ETS costs cut 66% for forest owners – McClay
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
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.
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.”
Pāmu has welcomed ten new apprentices into its 2026 intake, marking the second year of a scheme designed to equip the next generation of farmers with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a thriving career in agriculture.
One team with 43 head, including a contingent from Mid Canterbury, are reflecting on a stellar NZ DairyEvent.
Fonterra farmer shareholders have approved the mechanism for a $2/share capital return expected from the sale of its global consumer and associated businesses.
Trainees in the horticulture industry studying towards a certificate or diploma can now apply for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 Industry Training Scholarships programme.
OPINION: The first three Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auctions have been a morale booster for farmers.
Former Fonterra executive Alex Turnbull has been appointed CEO to lead all five Yili Oceania Business Division companies in New Zealand.

OPINION: Here w go: the election date is set for November 7 and the politicians are out of the gate…
OPINION: ECan data was released a few days ago showing Canterbury farmers have made “giant strides on environmental performance”.