Wild weather could be taking a toll on the humble spud

The prolonged spell of wet weather has sparked concern New Zealand could be in danger of a potato shortage.

Potatoes need drier conditions when it reaches harvest time, and some Australian supermarkets have started rationing frozen potato products.

Potatoes New Zealand chief executive Chris Claridge says potatoes aren't particularly good swimmers and don't like being submerged in water for long periods.

He says access to the fields to harvest the crops is also hampered in the wet weather.