MPI Boss Says H5N1 Will Inevitably Reach New Zealand
Don’t worry about it but just be aware - that’s the message from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director-general Ray Smith as the H5N1 strain of bird flu is found in Australia.
Biosecurity remains the top priority for agribusiness leaders, according to KPMG's 2025 Agribusiness Agenda released last week.
For the 15th year running, agribusiness leaders continue to view world-class biosecurity as the cornerstone of New Zealand's agrifood reputation, particularly considering the incursions experienced in the last 12 months.
The leaders want ongoing investment and innovation in biosecurity systems to protect the sector's long-term viability.
Now in its 16th year, the Agenda, titled 'Turning talk into tasks', draws on insights from almost 200 industry leaders, including farmers, growers, innovators, sustainability professionals, and emerging voices. It lists the top 10 priorities for leaders.
Ian Proudfoot, KPMG global head of agribusiness, says this year's report is intended to be a provocation to the food and fibre sector around imagining what its potential could be in the future.
With the New Zealand/India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dominating political debate here, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting New Zealand next week.
Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.
“We’re not normal.” That’s how Jack Walters, executive director of Pungent Pukeko, describes his gin brand, which has just won gold at the World Gin Awards.
Dr Tim Harwood, a seafood food safety research leader, has been awarded the 2026 Significant Contribution Award at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST) Food Industry Awards.
Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council-controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced has opened applications for the 2026/27 funding round of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research (GHGIR) fund.

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