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March 23, 2026
Bringing the Sector Together: Covered Cropping NZ Launches
Greater collaboration, stronger representation, and better use of levy funding sit behind the new joint approach from Tomatoes New Zealand and Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated. There has been a call, for several years, that TNZ and VNZI should work together more closely as there are so many similarities amongst the greenhouse sector, including the growers themselves.
March 23, 2026
Plant-optimized spectrum to maximize photosynthetic efficiency and productivity:
27% higher yield and 40% energy savings in tomato greenhouse drive Woodeumgee Farm to repeat investment in Philips horticulture LED solution
March 23, 2026
Energy Under Pressure: Growers Invited to Pukekohe Open Day
Join Tomatoes New Zealand and Vegetables New Zealand on 14 May for site visits and supplier discussions showcasing real-world energy solutions, cost savings, and practical pathways for the season ahead.
March 23, 2026
The Carbon Difference Between LNG and Bioenergy: Does it Matter
As domestic gas supply declines and dry-year risks persist, New Zealand faces an important energy question. The challenge is not simply finding a replacement fuel, it is choosing an approach that supports long-term energy security while also reducing our carbon exposure.
March 23, 2026
Source Advances Harvest Forecasting for Tomatoes with Next Generation AI Model
Fundamental changes to how the model learns and handles grower input mean significantly less manual work and meaningfully better accuracy.
March 23, 2026
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) maintained the upward trend for hazardous substances decisions in the second quarter of the 2025-26 year.
Dr Lauren Fleury, Manager Hazardous Substances Applications, says the EPA continues to use rapid assessment pathways where possible. Of the 16 approved applications in the second quarter, 13 were decided by rapid assessment.
March 10, 2026
Heating Uncertainty Leaves Greenhouse Growers Searching for Answers
Waste oil supply changes force growers to reconsider long-term heating options ahead of winter. Two weeks ago I was alerted that one of the major recycled waste oil suppliers, based in the Auckland region, will soon stop supplying greenhouse growers. For one of my customers this came as a significant shock, particularly given that notice was given that deliveries will cease in the coming months –
March 10, 2026
Where Does Fusarium Sit on Your Priority List?
When discussing crop health during technical strategy meetings, Fusarium often does not sit particularly high on the list of priorities.
March 10, 2026
Energy saving through screens
A combination of screen use, screen quality, greenhouse climate requirements, and greenhouse equipment.
January 12, 2026
Response to fruit fly find in Mt Roskill update
Biosecurity New Zealand’s Oriental fruit fly response continues in Papatoetoe, Auckland, with no further fruit flies found
March 10, 2026
The 2026 Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference (Melbourne)
2026 program has been carefully designed to address the key issues currently facing hydroponic growers
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February 23, 2026
Leaf Mould (Cladosporium) plant samples required
Leaf mould continues to be a significant issue for many growers across the country, particularly given the weather conditions we have experienced over the summer.
February 23, 2026
A proven opportunity in strawberry cultivation with indoor-grown generative young plants
Indoor strawberry young-plant production is moving from a promising concept to a proven opportunity. Recent trials with F1 hybrid varieties grown from seed in fully controlled facilities have shown faster development of young plants, a roughly 40% higher fruit yield in the greenhouse, harvesting two weeks earlier, and a clean, chemical-free starting point.
February 10, 2026
Coal / Biofuel Boiler for Sale – 4.5MW
Morrow Engineering (Christchurch made) boiler unit available for sale in Karaka.
February 10, 2026
Equinox Growers improved crop quality and achieved consistent yield using Philips GreenPower LED toplighting force for leafy greens production
Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, is proud to announce the outstanding success that Equinox Growers has achieved in their leafy greens production using Philips LED toplighting force.
February 10, 2026
Day-Length Decreasing = Time to Adjust Your Water Content
Amid the usual distractions of modern growing life, it’s easy to forget that Autumn 2026 is just around the corner. As day length shortens, now is the critical moment to review and adjust your irrigation strategy. Unlike previous years that brought prolonged dry spells or extreme heat, this year’s weather has been variable. Across the country, many regions are already seeing heavy rainfall and several cloudy days in a row. While this is great for replenishing water reservoirs, it also creates challenges once the sun returns: crops may wilt, and the temptation to overwater is high. My advice: keep substrate water content and EC close to pre-cloudy levels.
December 2, 2025
Why Maintaining Cool Slab Temperatures Is Critical for Greenhouse Crops
Unseasonably hot weather for this time of year—have highlighted just how vulnerable greenhouse crops can be when slab temperatures climb beyond safe limits.
