DIRA Review: Open Country Dairy Warns Against Regulatory "Complacency"
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
One of the country’s top trade officials, a respected farmer and orchardist and a radio presenter are in the running for the 2024 Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand's Primary Industries award.
Vangelis Vitalis, the Deputy Secretary of Trade and Economic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Nelson dairy and horticulture farmer Julian Raine, and presenter Jamie Mackay are vying for the award, sponsored by AgResearch.
Organisers say the award enables the primary industries community to recognise and appreciate the efforts of one of its own.
“This award will go to a long-standing hero who has continuously supported both their rural community and their given rural industry with commitment and dedicated service.
“The winner of this award consistently supports their local community and goes above and beyond for others in times of extreme and challenging times.”
The winner will be announced at the NZ primary Industries Summit in Wellington next month.
For the Emerging Leader Award, the nominees are Claire Williamson, Velma & Beverley, Jordi Hoult, Ministry for Primary Industries and Sam Waugh, Donald’s Farm. This award is sponsored by Lincoln University.
This award recognises an emerging leader who is new to the New Zealand primary sector.
2024 Champion Award Finalists are the late Warren Parker (Posthumous), Pamu Farms of New Zealand, Dr Stuart Davis, LeaderBrand Produce and Cameron Taylor, Taylor Corporation.
Organisers says this award recognises a New Zealand-based individual’s unwavering commitment to the rural sector on a specific area or cause.
“The recipient must be an individual who demonstrates commitment, passion and leadership in their chosen career within the primary industries. Nominations should demonstrate leadership the individual has shown and their impact on the industry. Those nominated should also demonstrate their commitment to the primary industries and how they have made and can make, develop and progress the sector.”
Finalists for the Team & Collaboration Award, sponsored by BASF, are Ashna Khan, Agrisea, Tanya Pouwhare, New Zealand Ethical Employers and the organisations for the CRA3 Lobster Biotoxin Response: Ministry for Primary Industries; Seafood Standards Council; New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council; Crayfish Area Management Committee and Licensed Fish Receivers.
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.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…