Programme

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.

Six specialist sessions will run throughout the day to provide in-depth analysis and discussions, before the always-anticipated awards dinner.

A transfer service will run between the Trafalgar Centre and various Nelson accommodation providers on Wednesday 30 July to the AGM (afternoon) and following the Welcome Function (early evening). And on Thursday 31 July at the start of the day (before 8am) and conclusion of the Expo (after 4.30pm).

Timings and pick up/drop off locations (map) can be found on the Accommodation page.

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.

Day One: 30 July

WEDNESDAY 30 JULY
Trafalgar Centre, Stadium	Trafalgar Centre, Northern Extension
	1500: Delegate Registration and Afternoon Tea 1600: AGM
1730: Welcome Function sponsored by: 1805-1825: Guest Speaker Cameron Bagrie, Bagrie Economics Bungee-nomics When the world goes up and down. What to make of it all. Do we have domestic policy settings right? 1900: Day one closes

Free Evening:

Nelson 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: 31 July

THURSDAY 31 JULY
Trafalgar Centre, Stadium	Trafalgar Centre, Northern Extension
0800: Breakfast 0830: Guest speaker Hon Nicola Grigg, Associate Minister of Agriculture (Horticulture) 0850: Principal Sponsor, Plant and Food Research
Expo 2025 open	0915-0945: Session #1 sponsored by HAWK Water: Essential for growth. A local grower perspective of the Waimea Plains co-investment model. Bruno Simpson, CEO, Waimea Group will talk about how the co-investment model worked, and how growers engaged with the process. He’ll also outline some of the lessons learnt, including obstacles and benefits. ________________________________________________ 1000-1030: Session #2 sponsored by Hill Labs Market Panel: Understanding the value of international delegations. Maximising the impact of advocacy and learning about the markets. - Karen Morrish, CEO, NZ Apples & Pears - Mike Petersen, Chairman, Scales Corporation - Mark Piper, CEO, Plant and Food Research - Shane Kingston, Chief Operating Officer Apples, T&G Global
1030-1115: Morning tea
Expo 2025 open	1130-1200: Session #3 sponsored by Syngenta Hon Tim Groser, former NZ Minister for Trade and Climate Navigating trade barriers - how to remain nimble with what is thrown at us in the meantime. Tim will review 'the year that was' in terms of the trade rollercoaster and discuss what next year could bring. ________________________________________________ 1215-1245: Session #4 sponsored by Prevar NZAPI Market Insights NZAPI recently commissioned KPMG to identify areas of value creation to better understand opportunities available to us to build a resilient and sustainable industry worth $2 billion by 2035. The presentation will delve into a comprehensive analysis and sizing of eight key markets and the value associated with existing intellectual properties, including a comparison of different competitors' value-chains, to gain deeper insight into their value propositions and competitive advantages. Additionally, the presentation includes an understanding of the often-underestimated value associated with standards we operate within New Zealand’s production systems.
1245-1330: Lunch
Expo 2025 open	1345-1415: Session #5 Can electric sustainability deliver productivity gains? Mike Casey, Rewiring CEO ________________________________________________ 1430-1500: Session #6 Post-harvest technology meeting future needs of Market Access Craig Petersen, Blue Fruit Design Ltd In this session, Craig will discuss: Progression of the high-speed, high-pressure apple washer. Development of data use in determining risk while packing. New robotic tray packing that includes some blemish grading. Identifying market access issues like black spot and other pests.
1500-1545: Afternoon Tea 1630: Day Two closes

Awards Dinner

1830-2230:

Dinner in the Maitai Room at The Rutherford Hotel, 27 Nile Street West, Nelson

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

Day Three: 1 August - TOURS

0800 - 1300

A variety of optional tours have been planned for delegates. Check out the interesting options including a pipfruit tour, food tour, technology and innovation tour, and more. Make sure you check out the options available, and book early to avoid missing out.

1300

Croplands Equipment is hosting an autonomous sprayer demonstration with Robotics Plus Prospr at:
Willisbrook Orchard, 156 Palmer Road, Brightwater
Join them from 12.30pm for a BBQ lunch followed by the demonstration.

Delegates on the Pipfruit Tour can elect to stay on for the spray demonstration and return to the city at a later time.

Programme

Day One: 30 July

Day Two: 31 July

Awards Dinner

Day Three: 1 August - TOURS

Register for Croplands Spray Demonstration via QR code

Register for Expo 2025 HERE