Susan O'Regan Appointed New Chair of QEII National Trust
Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka has appointed Susan O'Regan as Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a three-year term.
Former head of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Peter Chrisp is the new director-general of the Department of Conservation.
Welcoming his appointment, Environmental Defence Society (EDS) chief executive Gary Taylor says Chrisp understands the importance of the conservation estate, and the natural environment more generally, to New Zealand's economic welfare.
"He will be well placed to argue for adequate resourcing for the department which manages one-third of our country.
"There are clearly big challenges ahead for DoC with yesterday's announcement of further public service cuts."
Chrisp also has direct experience of conservation challenges on the ground through his work as chair of Predator Free Wellington.
"EDS looks forward to working constructively with the new director-general when he takes office at the end of June. We share common ground in wanting positive conservation outcomes for Aotearoa," says Taylor.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.
Meat Industry Association data, released alongside the Red Meat Sector conference in Wellington, shows export value climbing across the US, China, UK and Canada.
Applications are set to open for the 2027 Zanda McDonald Award, a trans-Tasman award recognised for identifying and fast-tracking talented young leaders in agriculture and agribusiness.