Join us for the 2026 Annual Conference & Field Day

Seed to Cup on a High Cost Economy - exploring how 
New Zealand can compete with other traditional growing areas around the world where the cost of labour and many other inputs are much lower than ours.

This is the second annual conference of the NZCPA. Invitation is open to anyone who has interest in growing or processing high-quality NZ specialty coffee

DAY 1: Ngawha Innovation & Enterprise Park

We're very excited to be joined by our keynote speaker, Kraig Lee, co-owner of Kona Farm Direct based in Hawaii. 

Kona Farm Direct is a family owned business and is multi-award winning in the specialty coffee market coffee with deep commitment to environmental and financial sustainability.

With over 3 decades of experience building a successful business in a similar high-wage, high-cost economy to New Zealand, Kraig will share some of their journey to date, the key challenges to overcome, the benefits of working with others, and some reflections on how he sees the New Zealand industry developing.

The conference will keep building on sharing knowledge and capability, and will bring updates on the Northland crop trials and our developing global networks. We will discuss progress regarding access to the safe import of new coffee plant varieties for New Zealand as well as information from recent World Coffee Research trials.

Kraig Lee will also talk more specifically about processing methods that Kona Farm Direct has used and developed to improve the value of their coffee for the specialty market, including the use of yeasts as a controlled fermentation to enhance flavour profiles.

In a New Zealand context, we will hear about a new research project involving generating indigenous yeasts for the non-alcoholic beer and wine market - Could this be an exciting opportunity for NZ coffee processing?

This will be an engaging and informative programme with plenty of opportunity for networking, Q&A and open discussion throughout the day. 

DAY 2: Simons NZ Coffee, Doubtless Bay

An on-farm tour hosted by owner Doug Simons to see the plantation of approximately 4500 coffee plants, including some diversification with tamarillos, avocados and passionfruit. Doug will share parts of his journey so far, including some limiting factors of the site, mitigating actions taken, and environmental challenges faced.

The Field Day will also include a focus on agronomy with seasoned agricultural technician Colin Partridge. Well-known and respected for bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application to improve orchard productivity and providing valuable advice to many growers.

Finally, a discussion about value chain ownership as Simons NZ Coffee includes space and equipment for drying and processing, as well as roasting facilities, and their mobile coffee caravan. Doug will share his experience so far, including some of the challenges and opportunities they’re facing as harvest and production increases.

Keynote speaker from the Annual Conference, Kraig Lee will also be attending the Field Day and will no-doubt have experience and reflections to share.

This informal on-farm experience will be an excellent opportunity to learn and connect with another local grower and the experts that will be joining us. 

To secure your spot at this exciting event please click the Register Button at the top right of this page, click on either date to reveal all ticket options and follow the prompts.