Rural Parents Blindsided By Bus Route Changes
OPINION: Rural school buses is a topic I have had a great deal of correspondence on over the last couple of months.
WAIKATO MILKING Systems chief executive Dean Bell says New Zealand must rethink how to ‘sell’ the sector to young people.
“Agriculture today has many career options for young people, ... and dairy technology has been at the cusp of innovation and growth. But to maintain that momentum we need the brightest and best. Investing in those young people is an investment in the future of this company, New Zealand agriculture and the economy.
“[About] 100 graduates enter New Zealand primary industries each year but we need ten times that if the sector… is to achieve its potential.”
Waikato Milking Systems is a partner in the St Paul’s College centre for excellence. It has hosted visits from senior St Paul’s faculty and current Year 13 students.
The school’s principal, Grant Lander, says much of the agribusiness curriculum development has been with agri organisations, universities and business. “Everyone is excited at what we have done so far and what we can still achieve…. we’re helping create something of national significance – innovative and ground breaking.”
Lander says secondary schools lack a structured, national programme to encourage students to study agricultural science and business in preparation for their tertiary study.
Animal and Plant Health New Zealand (APHANZ) says the approval of a new fungicide seed treatment is a positive, however growers will be hoping the final approval is completed ahead of the spring season.
North Canterbury farmer Adam Williamson has been appointed DairyNZ's associate director for 2026-27.
Fonterra farmers are set for a multi-billion-dollar payout this week.
The 2026 Holstein Friesian NZ Young Breeders Development Programme is off to a strong start, with this year's intake coming together for their first event on March 18 and 19.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced it will pay a $10 million special dividend to the Crown off the back of a strong outlook for the business and a capital repayment of $9.5 million following Fonterra's consumer business sale.
OPINION: As the fuel crisis hits the country and rural New Zealand in particular, perhaps it's time to turn to one of the kaumatua of the rural sector, Pita Alexander - farm accountant, advisor and a source of knowledge and insightfulness.