Weekly wrap up

On Tuesday, I joined fellow food and fibre chief executives in a meeting with Minister Penny Simmonds in her role as Minister for Vocational Education.

We took the opportunity to reiterate the sector’s needs as we roll out the Workforce Capability Strategy, particularly the importance of strengthening workplace-based learning so growers can access the skills they need, when they need them.

That evening, I attended the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Christmas function, which was a great chance to reconnect with colleagues from across the sector - it was great to see strong support from Ministers and MPs.

Thursday was a moment to acknowledge service on the world stage, as I attended an event celebrating Hamish Marr’s contribution as Special Agricultural Trade Envoy since 2023. His advocacy has been invaluable in representing New Zealand’s interests internationally.

Today, I met with a visiting delegation from Australia’s Parliamentary Committee on Primary Industries, followed by a constructive meeting with MPI Director-General Ray Smith.

It was a good opportunity to ensure that horticulture remains front of mind for the year ahead.

We also mark a special milestone at Parliament this coming Tuesday, the 20-year celebration of HortNZ. The event will bring together politicians, industry leaders and former staff involved in the merger that created the organisation back in 2005.

Upcoming transition to MPI’s new online certification system

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is in the process of transitioning to a new electronic certification system – MPI Trade Certification – which will replace several existing systems including ePhtyo. From February 2026, the new system will be used for requesting, verifying and issuing phytosanitary certification.

In preparation for the transition all ePhyto users should have received an email directly from MPI at the beginning of October, with an invitation to register.

In addition, there are upcoming webinars which will include a demonstration of the new system. For plant products, this will be on Wednesday, 10 December, 2.30pm-4.30pm, and you can register here.

Further information is available here or by emailing futurecertification@mpi.govt.nz.

WorkSafe reset

WorkSafe New Zealand has issued a four-year plan resetting how it operates, to improve health and safety outcomes nationwide. The Statement of Intent 2025-2029 outlines significant investment in inspector training and capability to ensure businesses experience consistent, constructive engagement across the country. You can read more here.

Green light for rural recycling scheme

The Government has agreed to make it compulsory for producers and importers of in-scope plastics to contribute to the cost of a Rural Recycling Scheme for agrichemicals, their containers, and farm plastics. Regulations are now being drafted, and the scheme is expected to come into force in late 2026/early 2027 and will be managed by Agrecovery.

The intention of the regulations is that recycling of the in-scope products will become easier and more accessible for farmers and growers.

For now, nothing will change in your day-to-day. You can keep using Agrecovery and Plasback services as you do today. We will keep you updated as this policy is implemented.

For more information on the policy click here.  

Information on recycling service providers is available on Agrecovery and Plasback websites.

Reminders for the holiday period 

The holiday season is fast approaching. We know this is a busy time for many growers. To help keep things running smoothly from a certification perspective, here are a few reminders.  

Certification renewals  

If your NZGAP certification expires in December or early January, you should have received your renewal reminder. To avoid any potential certification delays over the holiday period please ensure all your renewal requirements (including payments) are completed no later than Friday, 19 December 2025.  

Upcoming audits 

If you are due for an audit between now and Christmas, please make sure you: 

• Confirm an audit date with your certification body (auditor), and
• Complete your self-assessment ahead of time
• Notify NZGAP of any scope changes, including the addition of new crops.

If you need any assistance, please email info@nzgap.co.nz or call 04 470 5867. 

Christmas closure dates 

Below are the Christmas closure dates for NZGAP and the certification bodies (auditors), so please get in touch prior to the holiday period.  

NZGAP  

The NZGAP office will be closed from 5pm Wednesday, 24 December and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026.  

AsureQuality  

Auditing and Horticulture Services are closed Wednesday, 24 December to Monday, 5 January 2026. Contact Customer Services with any urgent requirements. Phone 0508 00 11 22 or email customerservicess@asurequality.com. 

QCONZ  

QCONZ will be operating on a skeleton crew from Tuesday, 23 December 2025 to Monday, 5 January 2026.The horticulture@qconz.co.nz inbox will be monitored on non-statutory days, but please expect delayed response times. For any urgent queries, call 0800 726 695.

Vegetables Big Day Out 2026

When | Thursday, 5 March 2026

Time | From 9am

Where | Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm, 39 Cronin Road, Pukekohe

Cost | Free - tickets are limited, register now to secure your spot.

The day will begin with a formal opening ceremony at 9am, followed by a full programme that includes hot topics for both indoor and outdoor vegetable cropping. The event will showcase an international keynote speaker from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Attendees can expect indoor presentations featuring this season’s project results, expert panel sessions, in-field research block demonstrations, and AgTech displays showcasing precision sprayers, drones, smart technology, autonomous tractors, and more.

If that’s not enough, lunch and dinner will be provided, and you’ll have dedicated opportunities to network and connect with growers, researchers, and industry partners at the tradeshow and networking event.