The inaugural Vegetables Big Day Out was held in February 2025 and was a huge success, drawing more than 220 attendees over two days. The event marked the public launch of Te Ahikawariki, showcasing the programme’s research capabilities at the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm. Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard opened the event, which was supported by mana whenua, the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association, local government officials, academics, and industry stakeholders.
On 5 March 2026, Vegetables Big Day Out is back and it’s shaping up to be the event of the year. The event’s Gold Sponsor, Horticentre Charitable Trust, is proudly supporting the event, with Agworld and MG Charitable Trust recognised as Silver Sponsors. The AgTech demonstrations are supported by Carbon Robotics.
The day will begin with a formal opening ceremony at 9:00am, followed by a full programme that includes hot topics for both indoor and outdoor vegetable cropping. One of the highlights of the event this year is an international keynote speaker from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.
Attendees can expect indoor presentations featuring this season’s project results, expert panel sessions in the main tent, in-field research block demonstrations, and AgTech displays showcasing precision sprayers, drones, smart technology, autonomous tractors, and more.
If that’s not enough, lunch and dinner will be provided, as well as dedicated opportunities to network and connect with growers, researchers, and industry partners at our tradeshow and networking event.
Entry is free, but tickets are limited – make sure you register to secure your spot!
Vegetables Big Day Out 2026 Tickets, Thu 5/03/2026 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite