Early drought fears ease in Hawke’s Bay, but caution remains
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.
Making Hawke's Bay the leading exporter of premium primary produce is a key objective of Matariki – Hawke's Bay Regional Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2016.
It is a comprehensive plan to diversify and grow the Hawke's Bay economy, increasing jobs, income and investment in the region.
The plan aims to make Hawke's Bay the most innovative region in New Zealand, the leading exporter of premium primary produce and a hub for business growth. It focuses on improving pathways to employment, supporting business, lifting innovation and productivity, attracting investment and skilled migrants, developing infrastructure and increasing visitor spending.
As part of the Regional Growth Programme, the plan represents a coordinated approach to lifting the region's economic performance.
Local and central government, businesses and iwi worked together to develop the plan. Implementation of individual actions will be led by various groups and government agencies.
Iwi have been extensively involved in developing the strategy and action plan and have come together to form Te Kahui Ōhanga o Takitimu, which will play a key role in achieving collective economic goals for Māori.
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.
A Taranaki farmer and livestock agent who illegally swapped NAIT tags from cows infected with a bovine disease in an attempt to sell the cows has been fined $15,000.
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying. Decades later, it's her passion for the industry keeping her there, supporting, and inspiring farmers across the region.

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