McClay urges patience on KiwiSaver for first-time farmers
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
OPINION: A change in government has given hope to a farming community wish: that young farmers be allowed to use their savings to buy their first farm.
KiwiSaver providers are hoping that National will change its mind about making small changes to the scheme and instead conduct a full-scale review, including requiring members to contribute larger amounts.
During the election campaign, National proposed allowing young people to tap into their KiwiSaver savings to pay for a rental bond, and allowing members to have accounts with more than one provider.
But KiwiSaver providers said it was not clear that these were problems that New Zealanders wanted solved – and people who wanted to could already spread their savings by using platforms such as InvestNow.
But farming groups point out that young farmers dream of retiring with their savings in a farm and it makes sense for them to be able to use KiwiSaver to buy their first farm.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.