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April 20, 2026
Delphy Academy Training – Fertigation in Horticulture
In this online training (English spoken) you will learn about the chemical aspects of nutrients and fertigation, how to read an analysis, and how to make adjustments to the fertilizer recipe. Calculation of your own A and B tank filling from a recipe. The uptake of water and nutrients by the plant and the relationship with pH and EC.
April 20, 2026
Autumn Challenges: Managing Humidity, Energy Constraints and Crop Balance
A Perfect Storm for Crop Performance
April 20, 2026
IFPA Produce Executive Program returning to Auckland
Week-long fully residential program environment facilitates deep level collaboration, learning and engagement
April 20, 2026
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a new fungicide seed treatment to control disease on potatoes.
The New Zealand potato industry is valued at approximately $1 billion annually, according to Potatoes New Zealand.
April 7, 2026
Think It’s the Bees? Think Again
Proven Hive Performance Suggests Auckland’s Climate and Crop Conditions Are the Key Limiters. Every year, Zonda receives calls from growers saying “the bees aren’t working” and requesting new hives. While hives are sometimes replaced, these cases consistently show that the bumblebees are performing as expected. The real challenge? Humidity, Auckland weather, and plant conditions.
April 7, 2026
Signify and University of British Columbia collaborate to further explore feasibility of sustainable year-round greenhouse pepper production
Trial paves the way for growers to capitalize on the market opportunity to provide locally grown bell peppers during the winter months.
April 7, 2026
Energy Resilience for Greenhouse Horticulture: Electricity at the Core (not just for greenhouse horticulture but NZ Inc?)
Real opportunity for long-term resilience lies in electricity and bioenergy for growers
April 20, 2026
Signify wins HortiContact Innovation Award for Philips intelligent horticulture lighting solutions
“We are incredibly proud of this recognition”
April 7, 2026
Geothermal Strategy released MBIE
From the Ground Up: A strategy to unlock New Zealand's geothermal potential - March 2026
April 7, 2026
Proposed import requirements for fresh blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) for human consumption
Make your submission
April 7, 2026
The 2026 Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference (Melbourne) Update
Fast approaching event: Final reminder to register for this important event.
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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
Energy saving through screens
A combination of screen use, screen quality, greenhouse climate requirements, and greenhouse equipment.
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
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.
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.
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
