IrrigationNZ has thrown its support behind the Government’s method of regional post-COVID-19 recovery through Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funded water projects. The industry body believes the water projects that have been included in the $48 million loans from the Provincial … Continue reading →

Rubbish fires have more than doubled during the lockdown period compared to previous years. As a result of the increase and subsequent emergency callouts, Fire and Emergency (FENZ) is asking people to stop burning. National Manager Community Readiness and Recovery … Continue reading →

The Government will spend $15 million to improve rural broadband. The money will be used to upgrade some existing rural mobile towers, upgrade wireless backhaul, which connects remote sites to central networks, and install external antennae on households to improve coverage … Continue reading →

New protocols have been set for meat processing plants as they now operate in Level 3 Alert. There is very little change according to Meat Industry Association chief executive Simra Karapeeva, who says the main change allows for some flexibility … Continue reading →

The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association (NZDA) is urging hunters to follow the new anti-COVID rules with a shift to Level 3.  “Under Level 3, hunting and some other outdoor recreation will be permitted, although with tight rules around what is … Continue reading →

Fonterra has named Holly Kramer as its new independent director. Kramer is based in New South Wales and has extensive governance, multinational, and retail business experience. She joins the co-op board on May 11. She is deputy chair of Australian … Continue reading →

The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network says it has brokered an agreement with the Ministry of Health to extend locum support. It says this will keep vulnerable rural general practices operating as they come under mounting pressure as a … Continue reading →

A Southland dairy farming couple offering home delivery of both raw and pasteurised milk, as well as other produce, is expanding their business as demand climbs during the COVID-19 lockdown. Logan and Melissa Johnson have been running their Farm Fresh … Continue reading →

MPI is wanting to provide guidance around potential contracts signed by small forest owners – many of whom are farm foresters. It says there are approximately 14,000 of these small forest owners in New Zealand and many of them are … Continue reading →

The Government has announced that the duck shooting season will go ahead – albeit delayed until NZ goes into Level 2.  “We are pleased to announce we will have a game bird season under Alert Level 2, with the season … Continue reading →