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Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm
Te Ahikawariki/Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE) has set up a working research farm on the Balle Bros property in Pukekohe at 49 Cronin Rd. The research farm complements the existing Plant and Food Research offices and facilities and the A Lighter Touch demonstration site.
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Space Allocation
The Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm is split into two sections: one being part of the A Lighter Touch programme, and the other managed by Te Ahikawariki.
Te Ahikawariki’s research plots occupy 4Ha of space on Research and Demonstration Farm. The plots are 24mx30m, an appropriate size for individual in-field treatments, with 3m strips of grass between plots.
Utilisation of the research plots can come through application to Te Ahikawariki’s research and extension funding pool, or space can be utilised by paying a fee per plot.
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Our purpose
The purpose of the farm is to provide researchers a safe place to fail. Most vegetable research occurring in New Zealand at present is done privately in commercial paddocks. There are several issues with this:
- Research outcomes are protected by IP.
- Research is confined to what will ‘probably’ work – commercial entities often cannot afford to risk losing a crop to a novel growing technique/chemistry/technology.
Te Ahikawariki has created a research system including designated trial plots on the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm. This space will allow researchers to push the boundaries without worrying about the viability of the resulting crop and share outcomes with all growers – large and small.
The research and demonstration farm is also a physical location to host extension events, so growers can see research happening in-person and really understand the parameters and working models.
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Get involved
There are multiple ways for researchers, technology providers, and industry partners to get involved with the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm.
Companies can make use of the available land and resources to run independent or collaborative trials, contribute equipment and technology for use on-farm and at grower events, or co-design research projects that address shared industry challenges.
Te Ahikawariki also welcomes support through data tools, lab services, and trialling of new inputs or technologies, as well as participation in field days, education initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
All contributions help strengthen the farm’s role as a national hub for vegetable innovation, visibility, and extension.
If you are interested in hiring a research plot, or would like to contribute to Te Ahikawariki’s mission in any of the aforementioned ways.