Alliance Group faces crucial vote on Dawn Meats deal
The future of the Alliance Group is “pretty dark” if the proposed Dawn Meats deal does not go through, says board chair Mark Wynne.
Alliance Group says it has helped to raise more than $42,000 at a recent Ronald McDonald House South Island Supper Club event in Invercargill.
It was announced in January this year that the co-operative would become an official partner of Ronald McDonald House South Island which provides
free accommodation and support to families who need to travel for their child’s medical care.
Guests at the Supper Club event enjoyed a mystery dining experience which saw them dine at exclusive venues such as the window display of H&J Smith Department Store.
“Following the cancellation of the Supper Club events in 2020 due to Covid-19, we were very grateful to be able to bring back this unique dining experience this year,” says Ronald McDonald House South Island chief executive Mandy Kennedy.
“We are so incredibly thankful to Alliance Group, the venues, caterers and chefs, as well as each and every sponsor, auction donor, volunteer and guest who made the Invercargill Supper Club, presented by Alliance Group, such a success.”
Before departing for the mystery dining experience, guests heard from Kat Moses who stayed at the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Southland Hospital when her son Bodhi was born prematurely.
“I was a huge supporter of this charity before, but after my six weeks stay, I cannot even put into words how much respect and love I have for Ronald McDonald House South Island,” she told the diners.
David Surveyor, chief executive of Alliance Group, says Alliance and Ronald McDonald House South Island share common values of care and support.
“We don’t have to go far in talking with farmers or our people to see how this charitable trust has touched the hearts of rural communities,” Surveyor says.
“The Supper Club event was also a great opportunity to showcase our farmers’ products, cooked by some of the region’s best chefs.”
The money raised from the event will go directly to support families who stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Southland Hospital.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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