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Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 30th September

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.

  1.  Welcome/Housekeeping

  2.  Apologies

  3. Minutes from previous AGM

  4. Chair Report for 25/26

  5. Financial Report and Budget

  1. Executive Representatives

  2. Exporters representatives

  3. Exporters Report

  4. General Business

Conference Thursday 1st October

Registrations open at 8am with conference starting at 0830

Morning Session

0830 Welcome from Trudy O'Halloran

0900 Mark Bart, Metris

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.

1000 Daniel Hutchins, Hutchins Horticulture

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.

1030 Sponsors Introduction

Take the opportunity to hear from our valued sponsors as they introduce their businesses, products, and services, and learn how they continue to support New Zealand's blueberry industry.

1100 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. This session will provide valuable insight into one of the key initiatives supporting the future growth .

1130

1200 Lunch

Afternoon Session

1300 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. Discover how these projects are helping to strengthen the industry, support growers, and create future opportunities.

1400 Public Relations

1415 Technical Team 

1430 

1500

1600 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!