Articles Archive
March 10, 2026
Energy saving through screens
A combination of screen use, screen quality, greenhouse climate requirements, and greenhouse equipment.
March 10, 2026
Heating Uncertainty Leaves Greenhouse Growers Searching for Answers
Waste oil supply changes force growers to reconsider long-term heating options ahead of winter. Two weeks ago I was alerted that one of the major recycled waste oil suppliers, based in the Auckland region, will soon stop supplying greenhouse growers. For one of my customers this came as a significant shock, particularly given that notice was given that deliveries will cease in the coming months –
February 23, 2026
New Zealand’s 2026 Energy Stock-Take – Part 2 – Natural Gas
New Zealand’s Nord Stream moment. That sucking-straw sound at the bottom of the glass and suddenly a gaping hole emerges in the New Zealand energy landscape
December 29, 2025
Best of 2025 – 79.2% decrease in Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) allocations for South Auckland Cucumber Grower
Chickens come home to roost for Greenhouse Growers
December 17, 2025
Ball Australia Boosts Climate Control with New Blackout Screen Upgrade
'Powerplants partnered with Ball Australia to deliver a full blackout screen replacement, supported by detailed mechanical, electrical, and irrigation work'
December 17, 2025
Why energy is now a strategic risk (2025 Grower2Grower overview of energy and looking forward)
What Tomato, Cucumber, Capsicum and Capsicum Growers Need to Know (And other heated greenhouse crops). Energy has shifted from a manageable operating cost to a strategic production risk for New Zealand’s protected-cropping sector. In 2025, growers are facing a convergence of structural changes that directly affect whether heat is available when it is needed, not just what it costs.
September 23, 2025
Online workshop : learnings from the low-energy input trial for greenhouse tomatoes
If you are not a tomato grower or you do not grow with lights, the approach to energy saving is also transferable to your situation.
September 8, 2025
Tomato grower warns the gas supply crisis could threaten the hothouse industry
When NZ Hothouse built its tomato growing operation 25 years ago in South Auckland, hooking up to the nearby Maui pipeline was a key factor.
September 8, 2025
The Right Time to Act: Energy & Efficiency Trade Show Free for Growers
The Pukekohe Energy & Efficiency Trade Show is a free afternoon on Thursday 18th September where growers can explore proven energy solutions and make the right connections.
August 25, 2025
Gas ‘crisis’ warning as MBIE warns again supply falling faster than expected
Consumption of natural gas dropped to its lowest level since 2011 last year
