M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Changes have been made to the requirements to cross the Auckland border amid Auckland's Level Four lockdown.
With most of New Zealand returning to Alert Level 2, the border around the Alert Level 4 area in Auckland is subject to particular scrutiny.
In order to cross the border, farmers and their workers now need to carry:
The Government is requiring that all those people crossing the border provide proof of a Covid-19 test that has occurred within the seven days prior to travelling from 16 September.
It is understood that those travelling will not need the actual test result, just evidence of the test itself.
The Government is also strongly encouraging farmers to ensure they maintain strict protocols on their farms, even under Alert Level 2.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.
Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.

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