The first year of Producer Extension Network NZ, a joint initiative from Te Uru Rākau New Zealand Forest Service and NZPPI, is complete. Over the past 12 months, native plant nurseries across the country have come together to share ideas, build practical skills, and look at ways to improve productivity, plant health and business performance.

We are now inviting native plant producers to join Cohort 2, starting this July.

The programme is designed for nurseries that want practical support, relevant tools and stronger connections with other producers. Scaling up native plant production is not only about growing more plants. It also depends on good systems, sound decisions, skilled teams and access to the right knowledge.

Participating producers will take part in four in-person workshops over the next 12 months. The workshops are producer-led, with topics shaped by the group and tailored to the needs of native plant nurseries. Previous topics have included business benchmarking, productivity, plant protection and irrigation.

Participants will also gain access to practical tools, research, resources and a network of like-minded plant producers facing similar challenges.

Spaces for Cohort 2 are limited. Interested producers should submit an Expression of Interest form by 12 June 2026.

For more information about Producer Extension Network NZ, contact NZPPI Extension Co-ordinator Jacinta Harrop or visit pennz.org.nz.