March 2026

May is a great opportunity for us to promote the humble potato through International Day of the Potato on Saturday 30 May.

Throughout the month, Potatoes New Zealand will be sharing a range of potato focused content, including daily recipe inspiration, highlighting the versatility and everyday value of potatoes in Kiwi kitchens. We are also preparing an International Day of Potato promotion, with more details to come soon.

This month’s newsletter brings together the latest updates, opportunities and insights from across the sector. As always, the Potatoes New Zealand team is here to support you, so please get in touch with any queries, ideas or feedback.

Quick Links

Potatoes New Zealand
Agronomy Summit
Industry
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Events
Weather

Potatoes New Zealand

International Day of Potato: Celebrating the Mighty Potato

May is here, and Potatoes New Zealand is celebrating the International Day of Potato on Saturday 30 May with a delicious lead up all month long.

Throughout May, we will be sharing a new potato recipe every day, highlighting just how versatile, tasty and inspiring potatoes are in Kiwi kitchens. From classic favourites to fresh ideas, there is something for everyone — so be sure to follow our social media channels and find your new favourite dish.

We will also be running an International Day of Potato promotion, with four amazing prize bundles up for grabs to make cooking with potatoes even better. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon.

It’s time to celebrate the potato all month long — flavour, versatility, nutrition and everyday goodness included.

Connect with Potatoes New Zealand >>

Black and white LinkedIn social media icon in circle

WEBINAR: Weather, war and what else

Potatoes New Zealand Update, presented by Kate Trufitt, Chief Executive Officer.

Kate provides an update for the potato industry on what is happening to keep everyone informed .

Watch NOW >>

Update: Impact of the Middle East War

Potatoes New Zealand continues to work with HortNZ, and NZVeg to ensure the Government understands the significant pressures facing growers and the wider vegetable supply chain. With global instability affecting fuel, fertiliser, freight, and workforce availability, the sector is pushing for food production to remain a priority in all Government decisions.

Staying Informed

HortNZ is providing regular updates on fuel, fertiliser, supply chain issues, and workforce impacts. View Now >>
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ website also offers reliable, up‑to‑date information on the Government’s response. View Now >>

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Potatoes New Zealand on 0800 399 674 or email vasb@cbgngbrfam.pb.am

Registrations Open: Agronomy Summit 2026

The Agronomy Summit is shaping up to be an unmissable event for potato growers, agronomists, researchers and industry partners from across Aotearoa. It is a day dedicated to research extension and connection—bringing people together to explore what’s happening now in research and development and what’s coming next for the potato industry.

This year’s Summit will combine local expertise with international perspectives, we have three international speakers who will share their insights. From agronomy learnings to emerging research and on farm solutions, the programme is designed to spark ideas, encourage discussion, and support more resilient and productive systems.

Just as importantly, the Agronomy Summit is a chance to connect with others in the industry—to swap experiences, learn from peers, and strengthen the relationships that underpin a strong potato sector.

Registrations are open!

Growers are encouraged to secure your place and be part of a day focused on knowledge, collaboration and the future of potatoes in New Zealand.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Agronomy Summit 2026
Thursday 6 August
Pukekohe Golf Club

Registrations Open >>

Sponsorship Opportunities Are Open

The Agronomy Summit provides sponsorship opportunities.

If you are looking to align your organisation with a highly engaged industry audience and be part of a standout event, we welcome the opportunity to discuss sponsorship with you.

Contact Potatoes New Zealand >>

Something exciting is growing…

Potatoes New Zealand is proud to be partnering with Garden to Table to support the next generation and inspire stronger connections between food, growing and learning.

This new partnership brings together a shared passion for education, hands‑on learning and celebrating where our food comes from — from the soil to the table.

We will be sharing more soon, with an official launch coming up towards the end of May.
For now, watch this space — we are excited about what’s ahead.

Annual General Meetings and Grower Dinner with Horticulture Canterbury Growers Society, Potatoes New Zealand and Process Vegetables NZ

On Tuesday 25 August at 5pm, Potatoes New Zealand will be partnering with the Horticulture Canterbury Growers Society and Process Vegetables NZ to hold our respective Annual General Meetings at the Ashburton Events Centre.

All growers are encouraged to attend. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow growers, board members and Potatoes New Zealand staff, and to have your say on important matters facing the industry.

Following the AGMs, attendees will enjoy a guest presentation from World Champion Mountain Runner Melissa Moon, before coming together over a delicious dinner to continue the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Youth Council Update

Read the article from Youth Council member Catherine James as she shares her recent experiences from the Vegetables Research Roadshow to presenting to the Potatoes New Zealand Board.

Connect with other Next Gen Growers

The Potatoes New Zealand Youth Council has launched a Facebook group: Next Gen Growers >>

Created to connect young people from across the New Zealand potato industry, this group is a space to share ideas, support each other, and build connections for the future of the sector.

Whether you’re new to the industry or already established, Next Gen Growers is your place to connect, learn and grow alongside others who are passionate about potatoes.

Join Next Gen Growers (Facebook Group) >>

Very Last Chance – European Tour 2026

Time is moving fast, and the Potatoes New Zealand European Tour is nearly locked in. If you have been thinking about joining us, this is the moment to make it real.

Last bookings need to be made by Friday 15 May.

Secure your flights now and you have secured your place!

A Trip That Goes Beyond Travel

This tour is shaping up to be an incredible chance to connect with global leaders, see world class potato operations up close, and share the experience with growers who are just as passionate as you are.

Lock It In Now

If you want to be part of this journey, booking your flights now is essential. This opportunity does not come around often, and the itinerary will be something truly unforgettable.

Please get in contact if you want to attend this exceptional opportunity by completing the Contact Form.

Complete the Form >>

Website Spotlight – Crisis and adverse events

Unpredictable events such as severe weather, biosecurity threats, workplace incidents, and supply chain disruptions can have serious impacts on our growers, businesses, and the wider potato industry.

The webpage provides practical guidance, key contacts, and information to help the potato industry prepare for, respond to, and recover from crisis or adverse events.

Find out more >>

Industry

Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday 10 May!

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 five delicious treat bundles to make this Mother’s Day unforgettable for five deserving mothers.

PRIZE 1 and 2

1 x Packet of ETA Ripples – Chicken Crisps
1 x Packet of ETA Ripples – Pickled Onion Crisps
1 x Packet of Griffin’s Gingernuts Biscuits
1 x Packet of Griffin’s Chockie Chippies Biscuits
1 x Packet of Griffin’s Chit Chat Biscuits

PRIZE 3, 4 and 5

1 x Packet of Snacka Changi Chips – Killer Prawn Cocktail
1 x Packet of Snacka Changi Chips – Great Uncle Kenny Fried Chicken
1 x Packet of Griffin’s Gingernuts Biscuits
1 x Packet of Griffin’s Chockie Chippies Biscuits
1 x Packet of Griffin’s Chit Chat Biscuits

It is easy to enter, all you have to do to be in to win is complete the entry form by midday on Friday 8 May:

Enter Now >>

A New Standard in Potato Seed Treatment now registered in New Zealand

Syngenta NZ has registered VIBRANCE® Premium, a next-generation potato seed treatment designed to optimise establishment and maximise marketable potato yields.

By combining the new SDHI sedaxane with fludioxonil, this formulation offers the broadest spectrum disease control available. It provides a robust defence against Rhizoctonia solani (Black Scurf), Silver scurf, Black dot, Fusarium, and Gangrene, while also suppressing Common scab.

Beyond disease protection, VIBRANCE® Premium helps build resilient root systems, leading to uniform emergence and consistent tuber sizing. Its dual-active power serves as a vital resistance management tool with persistent activity during early establishment.

For optimal results, Syngenta recommends pairing it with AMISTAR® in-furrow, a combination that has delivered outstanding disease control and yield results in local field trials.

Use timing is flexible with either pre-storage or pre-planting applications possible depending what suits growers best.

VIBRANCE® Premium gives your seed the coat it deserves and will be available for the 2026 planting season. For more information, please visit www.syngenta.co.nz/vibrance-premium

VIBRANCE® Premium and AMISTAR® are registered trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Always read the label completely before use.

It’s Tax Season and the Scammers Know It

As the financial year has ended, Inland Revenue will be starting to get in touch about end of year taxes.

Scammers use this opportunity to get their hands on your information, your myIR account, or your money.

Be alert to scammers this tax season

Find out more >>

Succession planning workshops

Rabobank are running facilitated succession planning workshops at various locations across 2026. This offering is open to those in horticulture, including non-Rabobank customers, and is free of charge. They are interactive workshops with practical hands-on skills to help you better understand the process of passing on control and ownership of your farming business. Through the workshop you will

build confidence to start the process
understand the difference between: asset transfer/business continuance/inter-generational land ownership
discover all the information that goes into a succession plan, what support is available/what may be most useful for your business, how to clarify roles and responsibilities, how to learn from common mistakes
learn what a roadmap may look like
identify the next steps to make real progress.

While it’s not essential, it is strongly recommended that you attend alongside other owners from your farming business and a member of the next generation. Based on experience and feedback, businesses gain the greatest value from the one‑day workshop when multiple generations and owners attend together.

Confirmed locations are:

Te Kuiti – 4 May
Morrinsville – 5 May
Matamata – 6 May
Putaruru – 7 May
Rotorua – 8 May
Fielding – 30 June

Other locations will be added throughout the year. Places are limited and it is first in first served.

Find out more >>

ProGrow Agronomy Training 2026

Half Day Courses

How to Build a Fungicide Program to control:
– Potato Late Blight
– Alternaria
– Sclerotinia

How to Build an Insecticide Program to control:
– Potato Tuber Moth
– Psyllids
– Aphids
– White Fly

Practical programs that look at monitoring, resistance management, and cost.

8.30-1pm Lunch included $600 + GST | Email funar@cebtebj.pb.am for details.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Farmstrong: Topic Modules

Farmstrong has created free online modules helping rural New Zealanders cope with the ups and downs of farming.

In the support modules you will find practical tools that you can use to boost your wellbeing, perform at your best and reduce your risk of accident and injury.

View the Modules >>

Rural Support
Finance plays an essential role in every business

Usually you can see a way ahead when working with your accountant and bank, but sometimes you feel financially stuck. You may want to discuss this with someone and that is where the Rural Support is here to help.

FARM BUSINESS ADVICE FUND

Working with your Bank, the Farm Business Advice Fund provides up to $6,000 for independent advice to those farmers facing financial pressure to help them identify strategies to move their business forward.

Farmers can contact your local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 for more information on the Fund.

Find out more >>

Safer Farms – Health and Safety inductions on farm

Safer Farms’ research shows that there are a lot of resources, apps and tools out there from many different organisations to help support farmers in inducting new employees, visitors and contractors when they come on farm.

Safer Farms has a two minute survey for farmers to complete which will help work out what support is required in this area so please take the time to have your say.

Have your say >>

Events

Young Grower of the Year – ENTER NOW

Young Grower of the Year is open for entries, and we’re encouraging the bright, capable young people across our potato and wider horticulture sector to step forward. This is a chance to stretch yourself, show the industry what you can do, and grow your confidence, skills and professional network along the way.

If someone in your team has that spark — the drive, curiosity and commitment that marks a future leader — give them the encouragement they need to enter. Sometimes a quiet word of support is all it takes to help someone back themselves.

Celebrating the talent, passion and hard work shaping the next generation of New Zealand growers, this competition is about recognising the people who will carry our industry forward.

Let’s back our young growers and champion the future of New Zealand horticulture together.

2026 Dates

May 15 – Pukekohe
May 22 – Central Otago
June 11 – Gisborne
June 18 & 19 – Hawkes Bay
June 19 – Bay of Plenty and Nelson
June 25 – Canterbury

Find out more >>

In 2026, the fresh produce industry will gather 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 showcase the latest products, services and technologies shaping the sector, alongside insights in communications and market intelligence.

Hort Connections 2026 delivers four days of learning, networking and celebration, bringing the entire fresh produce community together under one roof.

Registrations Now >>

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. A must attend to stay relevant on a global level.

Find out more >>