As we wait for summer to make an appearance, February is a pivotal time for New Zealand potato growers.
Across the country, recent weather events have been challenging for many in our growing communities. Our thoughts are with those whose families or whānau have been affected.
If you need support, or if Potatoes New Zealand can assist in any way, please reach out. We are here for our growers.
This month’s newsletter will keep you informed on what is happening across Aotearoa’s potato industry.
Valentine’s Day Promotion
Love is in the air… and so is the crunch!
This Valentine’s Day, Potatoes New Zealand has teamed up with Heartland Potato Chips to share the potato love.
Five lucky winners will each receive a delectable box of Heartland Potato Chips, made from New Zealand-grown potatoes and perfect for sharing with your spud-mates or keeping all to yourself (we won’t judge!).
To be in to win, get creative and show us your potato love this Valentine’s Day on Saturday 14 February. To enter, create something potato inspired and share it with us!
Potatoes New Zealand/Horticulture Canterbury Growers Society
Annual General Meeting and Grower Dinner
Potatoes New Zealand is delighted to partner with the Horticulture Canterbury Growers Society to hold our respective Annual General Meetings on Tuesday 25 August – 5pm at the Ashburton Events Centre.
All growers are encouraged to attend to network with growers, board members and Potatoes New Zealand staff as well as have your say on important matters arising.
After the Annual General Meetings there will be a guest speaker: World Champion Mountain Runner – Melissa Moon followed by a delicious dinner.
Agronomy Summit 2026 – Strengthening Our Growing Future
Planning is well underway for this year’s Agronomy Summit, a key event bringing together growers, agronomists, researchers and industry partners from across Aotearoa. The Summit is an opportunity to share insights, explore emerging challenges, and discuss the innovations shaping the future of potato production.
With weather variability, shifting market pressures and evolving on‑farm practices, this gathering is more important than ever. We encourage all growers and agronomists to join Potatoes New Zealand for a day of learning, collaboration and practical takeaways to support a resilient and productive season ahead.
More details, including the full programme and registration information, will be shared soon. We look forward to seeing you there.
Agronomy Summit 2026
Thursday 6 August
Pukekohe Golf Club
Sponsorship Opportunities Are Open
Sponsorship for the Agronomy Summit is open, and it is the perfect moment to put your brand front and centre. This is your chance to connect with growers, decision‑makers and industry leaders in a setting designed for real impact.
Whether you want to boost visibility, launch something new, or strengthen your presence in the sector, we have options to match your goals. If your organisation is ready to step up and be part of something big, we are happy to talk.
Field Day – Potato IPM Trial
On Tuesday 20 January, Potatoes New Zealand hosted a Potato IPM Trial Field Day.
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.
Thank you to everyone who attended on the day.
Yellow Legged Hornet
Biosecurity New Zealand continues to urge Aucklanders to watch for yellow-legged hornets or nests, following ongoing detections of queens and nests in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas, with 45 confirmed queen hornets found to date and strong public support shown through more than 8,600 notifications. Report any suspected sightings by calling the Ministry for Primary Industries exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 996.
Food Residues Survey Programme
A 2025/2026 Food Residues Survey Programme (FRSP) sampling plan has been published on the Ministry for Primary Industries website: Documents for Food Residues Survey Programme | NZ Government
As part of the 2025/2026 programme, 300 samples from the following commodity groups are being collected:
- Brassica vegetables
- Bulb vegetables
- Pome fruits
- Root and tuber vegetables
- Stalk and stem vegetables
- Tree nuts
These samples are being tested for agricultural chemical (pesticide) residues. Sampling may take place at various points along the food distribution chain, such as wholesalers, distributors, packhouses, or retailers.
If you have any questions about this year’s programme, please contact erfvqhrf@zcv.tbig.am.
Website Spotlight – Export Statistics
New Zealand’s potato exports continue to play a vital role in the strength of our industry, with demand for high‑quality products remaining strong across key global markets. This month’s website spotlight takes a closer look at the latest export statistics, highlighting our international performance.
Grower Feedback Wanted
Throughout the year, Potatoes New Zealand will be running short surveys to hear directly from our growers. Your insights help us improve services, support your needs, and keep the industry moving forward.
Keep an eye out — each survey only takes a few minutes to complete!
RSE Policy Review Priorities
Industry groups continue to work closely with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) as the RSE policy review moves forward. In late 2025, employers across the scheme were surveyed to identify their top priorities for policy improvements.
Following discussions in October, three employer‑led working groups have been formed to focus on the areas identified as most critical:
- Alignment of RSE settings
- Transport deductions
- Accommodation standards
These groups are developing practical, employer‑driven recommendations to support MBIE’s policy work. Their aim is to clearly define what “good” looks like from an employer perspective and ensure day‑to‑day realities on the ground are fully understood as the review progresses.
In February, feedback will be sought on draft proposals through a series of webinars.
If you would like to receive updates, please email efr@ubegam.pb.am.
Young Grower of the Year
Entries are open for Young Grower of the Year, and we’re calling on talented young people across the sector to step forward. This is your moment to challenge yourself, show what you’re capable of, and gain recognition, confidence and professional growth along the way.
If you know someone with the drive and potential to shine, encourage them to enter. A simple nudge can be all it takes to help a future leader back themselves and take the leap. The competition is all about celebrating the skill, passion and commitment shaping the next generation of our industry.
Back the future of New Zealand horticulture by encouraging and supporting our Young Growers.
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 and we are nearing capacity! Secure your ticket now so you do not miss out!
In 2026, the fresh produce industry will come together at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Monday 1 June to Thursday 4 June for the premier Australia and New Zealand horticulture event. The trade show will give attendees exclusive access to cutting‑edge products, services and technologies shaping the future of the sector.
Hort Connections 2026 promises four days of learning, networking and celebration, uniting the entire fresh produce community under one roof.
Horticulture Canterbury Growers Meeting
Welcome in 2026 with updates from the growers committee, HortNZ Policy and information on upcoming events.
Tuesday 17 February 6pm – 8pm
AgResearch (meeting room beside entrance)
19 Ellesmere Junction Rd, Lincoln
Please RSVP to pbzzf@pnagreoheltebjref.am or Chelsea 027 478 0068.
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
