NZPPI NEWS

Annual Report published ahead of NZPPI 2026 Forum and AGM

At the NZPPI 2026 Forum and Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Thursday 24 September 2026 in Hamilton and online. Producer Members will vote on the key issue of a commodity levy.

Have your say in the nursery levy discussion

The NZPPI Board is asking for feedback on how a levy model could provide a stable, equitable and sustainable funding base for the industry's work. Please respond by 31 July 2026.

Education is at a critical point

The next few months will determine how our workforce is trained in the future. Decisions to be made in the vocational education space present the opportunity to fix the longstanding issues and frustrations with the system.

Plastic recycling trial underway

Agrecovery has introduced a new user-pays rural collection and recycling trial for bulk used rigid plastic pot and trays. This trial is a fantastic first step for plant producers to manage their plastic waste sustainably and was strongly supported by participants at the NZ Plant Producers Conference in May.

Join our 2026 producer extension network

Te Uru Rākau New Zealand Forest Service and NZPPI are now inviting native plant producers to join the second year of the Producer Extension Network NZ, starting this July. The programme is designed for nurseries that want practical support, relevant tools and stronger connections with other producers.

Visit Plant Careers at Fieldays 2026!

The Plant Careers stand is back at the Fieldays Careers & Education Hub. This year is going to be another fantastic one with the support of Zealandia who are again generously donating seedlings.

A conference to remember

On 20-21 May, the NZ Plant Producers Conference & Awards hosted a standout crowd of 170 members, sponsors and industry partners in Auckland. See conference photos and meet the industry award winners.

Young Plant Producer of the Year winner announced!

On a milestone 30 years of the Young Plant Producer competition, the four 2026 finalists undertook two days of challenges as part of the NZ Plant Producers Conference.

Finalists for Young Plant Producer competition announced

The competition will take place at Karaka on 20-21 May as part of the NZ Plant Producers Conference and Awards Dinner.

Why you can't fill your skilled roles (and it's going to get harder)

Starting now and playing out by 2030, we will begin to feel the effects of the long and slow decline of our workforce numbers. NZPPI Chief Executive Matthew Dolan shares some background about why this is happening, what to expect in the next few years and what you can do now to prepare your business.

Fuel price increases on plant production and delivery

NZPPI has sent an open letter to plant buyers and retailers to explain the impact of fuel price increases on production and delivery costs. 

Conference programme update

We're pleased to share more about our packed and fast-paced programme at this year's NZ Plant Producers Conference & Awards Dinner 20-21 May in Auckland, including our keynote speakers.

Getting on top of weed management - Plant Production Science

The latest NZPPI Plant Production Science journal for NZPPI members targets weed management and environmental pest plants. It’s a great read, covering the latest thinking about problem plants like ballistic weeds, wind-blown weeds and liverwort.

Are you our industry’s Young Plant Producer 2026?

Together with co-host IPPS, NZPPI is excited to announce applications for the Young Plant Producer of the Year 2026 are now open.

Conference registration now open!

Join us at this year’s key event for the plants and greenlife industry: the NZ Plant Producers Conference & Awards Dinner in Karaka 20-21 May! You can register online today.

Looking ahead to 2026: What we know, what we’re watching

NZPPI Chief Executive Matt Dolan sets the scene for what will no doubt be an eventful year in plant production. Read his full commentary on the key issues facing producers.

Seeking board nominations

From February to March, NZPPI is seeking nominations for two board positions and expressions of interest for an appointed member. Find out more about the vacancies and process.

Grower letter that has sparked a conversation

NZPPI Chief Executive Matt Dolan responds to an open letter published by a Hawke’s Bay summerfruit grower challenging the fairness of nursery terms of trade.

2025 Young Horticulturist of the Year a win for New Zealand’s plant producers

Plant producer Jake Linklater has won the sector-wide 2025 Young Horticulturist of the Year.

We’ve had a reprieve: Why biosecurity must become business as usual

For the first time in years, we've had a genuine reprieve from biosecurity scares. But this could carry the risk of complacency, says NZPPI chief executive Matt Dolan. Read Matt's commentary on why biosecurity must become business as usual.