HortResearch has been breeding blackcurrants since 1992. The current emphasis of the programme is on producing low chill cultivars suitable for the NZ climate. Blackcurrants are normally grown in regions of NZ which have average winter chilling of 1300 hours based on the 7 degreesC model. Incorporating gall mite resistance into low chill cultivars is an important objective. In the last 4 years, four cultivars have been released, McWhite, Torlesse, Murchison and Owen. McWhite and Torlesse are susceptible to gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis) but are high yielding and have good fruit quality characteristics. McWhite has strong colour, moderate acidity and moderate vitamin C levels. Torlesse has low acidity, moderate colour and Vitamin C levels. Murchison and Owen, after 3 years exposure to gall mite, remain resistant. Both Murchison and Owen fruit have moderate acidity, colour and vitamin C levels.