Tractor fires: Nests Behind Almost A Third of FMG Claims
Nesting birds are behind around $1.2 million worth of tractor fire claims every year, according to rural insurer FMG, which is urging farmers to check under the bonnet before starting work.
Rural insurer FMG has appointed Adam Heath as its new chief executive officer.
Heath is currently the executive general manager, insurance solutions with Suncorp New Zealand.
He will start in the role on December 20th, replacing Chris Black.
FMG board chair Tony Cleland says the board is thrilled to have secured someone of Heath's calibre.
Cleland says Heath comes with a strong background in general and life insurance, banking and telecommunications.
"Added to this, Heath is a leader who empowers those around him, shares FMG's values and has empathy for the mutual model and the rural sector. We know Heath will be a great fit for FMG and ably lead the organisation through its next chapter," says Cleland.
In accepting the role Heath says he's long admired FMG from the outside as an iconic New Zealand and rural brand.
"I'm really looking forward to joining FMG and being part of the mutual's long and proud history of supporting rural communities. It has an ambitious growth strategy and wants to improve further to support clients and members in an increasingly digitalised world."
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.