NZ avocado growers gain FernMark export licence
New Zealand avocado growers have received a major boost by securing a collective FernMark Licence for their exports.
A collaborative effort between hunters, landowners, and conservation organisations has seen the successful removal of 12,935 wild goats during the second annual National Competition.
It marks a 22% rise from last year.
Spearheaded by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA), with support from Federated Farmers, Hunting & Fishing NZ and the Firearms Safety Authority, the competition connected over 800 hunters and landowners, improving access to private land and significantly impacting wild goat populations.
The competition also saw $70,000 in prizes donated by the hunting and outdoor sector.
“This competition is about more than just numbers – it’s about New Zealanders coming together to protect our unique ecosystems,” says NZDA president Callum Sheridan.
“Hunters play a critical role in controlling introduced species, and this year’s record turnout shows the power of hunter-driven conservation.”
Hunting and Fishing Minister Todd McClay says the result is “fantastic” and demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships across the hunting community in addressing the damage wild goats can cause to farmland and native ecosystems.
“Prize winners have been announced today on the competition webpage and via NZDA and DOC’s social media channels,” McClay says.
“I look forward to next year’s competition and wild goat hunting becoming a regular feature in the hunting calendar.”
Open Country Dairy has finalised a deal to acquire 100% of Miraka.
Fonterra has unveiled the first refrigerated electric truck to deliver dairy products across Auckland.
Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.
Virtual fencing and pasture management company Halter says its NZ operations has delivered a profit of $2.8 million after exclusion of notional items.
Manuka honey trader Comvita slumped to a $104 million net loss last financial year, reflecting prolonged market disruption, oversupply and pricing volatility.
The Government has struck a deal with New Zealand's poultry industry, agreeing how they will jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).