We’re stepping into the heart of autumn in May and it’s a great time to reflect, reset, and refocus. Whether you’re winding down a busy season or gearing up for new projects, May offers the perfect opportunity to pause and take stock.
In this edition, we invite you to attend a webinar, celebrate Mother’s Day, as well as discover fresh insights, updates, and inspiration to help you make the most of the month ahead.
Mother’s Day Promotion – Enter Now!
Potatoes New Zealand has partnered with Griffin’s Snacks to celebrate the amazing mothers in our lives. We are excited to honour the incredible mothers in our community by offering a chance to win one of four delicious goodie bundles to make this Mother’s Day unforgettable for four deserving mothers.
PRIZE 1 and 2
- 1 x Snacka Changi Chips – BBQ
- 1 x ETA Upper Cut Crisps – Sea Salt
- 1 x Kettle Chip Company – Sea Salt
- 1 x Griffins Wheaten Biscuits
- 1 x Hundreds & Thousands Biscuits
- 1 x Griffin’s Stripes Biscuits
- 1 x Griffin’s Roughs Biscuits
- 1 x Griffin’s Chocolate Fingers
- 1 x ETA Crunchies
PRIZE 3 and 4
- 1 x ETA Upper Cut Crisps – Sea Salt
- 1 x Snacka Changi Chips – Vinegar & Salt
- 1 x Kettle Chip Company – Honey Soy Chicken
- 1 x Choccy Caramels Biscuits
- 1 x Griffin’s Squiggles Biscuits
- 1 x Griffin’s Wheaten Biscuits
- 1 x Griffin’s Chit Chat Biscuits
- 1 x Sultana Pasties Biscuits
- 1 x Huntley & Palmers Wholegrain Crackers
REGISTER NOW FOR THE WEBINAR:
Performing Under Pressure with Farmstrong’s Sam Whitelock
Join Farmstrong and Potatoes New Zealand for a webinar on ‘Performing Under Pressure“, where Samuel (Sam) Whitelock will share his insights.
The science of wellbeing tells us that investing in simple habits, like connecting with mates and getting off farm regularly, really boosts your mood and builds resilience.
You, your family and team are invited to join Sam on this FREE, online session where he will share how he managed the pressures of high-performance sport and discuss how you could apply these strategies to your farm and life.
Everyone is welcome to attend this webinar, please share it with your network.
Watch the Webinar Recording
Potatoes New Zealand’s CEO Kate Trufitt talks about the Constitution changes, provides a general update and discusses the future of the industry.
Special General Meeting
Members are invited to attend a Potatoes New Zealand Special General Meeting (SGM) to vote on the extraordinary resolution.
Tuesday 20 May | 6pm to 8pm
Ashburton Events Centre
211A Wills Street
Ashburton, Canterbury
New Associate Member – Wyma Solutions
Potatoes New Zealand is delighted to welcome Wyma Solutions as an Associate Member. Supporting the potato industry through membership involvement is greatly valued, and we look forward to the insights and experience Wyma Solutions brings to our community.
As an associate member, Wyma Solutions is now part of a network committed to shared growth, collaboration, and innovation. Potatoes New Zealand is excited about the opportunities ahead and looks forward to Wyma Solutions joining us for the journey.
Potato Business School Scholarship – Recipient Announcement
Potatoes New Zealand recognises the importance of capacity building, skill development and increasing knowledge about potatoes is important and this is why Potatoes New Zealand will continue to offer a Potato Business School Scholarship every other year.
We are excited to announce the recipient of the 2025 Potato Business School Scholarship.
Blair Wilcox, AS Wilcox
We look forward to hearing from Blair about his experience.
Young Growers – It’s your chance to shine!
Apply now for the Young Grower of Year competition in a region close to you. Entries are open and now is your chance to shine. Test your skills and see if you are up to the challenge! Currently being run in the following regions – enter at a area close to you:
- 16 May – Central Otago
- 23 May – Pukekohe
- 5&6 June – Hawkes Bay
- 19 June – Nelson
- 27 June – Bay of Plenty
- 10 July – Canterbury
- 17 July – Gisborne
If applicable, please enter yourself and encourage other young, talented people to enter.
TPP PotatoLink Webinar Recording
This webinar provided an update on the Tomato/Potato Psyllid (TPP) situation in Australia as of April 2025, along with information about the causal organism of Zebra Chip (CLso) and information regarding managing TPP from NZ.
Technical Bulletin: Insecticide Control of Potato Tuber Moth
A Technical Bulletin is now available on Insecticide Control of the Potato Tuber Moth. The potato tuber moth (PTM) remains a key insect pest for potato crops in the upper North Island, particularly around Pukekohe. Adult moths lay eggs on the potato foliage, resulting in larvae (caterpillars) mining into potato leaves causing damage to the green leaf portion of the crop. Read the bulletin to find out more…
Register Now for your opportunity to attend this not to be missed event:
- Speakers: Exceptional, engaging and inspirational speakers
- Venue: Visit the award-winning Christchurch Town Hall
- Network: Strengthen relationships and share knowledge with growers, industry leaders and with wider potato sector.
- Insights: Hear from experts on the latest trends, challenges and opportunities.
Register Now for your chance to be a part of this key event for the potato industry!
Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
If you are interested in a Potatoes Conference Sponsorship, please get in contact with Potatoes New Zealand to discuss what is available.
Apply for VICE Project Funding
Do you have a project that can support the sustainability and productivity of New Zealand vegetable growers?
Apply for Research or Extension Funding
- Template will be reviewed by VICE Research and Extension working group and feedback will be issued promptly
- Identify whether your application is for research (trial/project) or extension (event/resource)
- Download appropriate template using buttons below, fill out to the best of your ability, and send to rzvyl.ynfxva@urfy.pb.am
Women in Seed Forum – Seed and Grain New Zealand
The annual Seed and Grain New Zealand Women in Seed Forum will be held on Tuesday 27 May from 7:30am – 5pm in Christchurch. This is a chance for women in the grain and seed industry to create opportunities for networking, professional and personal development.
Seed and Grain – Industry Golf Event
2025 Industry Golf Tournament – Registrations Open
Register now for the annual industry golf tournament. Registrations & Sponsorship available online.
Date: Thursday 15 May 2025
Venue: Tinwald Golf Course
Time: 18 holes check in 10.30am; 9 holes check in 12.00pm
Ambrose team event, open to golfers and non-golfers alike.
The Vegetable Research Roadshow is back for 2025. After a successful inaugural 2024 event, the Vegetable Research Roadshow looks to deliver the latest research results, project updates, and key information to vegetable growers across New Zealand.
Held in various locations around the country. All growers and industry representatives are encouraged to attend.
- Gisborne – 6 May
- Hawke’s Bay – 7 May
- Richmond, Nelson – 13 May
Farmstrong Toolbox Tip – Under the pump?
Learn to recognise when you’re ‘under the pump’:
- Am I getting enough sleep?
- Am I talking to someone about what’s on my mind?
- Am I having down-time to recharge?
- Do I have a list of what is realistic to achieve each day?
Using these questions to lock in small changes can make a big difference.
Events
Fieldays 2025
Join Potatoes New Zealand at Fieldays 2025 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation.
11-14 June 2025
Find out more >>
Primary Industries Summit & Awards
The Primary Industries New Zealand Summit and Awards brings together influential stakeholders and leaders from across of the primary sectors of New Zealand. Delivering strategic insights around future challenges and opportunities and celebrating our most successful and innovative primary industry producers and businesses.
24-25 June 2025
Find out more >>
Horticulture Conference 2025
Registrations open for the 2025 Horticulture Conference and RSE Conference.
Held in Wellington on 26-27 August – Save the date now so you are ready for when tickets open!
Find out more and register >>
View the events calendar
Find out about the horticulture industry events and activities that are currently happening.
NIWA National Weather Outlook
NIWA outlook for rain
NIWA outlook for dryness/drought
NIWA seasonal forecast for next 3 months
