Farm Safety Improves Through 'Incremental Gain', Says Birkett
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
Cavalier Wool Holdings (CWH) is 'disappointed but not surprised'.
Australian owned carpet maker Godfrey Hirst has made the decision to launch another appeal against CWH's proposal to merge its wool scouring operations with NZ Wool Services International (NZWSI).
"There is currently excess wool scouring capacity in New Zealand, this proposal is about consolidating assets and realising efficiencies in order to keep wool processing in the country longer term," it says in a statement.
"We want to avoid what has happened with off-shoring of scouring in Australia and instead create a single, internationally competitive wool processing entity in New Zealand.
"It is disappointing that despite the Commerce Commission ruling in favour of the merger and Godfrey Hirst recently losing an appeal against this in the High Court they have chosen to continue to draw this out and launch yet another appeal." CWH is owned by Cavalier Corporation, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and local private equity firm Direct Capital.
"Under the merger proposal CWH NZ shareholders will have the majority shareholding with 55% of the merged company and Lempriere (international parent owners of NZWSI) 45%. Lempriere will need Commerce Commission approval to increase its shareholding beyond 45%."
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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