato industries in many other countries, so identifying its presence is critical for effective pest management strategies and industry communication.
Potatoes New Zealand proposes a targeted survey, where seed potato crop inspectors, agronomists, and growers will collect plant samples showing blackleg-like symptoms from seed and commercial crops over the coming season. Typical symptoms include stunted plants, yellowing foliage, and blackening of the stem below ground.
If you find an infected plant and would like to contribute to the survey, please collect the entire plant (excluding tubers), place it in an unsealed bag, and refrigerate it as soon as possible. We only require one sample plant per production site. Please contact Tristan Hickman to arrange delivery of the sample to the AsureQuality laboratory in Lincoln, Canterbury.
Thank you for your support in this important initiative.
Contact: Tristan Hickman | Phone 027 233 3865 | tristan.hickman@potatoesnz.co.nz
Export Update
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is developing a new online certification system, ‘MPI Trade Certification’, to replace existing platforms such as ePhyto. The first phase focuses on Phytosanitary certification, with the system going live at the end of February 2026.
To support industry readiness, there has been two webinars demonstrating the new system and sharing program updates. Materials, including slides and Q&A, are available on the website: Replacing trade certification systems | NZ Government. Please refer to the Release 4 (Plant Products) and Recent Programme updates sections.
The next webinar is scheduled for early December 2025. To receive invitations, email the Ministry for Primary Industries at futurecertification@mpi.govt.nz
Vegetables Big Day Out 2026 – Register Now!
Thursday, 5 March 2026 | 9am | Free Entry
Vegetables Big Day is returning – and it’s shaping up to be the event of the year! Gold Sponsor, Horticentre Charitable Trust, and Silver Sponsor, Agworld, are helping to deliver a full day of insights and innovation for vegetable growers.
✅ Hot topics for indoor and outdoor cropping
✅ International keynote speaker
✅ AgTech demos
✅ Research results, expert panels and in-field trials
✅ Tradeshow with networking for growers, researchers and industry partners
Tickets are free, however they are limited, so Register Now!
Sponsorship
There are a few sponsorship spaces still available for the Vegetables Big Day Out. Do not miss this great opportunity to be connected to and show your support for the Vegetables Big Day Out 2026!
In 2026, the entire fresh produce industry will converge at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Monday 1 June to Thursday 4 June, for Australia and New Zealand’s premiere horticulture event . Through the trade show, attendees will gain exclusive access to the latest products, services, and technologies driving the horticulture industry forward.
Hort Connections 2026 will bring together the entire fresh produce industry for four days of learning, networking, and celebration.
Expressions of Interest: Grower Trip to Europe – PotatoEurope 2026
Potatoes New Zealand are seeking expression for a Potato Grower Tour to Europe in 2026, with the highlight being attendance at PotatoEurope 2026, hosted in Springe, Germany near Hanover.
PotatoEurope is one of the world’s leading events dedicated entirely to the potato industry. It brings together growers, researchers, suppliers, and innovators from across the globe to showcase the latest in potato breeding, crop protection, machinery, storage, and marketing. The 2026 edition promises cutting-edge demonstrations, field trials, and networking opportunities that will inspire and inform growers about the future of potato production.
Website Updates
Potatoes New Zealand is currently updating the website to improve navigation, usability, accessibility, and the overall experience for our visitors. During this process, you may notice a few changes appearing on the website as we continue to refine and enhance its features. Thank you for your patience and understanding, while we work to make the website easier to use and more accessible for everyone.
Website Spotlight – Recipes
As the year winds down and the summer growing season kicks in, it’s the perfect time to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce straight from the farm. The Recipes section on the website is packed with ideas to help you make the most of your hard work in the paddock—whether you’re looking for quick weekday meals or something special for the holiday table.
From crispy roast potatoes to fresh salads bursting with flavour, these recipes are designed to celebrate the goodness of locally grown produce. They’re delicious and will impress family and friends – share them with your networks, so we all can enjoy more potatoes.
Online Safety
STOP and think before you click
Next time you receive an email that you were not expecting, requests personal details, or does not look quite right, take a moment to consider:
Is this possibly a phishing attempt?
Young Grower of the Year
The Young Grower of the Year Award will be held again in 2026 across several regions in New Zealand, culminating in a Grand Final. We encourage everyone to be on the look out for and to encourage young people in our industry to get involved for an opportunity to learn, grow, network and so much more.
Support the future of New Zealand Horticulture by supporting the Young Growers.
Ballance Farm Environment Awards
The Awards celebrate farmer and grower achievement and showcase good practice, enabling the sharing of positive farming and growing stories with all audiences.
Our assessment considers the farm system including:
- Animal and Plant Care
- Biodiversity
- Business Health
- Climate
- People and Wellbeing
- Soil
- Water
- Waste Management
Being part of the awards programme is a positive way to receive feedback on your business, help identify your strengths and learn from others who are passionate about the food and fibre sector.
Complete the Safer Farms Survey and Be In To WIN
Farmers and growers across Aotearoa are being asked to share their views on health, safety and wellbeing on farm.
This short survey will help identify what’s working, what’s not, and what supports would make the biggest difference.
Complete the survey and be in with a chance to win 1 of 5 Great Prizes!
FarmStrong – Healthy Thinking and Mindsets
Farming is more than a job—it’s a way of life. But it can also be tough on your mental and physical health. That is why Farmstrong is here: to support growers in building resilience and staying strong through the ups and downs of the season.
- Practical tips for managing stress
- Stories from growers like you
- Resources to keep you thriving
Because when you look after yourself, your farm benefits too.
Potatoes New Zealand Partner’s Thank You
Potatoes New Zealand expresses our sincere gratitude for all our Partners – Trade and Associate Members for your ongoing commitment and partnership. Your support plays a vital role in strengthening our industry and driving shared success.
Together, we have achieved significant milestones, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you—building opportunities, fostering innovation, and creating value for all.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community.
Trade Members
Associate Members
Become a Partner
If your organisation is interested in becoming a Potatoes New Zealand Trade Member or Associate Member, please get in contact and we can discuss the opportunities with you.
Events
13th World Potato Congress
26 – 30 October 2026
Sawela Lodges, Naivasha, Kenya
The World Potato Congress brings together the global potato community every two years. Kenya 2026 will focus on sustainable agriculture, innovation, and building partnerships for a food-secure future.
View the events calendar
Find out about the horticulture industry events and activities that are currently happening.
National Weather Outlook
Weather Watch
Weather Watch brings you the latest New Zealand forecasts weekdays.
NIWA outlook for rain
NIWA outlook for dryness/drought
NIWA seasonal forecast for next 3 months
