There are currently about 100 raspberry growers in New Zealand with a planted area of approximately 221 ha, mainly in the South Island. Raspberries can be used for a variety of purposes from jams and desserts to wines, vinegars, and brandies. Raspberries are grown extensively in New Zealand from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Summer cropping types require low winter temperatures, so bud break can be indifferent north of Palmerston North. Autumn fruiting types don't require winter chilling, and so are more suited to North Island growing.
Raspberries are very susceptible to root rots, so good drainage is essential.
Raised beds should be used for planting if drainage is doubtful. The root systems are concentrated close to the surface and benefit from mulching and regular watering. During the 1980s the breeding programme was consolidated, expanded, and eventually moved to the Riwaka Research Centre in Nelson, under the direction of Harvey Hall. Initial plantings in the revamped programme were from crosses provided by Agriculture Canada in British Columbia, and from open pollinated seed of the best selections at the Scottish Crop Research Institute. Selections taken from these populations have been intercrossed, crossed with new cultivar and imported selections, and crossed with selections from the old MAF and DSIR programmes to give a further range of seedlings and selections.