Rural NZ top of mind in Copper Services Investigation
The Commerce Commission says connectivity options for rural New Zealanders are front-of-mind as it begins a formal investigation into the future of the copper network.
Fonterra would no longer be required tosell milk at a regulated price to large, export-focused processors, under options put forward in a discussion document.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has released a discussion document seeking feedback on options to amend the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA) and its regulations.
The document is in response to the Commerce Commission's report on the state of competition in the New Zealand dairy industry, which was released on March 1, 2016. By law the Minister is required to respond to this report within 90 days of receiving it.
"After considering this report I am releasing a discussion document on options to amend certain provisions of the DIRA and transition towards deregulation."
The discussion document is seeking feedback from the dairy sector on options including:
· Amending the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (Raw Milk) Regulations 2012 so that Fonterra no longer needs to sell milk at a regulated price to large, export-focused processors, and the volumes of regulated milk available to all other processors are gradually reduced.
· Amending the open entry provisions so that Fonterra no longer has to collect milk from new dairy conversions.
· Amending the sunset provisions so that the next competition review occurs in five years' time or if independent processors achieve a 25% market share in the North or South Island.
"As the industry progresses towards deregulation, this review progressively builds on changes made in 2012. We will see five large independent processors no longer eligible for DIRA milk from June this year."
Fonterra farmers can continue to sell 20% of their milk to other processors like artisan cheesemakers.
"I encourage all interested parties to have their say on this important piece of legislation that affects one of our largest export earning industries.
"I want to thank the Commerce Commission for its report, and the constructive way that dairy industry stakeholders have engaged in the process."
Submissions close on Wednesday, June 2 2016 and several public meetings will be held during June.
Information about the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act and review process is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/proposed-changes-to-the-dairy-industry-restructuring-act-2001
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…
OPINION: Synlait's financial woes won’t be going away anytime soon.