Chip prices rocket as New Zealanders stock up amid potato crisis

Farmers are warning New Zealanders to brace themselves for a major potato shortage across the country that could continue into the new year.

Continued wet weather across New Zealand has seriously affected potato production areas including Auckland and Waikato and in turn has sent chip prices rocketing.

The heavy rainfall, which included two “weather bombs” and two serious floods in both the North and South Island, has seen 20 per cent of New Zealand’s annual potato crop wiped out, The Guardian reported.

The news has led supermarket customers to stock up on crisps, who fear a national shortage could affect upcoming events including Christmas parties.

Several supermarkets have issued their own warnings, predicting the shortage could continue into 2018.

Chris Claridge, the chief executive of Potatoes New Zealand, has revealed his concern over a lack of an important food source in the country.

“You can go for a week without politics but try going for a week without potatoes. It is a food staple and this is becoming a food security issue as the effects of climate change take their toll on our potato crop,” said Claridge.

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The effects of the heavy rain will roll over to next season's crop, with the weather leaving the ground too wet for planting.

Potatoes play a significant role in New Zealand's agriculture, with 500,000 tonnes of potatoes harvested each year, making the country the ninth-biggest exporter of potatoes worldwide.

"It is a very important part of New Zealand psyche having potatoes,” Claridge added.