The research programme is being led by the New Zealand Coffee Producers Association (NZCPA), with funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Māori Agribusiness Extension Programme and science expertise being provided by the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao.

The trial sites span Northland, from Kaikohe to as far north as Pārengarenga Harbour, just south of Cape Reinga. The plantings will be closely monitored over several seasons to assess how they grow and respond to different soil conditions and micro-climates.

NZCPA chair Peter Shepherd says the trials represent the next stage of work in assessing the industry's potential.  

“This work builds on a business case completed in 2024 that identified the potential for a viable coffee industry in Northland, provided it focuses on producing premium, specialty-grade coffee for global markets.

“We’re excited to follow the progress of these trials, which will help inform future investment and industry development decisions.”

Bioeconomy Science Institute project lead Dr Annette Richardson says the trial sites are being established in partnership with Māori landowners and NZCPA, with 50 coffee plants being planted at each site over spring as soil and air temperatures begin to warm.

“A few pioneer growers in the region have been leading the way and demonstrating the opportunities for high value specialty coffee, but there is still a lot we don’t know about growing coffee in New Zealand conditions.

“Through this research, we are going to learn a lot about where coffee grows well, where it doesn’t, what pests and diseases may be present, as well as what post-harvest infrastructure will be needed to produce high-quality coffee,” says Dr Richardson.

The coffee trials form part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s wider work collaborating with industry partners to explore new horticultural opportunities in Northland and help growers make informed decisions about future land-use options.