Feds support live animal exports
Federated Farmers have reiterated their support for the coalition Government to abolish the present ban on the live export of animals.
A new programme has been launched to introduce Pacific youth to careers in New Zealand's horticulture sector.
The programme was announced in February by Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor and Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio.
O'Connor says the Akongoue: Pasifika Horticulture Programme will introduce Pacific youth to the wide range of career options across the horticulture sector.
"In terms of exports, horticulture is one of New Zealand's fastest growing sectors, with the sector's exports forecast to reach $6.9 billion this financial year and expected to grow further," he adds.
"We have been investing significantly in partnership with the sector in new technology and increasing sustainability. For a young person that means exciting career opportunities."
O'Connor says these range from practical jobs like planting and harvesting, through to roles in biodiversity and sustainability, green and digital technologies, engineering, sales and marketing, research and science, and manufacturing and logistics.
The programme is a collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Tongan Youth Trust, the Sector Workforce Engagement Programme (MBIE), and training organisation New Zealand Sports Turf Institute (NZSTI).
Sio claims it will broaden horizons and reward young Pacific people.
"There is huge potential for our Pacific youth to build lifelong, fulfilling careers in horticulture. This programme is the first step," he says.
"It will help our youth to appreciate and consider the land as a source of life, connecting them with the cultural and indigenous knowledge of previous generations."
Learning will include both time in the classroom and practical activities one day per week in a safe, inclusive learning environment.
Mentors and buddies will help participants get the best out of the programme.
As well as introducing Pacific youth to different horticulture roles, the programme will also contribute to NCEA Level 2/3 (up to 43 credits), and provide important skills, for example in first aid and health and safety.
Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni says students will also interact with a network of industry employers to help with further learning and potential employment opportunities.
"The Akongoue: Pasifika Horticulture Programme is an opportunity to bring together Pacific youth, their Kainga (families), and schools," she says.
"It will help them to identify horticulture career opportunities that offer progression to tertiary studies, employment, diversity, mobility, and financial reward."
O'Connor adds that the programme will equip Pacific youth with important skills and qualifications.
"It will also help excite and attract our Pacific youth into a horticulture career to build life-long prosperity for themselves, and their families."
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political divide for former Prime Minister Jim Bolger who passed away, aged 90.
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
Agri advisor Perrin Ag says its graduate recruitment programme continues to bring new talent into the agricultural sector.
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…