Potatoes New Zealand Celebrates Milestone Amid Grower Pressures
Potatoes New Zealand is reflecting on its legacy of innovation, resilience and a commitment to growers as it gets ready to mark its birthday on 17th April.
Pioneer potato growers the Balle family are taking their business a step further.
The family business, growing potatoes in and around Pukekohe and the Waikato for more than three generations, have teamed up with chipmakers to inspire a new brand.
The 'Chip Off the Old Block' range potato chips will be made using only their potatoes.
On each packet, you can find information about what variety of potato was used and where they were sourced from.
Dacey Balle, one of seven brothers from thirteen children to Bernie and Norah Balle, says the family takes its potatoes seriously.
"And surely, great chips need to start with great potatoes," he says.
"The 'Chip Off the Old Block' recipe is based on a few quality ingredients, just as you might find them in your own pantry – great potatoes, sunflower oil, natural seasonings – and that's it.
"And, as little as possible is done to them through the manufacturing process, for the flat cuts the skins are left on and potatoes are sliced nice and thick."
'Chip Off the Old Block' chips will be available in major supermarkets.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
Technology and the use of artificial intelligence are increasingly part of life, both on the farm and off it.
Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader of the Year Award.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.

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