Exploring Opportunities for Protected Cropping in Northland
This report explores the emerging opportunity for protected cropping in Northland — highlighting benefits and drawbacks of using various covered cropping systems.
Launched in 2024, Pūtake Whakatupu - which translates to Foundation for Growth - is the primary workstream under the Tuputupu Grow Northland Initiative. This transformative project aims to identify, support and develop land use and value-add manufacturing opportunities in Taitokerau Northland.
Project Overview
This project focuses on supporting and developing both existing and new land uses, the development of in region value-add primary sector manufacturing, and commercialising new primary sector products and services. A key aspect of this programme is partnering with Māori to support their aspirations through a by Māori, for Māori approach.
As the inaugural project under the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative, Pūtake Whakatupu is funded in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund and the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee.
Project Summary
Pūtake Whakatupu aims to help Northlanders create greater value from our primary and associated manufacturing sectors while collaborating closely and supporting industry, local government, landowners, iwi, and hapū. The project is funded by the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFFF) initiative.
The project is working to:
- Identify and unlock new opportunities for the Northland primary and associated manufacturing sectors;
- Enable landowners to make more sustainable and optimal land use choices;
- Support the development of further in region value-add manufacturing.
The purpose of the Pūtake Whakatupu project is the development of a series of Market Opportunity Reports that assess economic pathways for optimising land use and creating value-added products in the region. Pūtake Whakatupu has undertaken in-depth engagement with key stakeholders, including landowners, local farmers, growers, and associated manufacturing sectors.
Through the information collected at the workshops and wider engagement with the Northland food and fibre sector, the team worked closely with a Project Steering Group in early 2025 to select nine crops and commission Market Opportunity Studies prepared by two external consultants. These reports were published in September 2025, analysing the market potential of nine crops for Northland (see reports and financial modelling below).
Following completion of the nine Market Opportunity Studies, the project turned its attention to identifying and advancing significant future projects aligned with the studies’ findings, creating new opportunities for Northland’s land-based sectors.
Covered cropping report: This work is the first of these future projects (see report below). The study aligns with the Market Opportunity Studies as part of a wider toolkit for growers in our region to assess land use options.
Foundation catchment review and ground truthed case studies as part of Te Waihekeora Reservoir and Kaipara Horticulture Programme.
Case studies will be available online in this section in early October.
What's Next?
Water uptake and utilisation in the Kaipara and beyond: Te Waihekeora (Redhill Dam) Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust Project - scoping is underway for a Kaipara based programme to lead and demonstrate land use opportunities targeting the utilisation and optimisation of water in the Kaipara region. Five key areas of focus include:
- Catchment review and case studies (the foundation). Builds the evidence base across soils, climate, land capability and water demand.
- Dairy support / arable & mixed cropping (early uptake). Focuses on near term, practical use of water.
- In-region protected cropping. Gives growers and investors confidence to consider protected cropping within the catchment.
- Crop suitability and commercial demonstration. Provides robust feasibility and demonstration for permanent horticulture to develop confidence and capability and attract investment.
- Grower profile (enabling connections). Identifies growers from across New Zealand, who may be looking for land and opportunity.
In region tertiary education and research – work underway with both Massey and Northtec aimed at strengthening education, research and innovation opportunities within the region.
Northland On-Farm Solar Installation Guide Update & Demonstration Programme -this proposal seeks funding to develop and deliver a current and relevant Northland On-Farm Solar Installation Guide.
Future Land Use Navigator tool - this will bring together land, climate, environmental and market information into a single decision-support platform to help landowners make informed land-use change and investment decisions. We are continuing to support the next phase of this initiative alongside the wider working group developing this tool.
Community Engagement and Sector Development - we continue to foster cluster and sector development through ongoing engagement with our local communities and industry partners.
As this initiative enters its closing phase, we are busy exploring options and keen to hear from interested parties/stakeholders on potential next steps on developing greater value from our primary and associated manufacturing sectors. Suggestions and questions are welcome, feel free to get in touch via e-mail tuputupu@northlandnz.com
Research projects funded by SFFF
Protected Cropping in Northland Research
Sector Snapshots
See below for high level industry insights for Northland.
Market Opportunity Reports
These two reports have been produced to assess the economic feasibility of emerging horticultural and arable crops.
Financial Modelling Tools
DISCLAIMER - The Market Opportunity Reports and the accompanying spreadsheet are provided for general informational and illustrative purposes only. They do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. The information contained within should not be relied upon as the sole basis for making financial decisions. Users are strongly advised to conduct their own due diligence and seek independent advice from a qualified professional before acting on any figures or assumptions presented. The authors and distributors of this document accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.
Project Background Documents
Other Relevant Project Pages
Tuputupu Grow Northland Resource Library
A list of datasets, resources and information for interested parties. See more
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MEET THE PROJECT TEAM
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Luke Beehre
Project Lead, Tuputupu Grow Northland
I manage and execute the Tututupu Grow Northland initiative.
Find out more -
Jeanette Johnstone
Horticulture Specialist, Tuputupu Grow Northland
A Northlander born and bred, I have spent most of my life living in the North.
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Niamh McCarthy
Project Co-ordinator, Tuputupu Grow Northland
I’m originally (and always will be) Irish, but moved here in 2007 and been living in Northland for a couple of years. Having lived all over New Zealand, I can say this is definitely my happy place and still surprises me the amazing places we have right on our doorstep.
My role in the Tuputupu team is Project Co-ordinator and that sees me working on a variety of projects focusing on getting the best outcomes for everyone who works in the primary industry in our region.
When I’m not at work I like getting out exploring with my family, reading and as a passionate foodie I’m always keen to check out new hangouts.
Find out more