Horowhenua is a premium, highly productive agricultural region in New Zealand. Its rich peat and silt soils—particularly around the Opiki and Shannon areas—are famous for growing massive volumes of fresh table potatoes and specialized processing spuds (like chipping and crisping varieties).
Potatoes New Zealand says it is delighted to announce a new partnership with Garden to Table on the International Day of Potato (30 May) — celebrating one of the world’s most important and versatile foods, and the people behind it.
This collaboration brings together two organisations committed to strengthening food education, inspiring healthier, nutritious eating, and connecting New Zealanders — especially young people — to where their food comes from.
Through the partnership, Potatoes New Zealand and Garden to Table will work together to help school aged children understand the journey of food from garden to plate, while discovering just how versatile, nutritious and delicious potatoes can be.
Connecting children to real food, Garden to Table delivers hands on programmes in early learning centres, primary and intermediate schools across Aotearoa, equipping tamariki with practical skills in growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing fresh food.
Potatoes New Zealand is supporting this work by helping to bring the potato story to life, sharing the role of growers, the growing process, and the important role potatoes play in nourishing Kiwi communities.
As part of this partnership, Potatoes New Zealand Chief Executive Kate Trufitt recently visited Rolleston School to experience the programme firsthand and meet with Garden to Table Chief Executive Ani Brunet.
During the visit, she saw the powerful impact of hands on food education in action — from planting and growing through to preparing and sharing meals.
Trufitt was impressed by the dedication of teachers and volunteers who bring the programme to life, enabling students to turn classroom learning into real world experience. The programme offers a full journey from garden to plate, culminating in shared meals that bring together students, teachers, and volunteers — reinforcing the connection between growing food and enjoying it.
“This is where real understanding happens,” says Trufitt. “When young people grow, cook and share food together, they build a genuine connection to what they’re eating and a deeper appreciation for the people behind it.”
Celebrating versatility, nutrition and taste
The partnership is also supported by educational resources, classroom activities and cooking experiences that showcase potatoes as a mighty vegetable, one that is accessible, adaptable and packed with goodness.
Garden to Table Chief Executive Ani Brunet says working alongside Potatoes New Zealand will help deepen students’ understanding of vegetables in a meaningful and engaging way.
“When children grow and cook their own food, they build lifelong skills and confidence. By working with Potatoes New Zealand, we can highlight how one ingredient can be used in so many different ways, while also connecting students to New Zealand’s wider food system.”
Recognising International Day of Potato
The announcement coincides with International Day of Potato, a United Nations recognised day that shines a spotlight on the importance of potatoes in global food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
For New Zealand, it is also a chance to celebrate the growers, regions and communities behind the industry.
“Today is about acknowledging the value of potatoes, not just as a food, but as part of our everyday lives,” says Trufitt. “It’s also about celebrating the people who grow them and ensuring future generations understand and appreciate that connection.”
A focus on the future
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected food future, one where young New Zealanders understand, value and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce.
By combining education, storytelling and hands on experience, Potatoes New Zealand and Garden to Table aim to inspire a new generation to see potatoes not just as a staple, but as a source of creativity, nourishment and connection.
For More see:
https://gardentotable.org.nz and https://potatoesnz.co.nz/