NZ winegrowers advance vineyard biosecurity in 2025
The year was marked by “progress, collaboration and reflection” in biosecurity, says New Zealand Winegrowers Biosecurity Advisor Jim Herdman.
The New Zealand Equine Health Association signed up to a Government Industry Agreement (GIA) for Biosecurity Readiness and Response at the Karaka yearling sales last month.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has welcomed a fourth primary industry to join the GIA partnership.
“This means the horse racing, recreational and breeding industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries can work together to manage and respond to the most important biosecurity risks,” Guy said.
“The equine industry is an important primary industry exporter with a strong international reputation. It supports almost 17,000 full-time jobs and contributes $1.6 billion to the New Zealand economy from domestic and export activity.”
Guy added that while New Zealand is fortunate that our horse population is free of equine influenza – probably the industry’s most serious disease threat – we must be vigilant to maintain that status.
“I’m pleased the industry has recognised the value that GIA offers by working together to maximise our collective strengths.”
New Zealand Pork, Kiwifruit Vine Health and Pipfruit New Zealand signed up to the GIA in 2014.
Tickets are now available for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Out the Gate, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.
Dairy Women's Network (DWN) is welcoming AgriHealth as a new partner.
Northland Field Days patron Ross Newlove remembers the inaugural field days he attended 40 years ago.
Southland farmer Murray Donald has been appointed as chair of Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation focused on reducing harm, injuries and fatalities in the agricultural sector.
National Lamb Day returns this Sunday, 15 February, with Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc calling on Kiwis to fire up their barbecues and celebrate the people and the product that put New Zealand on the world map.
When it comes to arranging the sound system at Northland Field Days, no one does it better than Colin Finlayson.

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