Early drought conditions emerging in Hawke’s Bay as rainfall drops
As you approach Hastings from the south along SH2, the colour of the west-facing hills are a good indicator of a drought.
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.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.
Thirty years ago, as a young sharemilker, former Waikato farmer Snow Chubb realised he was bucking a trend when he started planting trees to provide shade for his cows, but he knew the animals would appreciate what he was doing.

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