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The clear view of the industry is that the He Waka Eke Noa consultation should be stopped in its tracks rather than putting the lives of farmers and their families at risk.
It would appear that the industry has been reluctant to go ahead with the He Waka Eke Noa consultation because of Covid and have felt heavily pressured to do this, against their better judgement.
B+LNZ and DairyNZ have asked the Government for an extension of time, but as Dairy News went to press, 'silence was the stern reply' from the Beehive.
It is acknowledged by industry that the timelines for the consultation are enshrined in legislation, but they point out that, in the past, this hasn't stopped the Government changing its mind when it suits them.
Some industry insiders say that the stubbornness of government to postpone the consultation is 'political' with claims the 'green' elements in Parliament are being appeased at the expense of the rural sector. There are also claims that the call for postponement is just another case of the primary sector 'dragging the chain' - a claim strongly refuted by industry sources.
The clear view of the industry is that the consultation should be stopped in its tracks rather than putting the lives of farmers and their families at risk by effectively forcing them to attend the workshops. 'Attending' online is regarded by many as unsatisfactory.
Tim Mackle says DairyNZ is monitoring the Covid situation on a daily basis both in the lead-up to the roadshow, and every day it takes place, to make sure people's lives are not at risk. Therefore ther is still a chance the whole show will be off the road.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
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Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
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.
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