Winter vegetables offer families great value despite tough year for growers

Winter vegetables continue to offer great value and nutritional return for families looking to eat well on a budget, says the New Zealand Vegetable Council (NZVeg) in response to the June 2026 food price index. 

‘Despite the year’s rising farm costs and ongoing uncertainty over resource consent conditions, New Zealand vegetable growers have continued producing fresh, healthy vegetables for kiwi households,’ says NZVeg director and grower, John Murphy, in response to the June 2026 food price index. 

‘As winter takes a hold, supermarket shelves are full of in-season vegetables like pumpkin, carrots and parsnips that are great to roast, include in casseroles or make into soups. Leafy greens like silverbeet, cabbage and kale are also in good supply.

‘This year, growers have had to absorb many cost increases related to fuel and fertiliser, but they’ve made sure that consumers are still getting excellent value.’  

John says it is vital that New Zealand has a viable domestic vegetable industry in this uncertain world, with disrupted supply chains and rising costs.

‘Vegetables are grown in regions across New Zealand, near to major population centres. This regional network helps to contain supply chain costs and makes the country more resilient to colder, winter weather and weather events, like cyclones.’ 

The New Zealand vegetable sector launched its election manifesto at Parliament late last month. 

‘The manifesto outlines what needs to change in order for the country’s vegetable sector to thrive and for growers to have the confidence to invest in the future,’ says John. 

‘Growers need a resource management system that supports the growing of vegetables, not one that stops them in their tracks. Recent court rulings in the key growing areas of Pukekohe and the Horowhenua are extremely worrying for the future of vegetable growing in New Zealand.

‘Our country needs to make decisions about food security in a world that is unstable and affected by more frequent extreme weather events. 

‘Due to New Zealand’s isolated geography and the perishable nature of vegetables, it is nearly impossible to import vegetables. As such, kiwi growers are essential for maintaining a year-round supply of vegetables, and supporting food security and good health.

‘This is why it is crucial that New Zealand’s policy and regulatory regimes are workable for vegetable growers and other food producers, and recognises their expertise.’

Click here to read the New Zealand Vegetable Sector Manifesto, and to find out more about vegetable growing in New Zealand.