Animal and Plant Health NZ (APHANZ) has unveiled the full programme for its 2026 Annual Conference, taking place on 22 July in Wellington.
This year’s event — themed Grass Roots, Green Shoots: Building sustainability and growth from the ground up brings together bold thought leaders from across the primary industries, regulatory system, innovation community, and export sector for a day of fresh ideas, insight, connection, and forward looking discussion.
APHANZ is pleased to announce Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister for the Environment, as the conference keynote speaker. Her address, Roots that ground us, innovation that grows us, will explore how strong foundations, community values, and emerging agri tech opportunities can shape a more sustainable and competitive future for New Zealand.
Hon Nicola Grigg is looking forward to joining APHANZ members and sector leaders to engage in conversations on building growth and sustainability.
“Our producers, innovators, and regulators all have a role to play in strengthening the foundations of our primary industries while embracing the green tech and clean tech opportunities ahead.”
The programme features a standout line up, including:
A regulation panel with senior leaders from NZ Food Safety, the Environmental Protection Authority, and MCERT, providing transparency and accountability on progress since the Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review.
Insights from 2024 Young Farmer of the Year, George Dodson.
An innovation panel with thought leaders sharing what makes a real difference on the ground.
A trade session led by Nathan Guy, Chair of the Meat Industry Association, exploring what New Zealand needs to win in global markets, and panel on grass roots to global markets, examining how domestic regulatory, innovation, workforce, and sustainability settings shape export success.
Dr Liz Shackleton, APHANZ Chief Executive, adds, "Our conference has always been a highlight for our members, but having every voice in the sector, including non-members will make for a rich and grounded discussion on the day as we look to the opportunities and challenges ahead.
"It takes honesty to face what's hard, and courage to grasp what's possible. The conversations we have here will shape animal and plant health in New Zealand for the coming year.”
The conference also includes APHANZ’s AGM, networking opportunities, cocktails, and the APHANZ Awards dinner.
Tickets are available until 7 July. Full programme and registration details are available at https://animalplanthealth.co.nz/events/
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