09 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
356 views
Food and fibre exports from New Zealand reached a record $65.2 billion in the year to June 2026, driven by strong demand, tight global supply, and despite challenges like the Middle East conflict and trade disruptions. Key sectors saw significant growth, including dairy exports up 6%, meat and wool up 20%, and horticulture up 5%, with notable export increases to the EU, UAE, and India following new trade agreements. The government is supporting this growth through trade deals, resource management reforms, and investments in technology to boost productivity, reduce emissions, and enhance farmgate returns.
28 Aug 2026
1 month ago
497 views
The New Zealand Government is funding a $4.6 million research project, led by agritech company Hectre, to develop hyperspectral imaging technology that non-destructively assesses the internal quality of apples in packhouses. This innovation aims to improve detection of defects and fruit maturity in real-time, enhancing storage, packing, and export decisions to reduce waste and boost fruit quality. The project targets at least 80% detection accuracy by 2027 and seeks to strengthen the apple industry's productivity, export performance, and global competitiveness.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
587 views
The NZ Rural Games Trust has received $100,000 from the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund, matched by the Trust for a total of $200,000, to run a ten-week ‘Agri Futures Pathways’ pilot program for at-risk youth aged 12 to 24 in the lower North Island. The program offers hands-on workshops in rural industry skills such as sheep shearing, quadbike safety, and horticulture, and supports participation in the national Clash of the Colleges competition. This initiative aims to engage young people with education and career opportunities in the primary sector, aligning with government goals to fund programs demonstrating successful outcomes.
28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
696 views
The Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to simplify its use, enhance worker protections, and maintain opportunities for New Zealanders and Pacific workers. Key reforms include a graduated accreditation system for employers, clearer rules on recoverable costs, improved flexibility for worker movement between employers, and updated accommodation and pastoral care standards. These staged changes, starting in 2027, aim to sustain the scheme’s success in supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while strengthening partnerships with Pacific communities.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
893 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing the horticulture sector by providing greater land use flexibility and investing $19.14 million in a five-year project to boost kiwifruit orchard productivity, quality, and environmental sustainability. This initiative, supported by Zespri and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, aims to increase kiwifruit export sales to $7.9 billion by 2035/36 and generate an economic impact of $15.8 billion. By reducing regulatory burdens and leveraging science and technology, the Government seeks to support farmers and growers, strengthen regional economies, and ensure a productive, sustainable primary industry sector.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
928 views
The New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1129 views
The New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers more flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, create jobs, and increase returns for taxpayers while maintaining strong environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and provides a pathway for exceptional land use changes, supporting modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1193 views
The New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, increase returns for taxpayers, support job creation, and strengthen regional economies while maintaining environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and establishes a process for exceptional land use changes, encouraging modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1396 views
The Government is providing a $2 million loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support pre-construction work on replacing the aging Falls Dam near St Bathans, vital for irrigating 8,000 hectares of Central Otago farmland. The funding will help Manuherikia River Limited assess regulatory, engineering, and financial aspects to ensure a secure and sustainable water supply for horticulture, viticulture, and farming. This project aims to enhance the region’s economic and climate resilience by delivering reliable irrigation and supporting higher-value land uses, with pre-construction expected to take about two years.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1294 views
New Zealand has eradicated the Queensland fruit fly from Mt Roskill after a swift biosecurity response, with no further evidence found since a single male fly was detected in January. Biosecurity New Zealand lifted movement controls on fruit and vegetables, protecting the horticulture industry, which is projected to export $9.2 billion worth of produce by 2026. The success reflects a robust multi-layered biosecurity system and strong community cooperation, preventing significant damage to the sector.
18 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1534 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka congratulated the finalists for the 2026 Ahuwhenua Trophy, which honors Māori excellence in farming and horticulture, highlighting their contribution to New Zealand’s economy and rural employment. The competition now includes horticulture, reflecting its 50% growth on Māori land since 2017, and recognizes the sector’s role in supporting Māori communities through jobs and reinvestment. Finalists will host field days for further judging, with the overall winner announced on 5 June in Whangārei.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1702 views
New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are projected to reach a record $62 billion by June 2026, driven by strong demand, favorable growing conditions, and diverse sectors including meat, wool, horticulture, forestry, and dairy. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay highlights government support through reforms, trade expansion, and sustainability initiatives, contributing to rising farmer confidence and economic recovery. The sector now accounts for 83% of all goods exports and employs one in seven New Zealanders, underscoring its vital role in the country’s economy and communities.
24 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1172 views
The Government has renewed a $2.7 million investment in the Farmstrong rural wellbeing programme, part of a five-year $6.8 million agreement between ACC and Farmstrong aimed at reducing injuries in agriculture and horticulture. Since its 2016 launch, Farmstrong has delivered significant returns, saving over 9,800 injury claims and $52 million in costs by addressing the link between wellbeing and injury risk. The programme, supported by ACC, FMG, and the Mental Health Foundation, provides practical resources to support farmers' mental health and safety, reinforcing the sector's importance to New Zealand's economy.
25 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1168 views
The completion of Te Waihekeora Reservoir in Northland, managed by Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, will significantly boost horticulture and job opportunities in the region. The reservoir, opened by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, will unlock over 1000ha of land for horticulture, with potential for expansion through the Kaipara pipeline. This water infrastructure project aims to enhance water security, support horticultural development, stimulate economic growth, and supply water to key local users, contributing to the region's economic prosperity and the government's goals for sustainable growth in food and fibre exports.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1540 views
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is providing $24.62 million to boost horticulture expansion in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti through water storage, flood resilience, and Māori land projects, aiming to enhance regional economies, employment, and export growth while improving resilience to economic shocks and extreme weather events. Specific projects include establishing high-value horticulture on Māori land in Tairāwhiti, expanding water storage capacity in Hawke’s Bay, replenishing the Makauri aquifer in Tairāwhiti, and developing water storage infrastructure for pipfruit orchards. These investments aim to strengthen regional resilience and productivity, with a focus on supporting the regions' economic growth and success.