PBRA - Plant Breeding and Research Association

21/04/2026

Seed and Grain New Zealand are delighted to introduce the final guest speaker at this year's popular Women in Seed event - Cassie Roma.

Cassie is a globally experienced leadership speaker, author, podcaster, and systems strategist known for helping people and organisations lead more humanly in times of change.

With a career spanning innovation, media, sport, business, and social impact, Cassie blends data-informed insight with deeply human storytelling to help women build confidence, resilience, and agency within complex systems — particularly in male-dominated industries.

A sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, Cassie’s work focuses on confidence, transitions, identity, and modern leadership, helping people navigate career change, burnout, visibility, and self-belief while reshaping the environments around them.

Cassie is also a documentarian, former advertising executive, and media commentator, and is known for creating engaging, safe, and empowering spaces where people feel able to reflect, connect, and move forward with clarity and courage. https://cassieroma.com/

Don't miss out on attending this year's event, register now: https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

19/04/2026

Seed and Grain New Zealand are delighted to introduce Brigit Blair - founder of Linden Leaves.

Linden Leaves was founded by Brigit in 1995 in Christchurch, New Zealand to help care for two of her children who suffered severe eczema and allergies.

At the time, natural and effective products that were kind to sensitive skin were hard to find, and so out of necessity, Linden Leaves was born.

From a humble family kitchen operation, Linden Leaves has expanded into an internationally recognised brand known for its natural everyday luxury handmade products.

Click here to register for this year's event and view the full programme: https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

17/04/2026

Seed and Grain New Zealand are thrilled to welcome The Fudge Cottage, New Zealand as a supporter of this year’s Women in Seed event. Their generosity helps us create an inspiring experience for everyone attending.

For decades, The Fudge Cottage has been handcrafting the finest artisan fudge from a traditional family recipe.

Fresh New Zealand milk and cream are combined with carefully selected natural ingredients to create confections that satisfy the senses and bring a smile to the lips of young and old alike.

From small beginnings in 1990, the business quickly grew to become a local icon and ‘must see’ for visitors to the city. Many years later, The Fudge Cottage is proud to still be a local family-owned business specialising in unique affordable handcrafted artisan and personalised confections suitable for any event or occasion.

Located at Christchurch’s historic Arts Centre in the central city, we always look forward to welcoming back previous customers as well as introducing new ones to the thrill and excitement that is the Fudge Cottage Experience.

All items crafted by The Fudge Cottage are gluten free. We also stock a wide range of other traditional old fashioned yesteryear confections as well as sugar free, dairy free, and gluten free items for people with special dietary needs. https://fudgecottage.co.nz/

Register for this year's Women in Seed Day and you may just get a sweet surprise: https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

16/04/2026

Seed and Grain New Zealand are delighted to introduce guest speaker Amy Po-Ching to this year's Women in Seed Forum.

Amy is a financial planning and wealth management specialist with a passion for helping women build confidence and clarity around their financial futures.

With extensive experience guiding individuals, families, and business owners, Amy is known for translating complex financial concepts into practical, empowering strategies.

Her work centres on creating personalised financial roadmaps, including investment strategy, risk management, and long term wealth creating and retirement planning.

Amy believes financial literacy is a powerful tool for independence and opportunity, and she is particularly committed to supporting women to take control of their financial wellbeing at every life stage.

A trusted adviser and engaging speaker, Amy brings a warm, relatable approach to conversations about money. She focuses not just on numbers, but on the goals, values, and life decisions that shape financial success.

At the Seed & Grain NZ Women's Event, Amy will share practical insights on financial planning and wealth management, equipping attendees with the tools and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. https://www.levridge.co.nz/

Click the link to view the full programme and register for this year's event: https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

14/04/2026

Seed and Grain New Zealand are delighted to introduce Madeline Newman | Executive Director, AI Forum New Zealand | Te Kāhui Atamai Iahiko o Aotearoa to this year's Women in Seed Forum.

Madeline joined the AI Forum as Executive Director four years ago. She has extensive experience in strategy, transformational change, building and helping people to see the potential that innovative technologies bring.

“I am very excited be leading the AI Forum of New Zealand as Executive Director at such a pivotal time. We have a really engaged Executive Council and the exceptional work our members are producing is essential for leading AI that is innovative, responsible and inclusive for the benefit of all Aotearoa.”

Register now by clicking the following link: https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

13/04/2026

Seed and Grain New Zealand introduce the second guest speaker to this year's Women in Seed Forum on Thursday 28th May, Christchurch.

Sarah Adams - Gallagher General Manager, Global Strategy & New Ventures. Official Gallagher Animal Management Site | New Zealand.

Sarah has led Shepherd from concept to commercial reality, driven by a commitment to delivering transformative technology with real-world impact and implementing innovative business models.

With over 25 years in agricultural business development and hands-on experience as a sheep and beef farmer in Waikato, Sarah brings unmatched credibility and insight. In 2024, Sarah was honoured with the Robin Davidson Memorial Award for her leadership and contribution to New Zealand's agritech sector.

Click the following link to register: https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

10/04/2026

Seed and Grain New Zealand host the 2026 annual Women in Seed Forum bringing together women from across the arable sector for a day of personal and professional development, networking, and knowledge sharing.

The forum showcases leaders from both the arable industry and wider sectors, offering fresh perspectives and practical insights.

We are pleased to introduce Hamish Marr — mixed arable farmer, former Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, and Nuffield Scholar.

Hamish will share his perspective as both a farmer and an industry ambassador, exploring:
- The future of arable farming
- Global market dynamics
- Key challenges and emerging opportunities

Registration is open to both members and non‑members of Seed & Grain New Zealand.

Click the following link to view the full programme and register for the 2026 event. https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

19/03/2026

Register for the Seed and Grain New Zealand 2026 Women in Seed Forum.

Click the following link: https://www.nzgsta.co.nz/women-in-seed-2026/

15/03/2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Arable Awards of New Zealand.

Help recognise, reward and celebrate the great people in the Arable Industry.

Click here to view the category details and nomination forms: https://www.arableawards.co.nz/nominate

Ticket sales for the event will be on sale soon.

Event Date: Thursday 20th August
Venue: Wigram Airforce Museum, Christchurch

Seed and Grain New Zealand FAR Federated Farmers United Wheat Growers

17/12/2025

22/10/2025

A State of Local Emergency has been declared for Canterbury.
Stay safe out there 🙏