Waituna Lagoon consent puts farms at risk, Federated Farmers Say
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
The government’s launch this week of a strategy for the future of farming will encourage farmers, says Federated Farmers president Katie Milne.
Read: Dairy, beef sectors welcome sector-wide vision.
She says farmers will continue with the work they are already doing, constantly focusing on improving their farming operations.
It is particularly pleasing to see the focus in the Primary Sector Council’s vision on the need to develop a mindset that embraces science, technology, research and development, Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says.
"I was also pleased to see the focus on infrastructure in here.
"It’s these things that will underpin delivery of the vision at the ground level. While the word sustainability is not used we’ll all identify with the strategy as what we have been working towards - sustainability on all levels - whether it’s our environment, animal welfare, on farm biodiversity, or the financial sustainability of farm businesses and rural communities.
The Primary Sector Council’s vision aligns with the Maori concept of Taiao, which is about having a close bond with the natural world.
"Most farmers can happily identify with this concept, and understand its implications. It’s a good platform to go forward from," Milne says.
"The key will be of course how this new entity will take those it targets with them on this journey."
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.

OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…