Launched in 2024, Pūtake Whakatupu - which translates to Foundation for Growth - is the primary workstream under the Tuputupu Grow Northland Initiative. This transformative project aims to identify, support and develop land use and value-add manufacturing opportunities in Taitokerau Northland.  

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project focuses on supporting and developing both existing and new land uses, the development of in region value-add primary sector manufacturing, and commercialising new primary sector products and services. A key aspect of this programme is partnering with Māori to support their aspirations through a by Māori, for Māori approach. 

As the inaugural project under the Tuputupu Grow Northland initiative, Pūtake Whakatupu is funded in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund and the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee. 

Market Report Photos Bananas

THE PROJECT SO FAR

Pūtake Whakatupu aims to help Northlanders create greater value from our primary and associated manufacturing sectors while collaborating closely and supporting landowners, iwi, and hapū.

The project is working to:

  • Identify and unlock new opportunities for the Northland primary and associated manufacturing sectors;
  • Enable landowners to make more sustainable and optimal land use choices;
  • Support the development of further in region value-add manufacturing.

The purpose of the Pūtake Whakatupu project is the development of a series of Market Opportunity Reports that assess economic pathways for optimising land use and creating value-added products in the region.

Pūtake Whakatupu has undertaken in-depth engagement with key stakeholders, including landowners, local farmers, growers, and associated manufacturing sectors.

This engagement took place through a survey of interested parties to help build a picture of the current primary industries and associated manufacturing landscape in Northland. Following the survey, four workshops were held across the region in November 2024 to facilitate further discussions and gather insights to feed into the Market Opportunity Reports. 

Workshop notes and presentations are available below.

PROJECT BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

Presentation Cover Shot

Pūtake Whakatupu - Nov 24 Workshop Presentation

A copy of the powerpoint presentation delivered at the Pūtake Whakatupu workshop series across Northland in November 2024.

Putake Whakatupu Workshop Report

Pūtake Whakatupu - Opportunity Workshop Series Report

Summary report from the workshop series held in November 2024.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Since our workshop series in late 2024, the Pūtake Whakatupu project has made significant strides toward unlocking new opportunities for Northland’s land-based sectors. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:

  • Steering Group Established: We’ve formed a dedicated Steering Group comprising experienced representatives from across the primary and food manufacturing sectors to guide the project’s direction.
  • Land Use Ideas Prioritised: Promising land use ideas have been thoroughly assessed and prioritised to focus on the most viable opportunities for our region.
  • Market Opportunity Studies Commissioned: Four comprehensive market opportunity studies have been commissioned, covering nine crops: sunflower & soybean, banana & pineapple, moringa, mango & papaya, and turmeric & ginger. These Market Opportunity Reports will be published in early September.
  • Community Engagement and Sector Development: We continue to foster cluster and sector development through ongoing engagement with our local communities and industry partners.

The Market Opportunity Reports have been completed and are published below. They provide valuable insights to help shape Northland’s future through Pūtake Whakatupu and the wider Tuputupu/Grow Northland initiative.

Market Report Photos Papaya

Market Opportunity Reports

These two reports have been produced to assess the economic feasibility of emerging horticultural and arable crops.

The future of food and fibre in Northland

Market Opportunities Report #1

An assessment of the economic feasibility of seven emerging industries including: Banana, Pineapple, Moringa, Soybean, Sunflower, Ginger, and Tumeric.

Tuputupu Mango and Papaya Market Opportunity Study

Market Opportunities Report #2

An assessment of the the feasibility of developing a mango or papaya industry in Te Tai Tokerau-Northland.

Crop Summary Infographics

These infographics provide a summary of the findings from the full reports.

Market Report Photos Sunflowers

Alternative Arable Crops

Infographic produced by Scarlatti summarising market opportunities in Northland for sunflowers and soybeans.

Market Report Photos Bananas

Subtropical Crops

Infographic produced by Scarlatti summarising market opportunities in Northland for bananas, pineapples, and moringa.

Market Report Photos Papaya

Mango & Papaya

Infographic produced by BDO summarising market opportunities in Northland for mango and papaya.

Ginger

Specialty Root Crops

Infographic produced by Scarlatti summarising market opportunities in Northland for ginger and turmeric.

FINANCIAL MODELLING TOOLS

DISCLAIMER - The Market Opportunity Reports and the accompanying spreadsheet are provided for general informational and illustrative purposes only. They do not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. The information contained within should not be relied upon as the sole basis for making financial decisions. Users are strongly advised to conduct their own due diligence and seek independent advice from a qualified professional before acting on any figures or assumptions presented. The authors and distributors of this document accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information provided.

Excel File Download v2

Market Opportunity Studies - Financial Model

Financial model estimating grower and processor profitability for potential crops.

Excel File Download v2

Market Opportunity Studies - Single Crop Calculator

Single crop financial modelling tool.

OTHER RELEVANT PROJECT PAGES

20240201 Rural Delivery Filming Pouto 0066

Tuputupu Grow Northland Resource Library

A list of datasets, resources and information for interested parties. See more

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TUPUTUPU GROW NORTHLAND UPDATES

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MEET THE PROJECT TEAM

  • Meet Luke Beehre WEB

    Luke Beehre

    Project Lead, Tuputupu Grow Northland

    I manage and execute the Tututupu Grow Northland initiative. Find out more

  • Meet Jeanette Johnstone WEB

    Jeanette Johnstone

    Horticulture Specialist, Tuputupu Grow Northland

    A Northlander born and bred, I have spent most of my life living in the North. Find out more

  • Meet 20250923 Niamh McCarthy Web 0001

    Niamh McCarthy

    Project Co-ordinator, Tuputupu Grow Northland

    I’m originally (and always will be) Irish, but moved here in 2007 and been living in Northland for a couple of years. Having lived all over New Zealand, I can say this is definitely my happy place and still surprises me the amazing places we have right on our doorstep.
    My role in the Tuputupu team is Project Co-ordinator and that sees me working on a variety of projects focusing on getting the best outcomes for everyone who works in the primary industry in our region.
    When I’m not at work I like getting out exploring with my family, reading and as a passionate foodie I’m always keen to check out new hangouts.
    Find out more