News & case studies

Top tips for growers: Make the most of MetWatch this summer

December 9, 2025

While summer brings ideal growing conditions for many crops across New Zealand, it also presents unique challenges for growers – from managing irrigation during dry spells to staying one step ahead of pests and diseases that thrive in warm conditions.The MetWatch weather, pest and plant disease portal equips horticulturalists with an armoury of digital tools to manage these seasonal challenges wit

Insights

Advanced weather data creates ‘crystal ball’ for Fresh Berry Company

December 2, 2025

With nearly 31 years of horticulture under his belt, Fresh Berry Company Director Dean Astill knows that no two growing seasons are ever the same.

Case Studies

MetWatch insights give third-generation Hawke's Bay grower ‘the edge’

December 2, 2025

Accurate weather information is crucial when it comes to maximising yield and caring for crops at The Orchard in Hawke’s Bay, says owner Roger Brownlie.

Case Studies

One source of weather truth transforms decision-making for famed winemaker

December 2, 2025

At Constellation Brands' Selaks Vineyard and Winery in Hawke's Bay, managing 245 hectares premium grapes requires careful planning and the ability to respond rapidly to any challenges the growing season brings.

Case Studies

How MetWatch weather data is helping agri-businesses grow smarter in NZ

September 10, 2025

Across New Zealand's diverse growing regions, a quiet revolution is taking place. Forward-thinking horticulture businesses and researchers have been embracing HortPlus’ industry-leading digital MetWatch platform to make smarter decisions about how they care for their crops and plan for the future.

Spotlight

MetWatch survey results outline path for future development

July 14, 2025

HortPlus has received valuable insights from MetWatch users following its first user survey, with results highlighting strong satisfaction levels and a clear direction for future platform development.

Features

Growing Digital Podcast Episode 2 | How CropTide is Changing The Way We Understand Plant Data with Hamish Penny

April 29, 2025

We are joined by Hamish Penny who is founder and CEO of CropTide, a New Zealand company that has developed a unique sensor that gathers data directly from the plant stem. Croptide connects these insights with weather data through the Croptide platform to enable growers to make smarter decisions in real time.

Podcast

The NZ innovation supporting dust management at Taharoa Mine

March 12, 2025

The ironsand mine at Taharoa on the North Island's West Coast has been one of the unsung success stories of New Zealand's export sector for more than five decades.

Case Studies

Growing Digital Podcast Episode 1 | From Granular Data to Real Life Profits in the Primary Sector with Rob Bensley

March 11, 2025

Check out our first ever Growing Digital Podcast episode with Rob Bensley, a skilled tech innovator and thought-leader in New Zealand's agri-tech world.

Podcast

MetWatch: From a Hawke’s Bay garage to a trusted digital platform

December 5, 2024

MetWatch has come a long way since its early days more than two decades ago. Back then, a young Mike Barley was working on a Pentium Pro PC in a makeshift office tucked away in a garage down Riverslea Road in Hawke's Bay.

Spotlight

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