NZ tomato growers face rising energy costs
Tomato growers are facing a challenge like never before over the rising cost of energy and the uncertainty of supply.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.
Freeth has informed the EPA’s board that he intends to step down from the role on 30 June 2026.
Barry O’Neil, EPA chair, says the timing coincides with the end of the financial year.
Freeth will have served as chief executive of the EPA for over 10 years.
"Allan has led the EPA with vision and energy and has been instrumental in growing the EPA from its early phase as a developing regulator to one now respected by the environmental sector,” O’Neil says.
He says Freeth led the EPA through the coronavirus and has overseen the expansion of the EPA’s remit, including the recent establishment of the fast-track function.
"The board would like to thank Allan for his significant contribution to the EPA to date and wishes him all the very best for his future endeavours."
The board will begin the process for identifying a new chief executive shortly, with a view to confirming a replacement prior to Freeth’s departure.
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.
Sheep infant nutrition maker Blue River Dairy is hoping to use its success in China as a springboard into other markets in future.
Plentiful milk supplies from key producer countries are weighing down global dairy prices.
The recent windstorm that cut power to dairy farms across Southland for days has taught farmers one lesson – keep a generator handy on each farm.
The effects of the big windstorm of late October will be felt in lost production in coming weeks as repair crews work through the backlog of toppled irrigation pivots, says Culverden dairy farmer Fran Gunn.

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