Editorial: Punching Above Our Weight
OPINION: With 10,500 dairy farms, New Zealand continues to punch above its weight around the world.
Fonterra is welcoming the Government's move to lift restrictions on trade with Iran, a key butter partner.
This follows the elimination of UN sanctions this month.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it has started the process of updating its regulations and removing the UN sanctions, which it expects to complete next month.
"Iran is a valuable trading partner and a key butter market for Fonterra," says Fonterra's managing director of global ingredients, Kelvin Wickham.
"The removal of the UN sanctions, and our Government's unwinding of restrictions, will only improve the outlook for us in Iran."
With a population of nearly 80 million and long-standing customer relationships in Iran, Fonterra expected continued growth in the market.
"Our customers in Iran are growing, and we're seeing them make significant investments in infrastructure and capacity to meet demand," says Wickham.
"We have skilled people in the region who understand the opportunities and potential of doing business in Iran, and who welcome more normalised trade relations."
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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