Matt Dolan, NZPPI Chief Executive
This is a busy time of year for many in our industry. It's only a few days into 2026 but the year is getting underway fast. No one can predict the future, particularly industry body Chief Executives, but feedback from our members indicates that 2026 will be another difficult year. While the economy is expected to improve, helping consumer confidence in the greenlife sectors, I have already heard from some of our members that the pipeline of new horticulture and forestry developments is thin. This has flow-on effects right through the plant production sector.
Against this background, here are three key developments that are on our radar for 2026:
- It’s an election year, so we will be keeping an eye on policy announcements from the political parties. Whichever form a new Government takes, it is expected that reforms in areas like education and health & safety will continue. The current Government has been pressing for user-pays and cost-recovery for many of its activities. This applies across areas like biosecurity, plant imports and exports and training and education. The Government has made it clear that industries should expect to fund a greater share of the systems they rely on. For NZPPI, if the Government wants this arrangement, then the focus is on making sure that it delivers better outcomes for the investment from our industry and that funding is fair, transparent and captures free riders.
- Biosecurity risk is trending upward, and the industry cost for biosecurity is rising alongside it. After several years without a major incursion, during 2025 we saw an increase in serious incidents offshore, including ongoing outbreaks, particularly in Australia and Europe that have proven costly and disruptive for plant producers. These events are a reminder that biosecurity is a critical risk that can stop our industry in its tracks. It is critical to be prepared. During 2026 we want to re-examine how our industry manages and funds biosecurity activities in a fair and equitable way that prevents free-riding from non-members.
- This year the Government is reviewing its procurement policies. There is growing recognition that the previous procurement settings have had unintended market impacts in our industry. This is an important opportunity to reset the policies, ensuring transparency and fairness, while avoiding unmanaged oversupply and ensuring procurement practices recognise industry standards and encourage investment in the sector.
This year also marks NZPPI’s 10th anniversary, an important milestone that gives us the chance to celebrate how far our industry has come and to look to the next phase, including a review of NZPPI’s Strategy.
In 2026 we’re holding our industry Conference on 20–21 May in Karaka, Auckland. This is a key event in our industry calendar and this year's event will be our biggest and best yet, celebrating our 10-year milestone.
In addition to conference, we will be rolling out a programme of regional SHED meetings and industry forums. During 2026 NZPPI will continue to deliver our services and industry programmes that support our members day to day and strengthen the industry for the long term. This includes continuing to build the credibility and uptake of Plant Pass, supporting Young Plant Producer of the Year and continuing our extension programme.
Finally, we want to acknowledge our members and thank you for your continued support. Your engagement, feedback and commitment to industry-led solutions are what give NZPPI its mandate. In a year like this, working together is more important than ever – and it is through that collective effort that our industry will remain resilient and well-positioned for the future.