AMINZ launches Farm Debt Mediation video series with MPI
AMINZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have partnered to develop a new Farm Debt Mediation video series aimed at farmers, creditors, and advisors.
Resolving rural sector disputes constructively, fairly and with long-term outcomes in mind will top the agenda at a gathering of experts in Hamilton next month.
The Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) Rural Dispute Resolution Day 2025, on May 1 at Ruakura Conference Centre, will bring together dispute resolution, and farming and agribusiness experts.
AMINZ executive director Monique Pearson says the event is a cornerstone event for the year, as the only one in New Zealand dedicated to dispute resolution in the rural sector.
"The rural sector is the foundation of our nation's economy, and this unique forum provides an opportunity to address the various challenges in dispute resolution within this sector," says Pearson. "Whether you're a farmer, lender, lawyer or rural advisor, this day is for you."
The focus this year is on relationships, mental wellbeing, and the long-term sustainability of rural business and communities.
"These topics are especially timely and vital for anyone operating in the rural sector," says Pearson.
Platinum sponsor law firm Tavendale + Partners will have key speakers: firm business partner Guy Polson and partner Matt Davidson who will examine mediation from the farmer's point of view - looking at the psychology of stress from the farmer's perspective.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.
The Opportunity Party has faced criticism during the election campaign that its policies are too urban-focused and offer little for rural communities.
The chair of the country's environmental regulator, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), says changes are already under way to improve the performance of the agency to better meet the needs of those who interface with them.
Alliance Group's $16 million programme to install innovative heat pump systems at its Otago and Southland processing plants wins a New Zealand Energy Excellence Award after cutting annual emissions by more than 24,000 tonnes of CO₂e.