RWNZ chief executive to step down
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
The Government has announced that the duck shooting season will go ahead – albeit delayed until NZ goes into Level 2.
“We are pleased to announce we will have a game bird season under Alert Level 2, with the season also running longer in some regions,” says Fish & Game New Zealand chief executive Martin Taylor.
“The game bird season will open on the second Saturday following the introduction of Alert Level 2, except if that date falls on May 30.”
However, duck shooting will not open at Queen’s Birthday weekend to avoid Moving Day on the June 1.
“Based on current Government projections, we are likely to see an opening day either in mid-May or early June,” Taylor says.
If Level 2 is introduced between May 11 & 15, then opening day will happen on May 23. However, if Level 2 is not introduced until between May 16 & 29, then opening day will be June 6.
Taylor says Fish & Game had been working with the Government to ensure the best possible options for the 2020 game bird season.
“It has been a complex task to ensure the fight against COVID-19 continues, while still providing the best experience for game bird hunters. It is great we can confirm a season will take place," Taylor says.
All hunters will have to comply with the restrictions of Alert Level 2, while hunting and travelling to their hunting spots.
“This includes hunting with your bubble if possible; keeping it local, no non-regional hunting; keep your social distancing if hunting outside your bubble; no overnight trips; travel in your own vehicles; and limit your exposure to people outside your bubble.”
Taylor adds that all hunters will start hunting on the same day and it will be illegal for any game bird hunting to take place before this as it is a legal change to the season dates.
“This applies to people hunting on private land, their own land and in publicly accessible areas.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.