Workshops to reveal nine potential crop opportunities for Northland’s future

Northland Inc is inviting growers, landowners, iwi, hapū, processors, and investors to attend a series of workshops this September to hear the findings of its Pūtake Whakatupu – Foundation for Growth Market Opportunity Studies.

The studies, due for release on 17 September, assess the viability and economic potential of nine new crops for Te Tai Tokerau, including tropical fruit, specialty spices, oilseeds, and other high-value options. The crop shortlist was developed through community engagement and analysis of market trends, value-add potential, and land suitability.

Paul Linton, Chief Executive of Northland Inc, said:  "Northland has good land and good people. We need to harness new commercial opportunities to create new jobs and new industries. These studies are about providing landowners with more commercial possibilities for their land.

By combining local knowledge with market insights, we’ve identified crops that warranted  further investigation to determine whether they could bring lasting economic, environmental,
and cultural benefits to our region. Now we’re inviting the community to continue to help shape the next steps for the programme so that together, we can turn potential into reality. This  supports the long-term, coherent strategy which Tuputupu Grow Northland brings to the region."

The Pūtake Whakatupu project, launched in 2024, is the flagship workstream of the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative. It aims to identify, support, and develop land use and value-add manufacturing opportunities in the region, with a strong emphasis on partnering with Māori through a by Māori, for Māori approach.

The September workshops will present the research findings and invite participants to share their feedback on which opportunities should be pursued, and how to take them forward.

Workshop Dates & Locations:

• Whangārei – Tue 23 Sept, 1–3pm, The Orchard Business and Event Hub
• Kaitaia – Wed 24 Sept, 1–3pm, Kaitaia Digital Hub
• Kaikohe – Thu 25 Sept, 1–3pm, Mahinga Innovation Centre

Register here:

Whangārei: Market Opportunities Workshop - Whangārei

Kaitaia: Market Opportunities Workshop - Kaitaia

Kaikohe: Market Opportunities Workshop - Ngawha

Find out more information about this project:

More information on the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative can be found at: https://www.northlandnz.com/grownorthland