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.
Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says dairy fundamentals are looking pretty good, despite the GDT dropping in the past three auctions.
“I looked at those results and I thought ‘Hallelujah’ - because of what I’m seeing across red meat, across seafood, across forestry,” Bagrie told a recent DairyNZ Farmers’ Forum.
The income side of the ledger needed to hold up through this period of uncertainty but there were long-term opportunities. Emerging economies such as India and China would evolve and shift up the income scale, and the proportion of their GDP that goes to consumption would “absolutely rocket up”.
Agriculture sector debt, especially dairy, was a point of vulnerability and still needed to come down.
Although very concerned about the global economy, Bagrie said dairy was moving into a period of comparative advantage.
“New Zealand’s in a real healthy space. We’re heading into this period with a breeze at our back.
“I’m not sure New Zealand’s gonna be okay this time around, but I think our one is gonna be relatively light compared to what I’m seeing elsewhere around the globe.
“In the long term, agriculture looks good, but no illusions there’s gonna be some short-term challenges.”
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).