Articles Archive
April 20, 2026
Autumn Challenges: Managing Humidity, Energy Constraints and Crop Balance
A Perfect Storm for Crop Performance
April 7, 2026
Energy Resilience for Greenhouse Horticulture: Electricity at the Core (not just for greenhouse horticulture but NZ Inc?)
Real opportunity for long-term resilience lies in electricity and bioenergy for growers
April 7, 2026
Geothermal Strategy released MBIE
From the Ground Up: A strategy to unlock New Zealand's geothermal potential - March 2026
March 23, 2026
The Carbon Difference Between LNG and Bioenergy: Does it Matter
As domestic gas supply declines and dry-year risks persist, New Zealand faces an important energy question. The challenge is not simply finding a replacement fuel, it is choosing an approach that supports long-term energy security while also reducing our carbon exposure.
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.
