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.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has announced Sandra Kirby will take over as the organisation's new chief executive.
Puro, the country's largest cannabis cultivator, has won the Supreme Award at the Marlborough Business Excellence Awards.
Rawhiti Environmental Park Limited has been convicted on eight charges and fined a total of $437,000 for persistent discharges of raw piggery effluent into the environment between February and October 2023.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.

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