Latest news with #KateTrufitt
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Kiwis not digging spuds as much as they used to
Kiwis are eating 10% fewer potatoes than we were just over a decade ago. New industry research shows a quarter of people eating fewer spuds are passing on them because they are worried about their carb content. Despite this, potatoes are still New Zealand's most eaten vegetable. CEO of Potatoes New Zealand, Kate Trufitt spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Potatoes New Zealand Supports Government Move To Back Growers And Food Security
Potatoes New Zealand welcomes the Government's recent announcements backing the horticulture sector with practical reforms aimed at boosting grower confidence, improving productivity, and ensuring a more secure food future for Aotearoa. Chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand, Kate Trufitt, says: 'This is a step in the right direction for the vegetable industry. Policies that remove unnecessary red tape and recognise the importance of growing food for New Zealanders. The proposed changes to freshwater rules would provide for crop rotation which is vital for the sustainability of our sector.' The Government's proposal to streamline resource consent requirements and make vegetable growing a permitted activity is being applauded by the industry as a long-overdue move to protect the country's ability to feed itself. Trufitt continues: 'We're pleased to see recognition that vegetable production is essential for New Zealand's health, economy, and long-term resilience. The potato industry alone contributes over $1 billion to the economy annually and plays a critical role in domestic food supply and export growth.' Potatoes New Zealand also supports the Government's intent to take a more integrated and practical approach to managing Highly Productive Land. 'True productivity relies on more than just soil quality—it includes water access, climate, labour, and proximity to market,' Trufitt adds. 'When those factors are lost due to poor planning or unworkable regulations, our ability to grow food is compromised.' Potatoes New Zealand is encouraged by the Government's willingness to listen and act on the needs of the horticulture sector and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support growers, protect land use for food production, and ensure that New Zealanders have access to fresh, healthy food now and into the future.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Potatoes New Zealand Marks International Day Of Potato: 'Shaping History, Feeding The Future'
Potatoes New Zealand is proud to celebrate the International Day of Potato on 30 May 2025, joining global efforts to recognise the significance of one of the world's most important staple crops. This year's official theme — 'Shaping history, feeding the future' — reflects the potato's remarkable journey through time, from traditional farming communities to modern food systems. It also underscores the crop's vital role in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security for current and future generations. Kate Trufitt, CEO of Potatoes New Zealand, says the day is a timely reminder of the potato's value — both historically and in the context of global food challenges. 'From ancient civilisations in the Andes to Aotearoa paddocks today, potatoes have shaped cultures, diets and now looking to the future, they will continue to be part of the solution for feeding a growing New Zealand population while supporting our potato growers.' New Zealand's potato industry contributes significantly to the national economy, with growers, processors, and exporters all playing a role in delivering high-quality, nutritious food to both local and international markets. Paul Olsen, Chair of Potatoes New Zealand, adds: 'New Zealand growers are future-focused — innovating with sustainable practices and adapting to changing environments. International Day of Potato gives us the chance to honour their work and celebrate the mighty spud's ongoing impact.' Potatoes New Zealand invites Kiwis to celebrate the day by enjoying local potatoes, learning about their history, and recognising the people behind the produce.
