Silt Recovery Taskforce wins national award
Hawke’s Bay’s Silt Recovery Taskforce has received the Collaboration Excellence Award at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) Awards.
Hastings District Council has given the government a plan to address the seasonal labour shortage faced by the horticulture and viticulture sectors due to Covid-19.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise met with Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi at parliament last week, along with industry representatives, to deliver the plan on behalf of the region.
The plan highlights the commitments already made by the sectors, including the creation of 1000 permanent jobs in the next five years, and increased pay rates for workers.
Growers are requesting the government provide space in managed isolation facilities for RSE workers for the upcoming thinning and picking season.
They have also asked that the government approve a plan for returning RSE workers from Covid-free Pacific Island countries at a government-run isolation facility in the Hawke’s Bay.
Hazlehurst said it was vital that local leaders speak directly to the Immigration Minister about the shortage.
“Minister Faafoi commended us for being the first region in the country to deliver a government plan to help with the seasonal labour shortage,” she said.
Hazlehurst said that the meeting showed local government’s commitment to supporting growers.
Wise said the horticulture and viticulture sectors were critical in supporting the COVID-19 recovery.
She said that the growers involved in the development of the plan represented 60 per cent of the New Zealand export market, contributing over $1 billion in export earnings to the economy.
“It’s vital we do everything we can to get our produce picked,” she said.
Eddie Crasborn from Crasborn Fresh Harvest Ltd said growers want to work with government on a multi-year strategic partnership that allows them to provide meaningful permanent employment for New Zealanders.
“As part of this partnership, the industry is committed to creating 1000 permanent jobs for our communities.
“We are focused on helping New Zealanders into permanent work which we know is critical in supporting our shared social, community and economic development goals.”
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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