Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 30th September at 1800
It is anticipated the AGM will last no longer than 90 minutes, leaving plenty of time to enjoy Rotorua's vibrant dining and entertainment options afterwards.
Welcome/Housekeeping
Apologies
Minutes from previous AGM
Chair Report for 25/26
Financial Report and Budget
Executive Representatives
Exporters representatives
Exporters Report
Updates to the Constitution
General Business
Conference Thursday 1st October, Batten Room, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Registrations open at 8am with conference starting at 0815 Times are subject to change
Welcome and KeyNote
0815 Welcome to the BBNZ 2026 Conference, Trudy O’Halloran, BBNZ Chair
0830 Keynote Speaker, Mark Bart, Metris
An insight into accurate, easy to understand weather data
For more than 25 years, Metris has been supporting New Zealand's horticulture industry with reliable weather intelligence. Mark will share how accurate, easy-to-understand weather data can help growers manage weather-related risks, make informed decisions, and plan with greater confidence.
0915 Daniel Hutchins, Hutchins Horticulture
Effective risk management strategies to combat changing weather conditions
With extensive practical experience in blueberry production, Daniel will share effective risk management strategies to help growers prepare for and respond to changing weather conditions. This session will provide practical advice and real-world insights that can be applied on-farm.
0945 Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Forestry, Minister for Trade and Investment and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs
1015 Sponsors Introduction
1045 Morning Tea and Exhibitor Time
CROP HEALTH TO HARVEST
11:15 Andrew Barber, Agrilink
Nitrogen optimisation – time to stop kicking the can down the road?
11:20 Ryan Pierce, UPL
Understanding insect activity is the foundation of effective pest management. This session explores how Desire® pheromone lures and traps help monitor pest populations, how Isomate® mating disruption reduces pest pressure, and how both tools work together within an integrated pest management programme.
11:40 Phil Carter, Biostart
Biological growing
12:00 Christiaan Crous, Blueberry Country
Christiaan will talk to the benefits and challenges of machine harvesting and how this ties in to the frozen blueberry market in New Zealand; as well as possible future roles of machine harvesting for the fresh market
12:20 Exhibitors Spotlight
Hear from each of our exhibitors in a rapid-fire round as they briefly introduce their business and the products or services they offer.
1230 Lunch
BBNZ Team Updates
13:30 Dermot Malley
Join Dermot for an update on Import Health Standards (IHS) and the important work BBBNZ has been undertaking to strengthen market access and create new export opportunities for our industry.
14:15 Public Relations
Hear from Blackland PR, Mark, as they provide an update on the public relations strategy supporting the IHS project.
14:30 Tech Team, Pat Tomsett, Oakberry
Patrick will provide an update on the additional work the BBNZ technical team have been working on, including a walkthrough of a new crop protection wall calendar and pest and disease identification pocket flipchart which will be made available at the growers request.
15:00 Rob Silberbauer, BBNZ
Rob will provide an update on the key projects BBNZ has been progressing over the past year, including the Egg Identification Project, pest and disease initiatives, and Australian market access.
15:30 Closing Notes
15:40 Canapes and Bubbles with our exhibitors
Dinner at 1800
Join us for our annual conference dinner along Rotorua's famous Eat Street. As always, this promises to be a relaxed and enjoyable evening with great food, good company, and plenty of opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues.
Field Day Friday 2nd October
0930 - Bioeconomy Science Insitute , Te Papa Tipu Innovation Park, Titokorangi Drive (formerly Long Mile Road), Rotorua
The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together New Zealand’s four leading bioeconomy research institutes, AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion, into a single organisation. Together, they use world-class science to advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and develop new bio-based technologies and products. They are working toward a circular bioeconomy that meets New Zealand’s current and future needs and export products meet evolving global standards.
We will tour their Rotorua campus (formerly Scion) which showcases capabilities in biomaterials and packaging, including:
manufacturing facilities: conversion of biomass to bioplastics; moulded fibre thermoformer for fibre trays (pilot scale)
testing facilities: material and box testing, food contact compliance
enhanced performance: printing /coating for barrier and sensors, Smart packaging
end-of-life options: recyclability, compostability
1230 - Mamaku Blueberries, 311 Maraeroa Road, Mamaku 3072
We will meet here at 1230 for an orchard tour and presentation by Philip and Michaela Frost followed by a light lunch.
Mamaku Blue Blueberry Experience is a family owned and operated orchard , only 15 minutes from Rotorua city. Set in a landscape created by geological activities of the past you can discover the wonders of Blueberry farming that have been developed through many years of passion, sweat and tears! Mamaku Blue grow both Blueberries and Gooseberries and make them into products for you to purchase in their Gift shop or online store. Products include their famous Mamaku Blue blueberry Juice, Wine, Liqueur, Jams, Jellies, Sauces and more!
Blueberries New Zealand Inc. represents and seeks to further the interests of the New Zealand Blueberry industry. Click here to find out more
CONTACT BLUEBERRIES NZ
9:00 Am – 5:00 Pm. Monday – Friday
021 304 466