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.
New Zealand's primary sector has added steel to the country’s economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a recently released report.
Economic and research firm NZIER latest Insight report – released last week – says the livestock, forestry and horticulture sector have performed well over the lockdown period and as the Covid-19 crisis has continued overseas.
“Our land-based industries have proven themselves to be exceptionally resilient, particularly when it comes to trade” says Chris Nixon, NZIER principal economist and lead author of the report.
The report found that a mixture of strong demand from Asia (particularly China), flexible supply chains that suit commodity products, and strong institutions that govern food processing have all contributed to New Zealand’s strong trading results throughout the Covid-19 pandemic so far.
Dairy, meat and horticulture are up by nearly $1 billion year-to-date relative to this time in 2019.
“Not only has demand for New Zealand products remained solid, the outlook for all land-based industries looks strong,” Nixon adds. “Supporting this growth are the flexibility of our supply chains and the institutions that govern the rules around food processing.”
However, he warns that as the Covid-19 pandemic continues New Zealand must remain vigilant to how it impacts trade globally.
“A reduction in consumption of retail goods in the US could have an impact on Asian demand and incomes. This may mean that other countries have less to spend on New Zealand products and services.”
NZIER point out that New Zealand’s exposure to North American markets is limited because their commodity markets are fiercely protected.
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).
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
OPINION: Productive whole farmlands conversions into forestry are becoming a thorny issue for the Government.
Thus far in 2025, the Hawke's Bay rescue helicopter crew have completed over 220 missions, resulting in numerous positive patient outcomes.
The New Zealand Food Network's (NZFN) fifth birthday celebrations have been boosted by a whopping five tonne meat donation from meat processor ANZCO.
Pukekohe vegetable growers farewelled 101-year-old Alan Wilcox in late July, celebrating his many achievements and reflecting the widespread respect in which he was held.