As we move into the second half of 2026, New Zealand’s agritech sector continues to build real momentum. Agritech remains one of the country’s fastest-growing technology sectors, and what stands out is not just the pace of innovation, but the way it is being applied in practical, commercially relevant ways across our farms, orchards, supply chains and export markets.
Across our ecosystem, we are seeing a stronger focus on adoption, integration and scale. The conversation is shifting from what technology can do in isolation, to how it connects with the people, data, systems and decisions that drive value for farmers and growers. This is a sign of a maturing sector, one that is increasingly confident, collaborative and ready to make a bigger contribution to New Zealand’s primary industries and economy.
This momentum continues through our Agritech Unleashed series. Next month, we head to Tauranga to explore how technology is reshaping our agritech ecosystem, with a particular focus on global partnerships, customer challenges and tech solutions.
A reminder that voting is now open for the AgriTechNZ Executive Council. Please take the opportunity to have your say. Voting closes Thursday, with results announced at our Annual Meeting on 13 August.
Agritech Unleashed: Tauranga
Agritech Unleashed heads to Tauranga on Tuesday 25 August for a full-day exploration of how data, AI and automation can support practical progress across one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important growing regions.
The programme will follow three connected threads: think globally, start with the customer, and use technology to solve the right problems.
A Global Scale Partnerships masterclass will explore the relationships and commercial pathways that help New Zealand agritech companies prepare for international opportunities.
Grower-led discussion will put real operational challenges and adoption decisions at the centre of the day.
Panels and workshops will examine technology stack systems, the horticulture data ecosystem, interoperability, vision and image-based AI, and practical applications such as crop monitoring, harvest automation and disease detection.
Join growers, innovators, researchers, investors and industry leaders at the University of Waikato, Tauranga Campus. Register now to be part of the conversation shaping agritech’s next chapter. Full programme and speakers still to be confirmed.
Annual Meeting | 13 August
Join us for our 2026 Annual Meeting where CEO, Brendan O’Connell, and Chair, Brenna Townshend, will share an update on AgriTechNZ’s strategy and plans for the coming year. Executive Council election results will also be announced.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 13 August 2026
Time: 3 – 4pm
Location: Online via zoom
Attendance: AgriTechNZ members only
2026 NZ Horticulture Conference
This week the New Zealand Horticulture Conference brings the sector together in Wellington for two days of insight, connection and practical thinking 28 – 29 July.
Trevor Topfer, Executive Director of Blockchain Forum New Zealand, also part of the Tech New Zealand community, is speaking as part of A Digital Future: Proof, Not Promises – Building Digital Trust in Horticulture.
His session, Turning Technology into Trusted Value, will explore how AI, blockchain, digital identity and product passports can support digital provenance, trusted data sharing and supply chain transparency.
If you’re attending, don’t miss this important session.
Member Spotlight: Tabula
Beyond GPS Guidance: Tabula Releases New Suite of Tools for Ag Contractors
Earlier this month, AgriTechNZ member Tabula launched a new suite of tools specifically designed for agricultural contractors.
Going beyond GPS guidance and job management, Tabula is tackling everyday operational challenges by integrating tools for hazard navigation, field data capture, timesheeting and more. The system is accessible from the office, the cab or on foot using Tabula’s Field Support App.
It is a strong example of agritech solving practical, on-the-ground problems by making data and workflows easier to capture, share and act on.
Member Spotlight: Lockton
Employee Benefits: an under-used risk management tool
AgriTechNZ member Lockton has shared a timely piece on how employee benefits are shifting from a nice-to-have to a genuine risk-management strategy. This is particularly relevant given the tighter labour market and rising absence pressures that many of our companies are navigating.
Lockton’s People Solutions team draws on a year of client conversations to unpack why senior leaders are getting more involved in benefits decisions, and why communication and ongoing activation matter just as much as plan design. A practical read for anyone looking to get more value from their team’s benefits programme and strengthen workforce stability along the way.
Join us at DairyTech Alley
This November, New Zealand hosts the International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Auckland, bringing together 1,500+ global dairy leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry innovators.
We’re exploring NZ DairyTech Alley: a shared, high-impact exhibition space that showcases New Zealand agritech companies to an international audience.
Rather than individual booths, DairyTech Alley (hosted by AgriTechNZ) would offer:
This is an opportunity to connect directly with global dairy decision-makers, showcase your technology as part of a curated NZ story, join a coordinated national presence at a flagship global event.
Register your interest via the short survey here.
Emergent Leaders for Change
Untouched World Foundation is offering an exciting opportunity for early-career professionals to strengthen their capability, confidence, and mindset for sustainability leadership 23 – 25 September 2026.
Movers & Shakers
Chelsea Hirst | Senior Project Lead, NZ Product Accelerator
Chelsea has joined NZ Product Accelerator as a Senior Project Lead to advance New Zealand’s capability to identify and solve meaningful problems through implementation of innovation. Her new role involves leading multi-disciplinary R&D projects across the ecosystem and the agritech sector, focusing on translating advanced science and research into practical, market-ready solutions. Chelsea will work closely with universities, research institutions, industry partners, innovation leaders and government agencies to build strong partnerships, identify emerging opportunities for science and technology, and help strengthen New Zealand’s high-value innovation ecosystem.
The NZ Product Accelerator is a national capability and collaboration partner for problem-led innovation, science, and technology based on industry and business needs. It connects science, design and enterprise, with member organisations from across New Zealand’s R&D and innovation ecosystem. Alongside its relationships across research, industry and education, it works at the intersection of technology foresight and economic complexity to identify where New Zealand can create and sustain value-add growth.
Katie Sizeland | Business Manager, Agritech, Bioeconomy Science Institute
In her new role, Katie will focus on strengthening partnerships between science, innovation and industry, pushing for real-world outcomes from agritech innovation, and helping build a more connected, high-performing sector. She’ll be working closely with partners including AgriTechNZ to build on existing momentum.
Rob Clayton | Chief Executive, Gallagher Animal Management
Rob will lead the business into its next phase of global growth. Rob brings 25 years of senior leadership experience with global agribusiness Nutrien, across Australia and the United States, alongside a farming background on a wheat, sheep and cattle property in north-west New South Wales. He started his first week at National Fieldays, focused on connecting with Gallagher’s people, customers and markets. Rob joins at a strong point for the business, with continued investment in connected farm technologies and growing farmer demand for practical, productivity-boosting solutions.
Upcoming Events
- 28 & 29 July: 2026 NZ Horticulture Conference
- 13 Aug: AgritechNZ Annual Meeting & Executive Council Elections
- 18 & 19 Aug: 2026 Institute of Rural Professionals Conference
- 15 Sep: National Ploughing Championships 2026
- 22 Sep: World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2026
If you have news to share or an opportunity to promote, please contact us and let’s keep building momentum together – turning innovation into adoption.
Ngā mihi nui
Brendan O’Connell
Chief Executive, AgriTechNZ