Programme

The EXPO is being held at the QT Hotel (38-54 Lake Esplanade) and the dinner at the Millennium Hotel (Corner Frankton Road & Stanley Street). A shuttle service will run between both locations at the start and finish of each day.

Interactive and engaging exhibitors will provide a lively atmosphere, while growers can explore new technology, products, services, and machinery demonstrations, all in one convenient location at the QT Hotel Queenstown.

Up to eight technical and specialist sessions will run throughout the two days to provide in-depth analysis and discussions, before the always-anticipated awards dinner caps off a busy two days.

Keep an eye on this page for exciting updates on content and speakers.

Day One: Wednesday 22 July

Please refer to Shuttle Service on the left menu for transfer timetable and further details.

0900	Registration
EXPO open all day for viewing
1000	Welcome/Mihi whakatau Darren Rewi Ngai Tahu \| Ngati Mamoe\| Ngati Kahungungu\| Rongowhakaata
1015	Principal Sponsor Address Mark Piper Transition CEO, Bioeconomy Science Institute
1030	Adopting Research into Practice Luca Lovatti Research & Development Manager, Melinda Consortium, Italy An international grower perspective on R&D and what to expect in the next 20 years.
1115	Examining the benefits of research and development A panel of NZ growers examining the benefits of R&D and discussing how to put results into practice. Luca Lovatti will also join the discussion. Rob Holtham, Willisbrook Orchard Steven Hartley, Hartley’s Orchard Shayna Ward, Craigmore Sustainables
1230 - 1330	Lunch
1400-1500	Key Note: The future of the apple and pear industry Jarred Mair Chief Insights Officer, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) In a world where global trade systems are being challenged, technology is accelerating, and consumer markets are shifting faster than ever, what does that actually mean for pipfruit? Jarred Mair takes a wide-angle view of the forces currently shaping New Zealand’s food and fibre sector – tracking geopolitics, trade disruption, emerging technology, and market change, and translating this into the day-to-day realities for the apple and pear industry. This session will put New Zealand apple and pear growers at the centre of the global story as Jarred explores how AI could reshape market value chain capabilities, where population growth (India) versus decline (China, Japan, Korea) could change demand profiles, and how shifting global power dynamics influence where and how we will sell fruit. Most importantly, it will challenge those in the room to think ahead: where are the next high-value markets? What capabilities will be required to compete globally? And how can New Zealand stay ahead as technology and trade evolve at pace?
1500	Sponsor Address: United Fresh, Women in Horticulture Whitney Conder Communications Group Manager
1510	NZ Food Network Sophie Percy Relationship Manager
1515 - 1545	Afternoon Tea
1600	AGM
1700 - 1830	Drinks and canapes Sponsored by Women in Horticulture
	Please refer to Shuttle Service on the left menu for transfer timetable and further details.
	Free Evening Queenstown offers a wide variety of dining options. Take a look at a selection of wonderful cafes, restaurants and bars at the link below.

Day Two: Thursday 23 July

Please refer to Shuttle Service on the left menu for transfer timetable and further details.

0830	Arrival tea and coffee available
EXPO open all day for viewing
0915 - 1000	Session 1 – Sponsored by Hill Labs Money matters: From planting to profitability and doubling exports Both the Government and NZAPI have set targets to double sector exports within 10 years. But what might that actually look like? Delve into money matters with two presentations looking into orchard financials and big picture double export strategy. Sarah McArley and Jack Wilson from AgFirst present findings from an NZAPI research project on profitability and return on investment. MPI shares their vision for apples and pears within their double export strategy work programme.
1000 - 1045	Session 2 – Sponsored by Croplands Money matters: Making it count Putting strategy to action, an industry panel reviews the data and discusses the real-world implications. What translates? What doesn’t? And how can growers focus on growth and productivity in ways that make every dollar count. Stuart Kilmister, Kilhaven Orchard Hamish Rush, Aporo Orchards Matt Dilly, Agri Economist, ANZ Andrew Gibbs, Chair, NZ Apples & Pears There will also be an opportunity for members of the audience to ask questions of AgFirst and MPI presenters
1045 - 1130	Morning Tea
1130 - 1215	Session 3 – Sponsored by Prevar Creating a legislative and operating framework that helps our growers prosper A panel discussion examining the levers politicians and government can pull to support our growers. Set against the backdrop of an election year, the session brings together a mix of political and industry perspectives to unpack competing priorities, policy ideas, and what they mean for growers. Politician (TBC) Oliver Ibbetson, Government relations minister, Federated Farmers Stephen Darling, Darlings Fruit Ltd Murray Tait, Exporter
1215 - 1300	Session 4 – Sponsored by Syngenta NZ Trade Strategy - Looking ahead Vangelis Vitalis Deputy Secretary, Trade and Economic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) New Zealand’s Chief Negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis, has been at the centre of New Zealand’s trade agenda for more than two decades, delivering agreements from China and CPTPP to the EU and India. In this session, he will step beyond the headlines to unpack the national trade strategy, the India FTA, and giving a view as to what comes next. Discover what 20 years at the negotiating table has taught Vangelis about securing FTAs and subsequently making the most of them. Expect a practical discussion on how industry and government align, where our future opportunities may be, and how to position New Zealand pipfruit for long-term success in one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India.
1300 - 1400	Lunch
1400 - 1430	Session 5 – Sponsored by AgFirst BMSB – it would be stink if we got it here! NZAPI is preparing for BMSB by being involved in multiple activities that ensure readiness for any future responses. By working together with MPI, Industry, and growers, we aim to ensure a successful response in the event of an incursion. This session will include lessons learned from simulations, investigations and surveillance, and details what growers could expect if a BMSB was found in their orchard. Rachel Masters, Chair, BMSB Council Lloyd Stringer, Technical BMSB Council and Science Group Leader - Ecological Pest Management, Bioeconomy Science Institute
1430 - 1530	Session 6 - Sponsored by Southward Warehouse Automation The future of breeding This future-focused panel explores where to next for apple and pear breeding, looking closely at what different stages of the value chain really want from future varieties. The discussion will look at priority traits, emerging themes, and how emerging tools could reshape decision‑making, speed and outcomes. Tallulah Simpson, Manager, Variety Development, Waimea Nurseries Shane Flynn, CEO, Pickmee Ltd TBC
1530	PRIZE DRAWS (you must be there to win!)
1545	Poroporoaki
1600	EXPO Closes Please refer to Shuttle Service on the left menu for transfer timetable and further details.
1830-2230	Industry Awards Dinner The Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Awards Dinner

1830-2230:

Dinner is at The Millennium Hotel (Corner Frankton Road & Stanley Street, Queenstown).

Presentation of the NZ Apples and Pears Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

If you know of anyone who might jump at the chance to be the evening's official sponsor, securing a table of their own and the opportunity to speak directly to hundreds from the industry (plus more!), please get in touch with jan@applesandpears.nz

Shuttle Service

A shuttle service will run between the Millennium Hotel and the QT Hotel at the start and finish of each day. Please note that no other shuttle stops are permissible. There is a maximum of 22 seats, so should the shuttle be full, then delegates will be required to make their own way to the venue (or wait for next collection).

Wednesday, July 22

A bus will depart Millennium Hotel (reception) to travel to the QT Hotel at the following times:

9am, 9.15am, 9.30am, 9.45am.
(Day One registration from 9am, Expo start time is 10am)

A bus will depart the QT Hotel (reception) to travel to the Millennium Hotel at the following times:

6.15pm, 6.30pm, 6.45pm, 7pm.
(Day One end time is 6.30pm)

Thursday, July 23

A bus will depart Millennium Hotel (reception) to travel to the QT Hotel at the following times:

8.15am, 8.30am, 8.45am, 9am.
(Day Two Expo open from 8.30am.)

A bus will depart the QT Hotel (reception) to travel to the Millennium Hotel at the following times:

4pm, 4.15pm, 4.30pm, 4.45pm.
(Expo end time is 4pm)

Disclaimer

Programme details are subject to change without prior notice. The organisers reserve the right to make adjustments to the schedule, speakers, or content as necessary.