History.

Onions in New Zealand.

Onions have been grown in New Zealand by European settlers since colonisation.

In 1923 Pukekohe onion grower, John Turbot, developed the now world famous ‘Pukekohe Long Keeper’ (PLK) to export to distant markets. It is a strongly flavoured, firm cooking onion with golden brown skin and white flesh.

Pukekohe and Waikato are now the predominant areas of onion growing in New Zealand. Hawkes Bay, and an increasing South Island volume, also contribute to New Zealand’s largest fresh vegetable export earner.

New Zealand’s export season stretches from January-September, with harvest starting in the North Island and finishing last in the South Island, on average one month later.