Coalition Govt split over Indian FTA
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Two orange rain warnings have been issued for the three regions, signalling possible surface flooding and slips.
Upwards of 100mm of rain is expected in the Bay of Plenty and a third significant rainfall event in six weeks is anticipated for the Top of the South.
McClay says the compounding effect of these weather events on rural communities is considerable, adding that the Government is providing the necessary support.
"MPI staff are ready and available to assist, with additional staff deployed in the Top of the South and regional staff closely monitoring the Bay of Plenty," McClay says.
"We have 15 MPI staff on the ground in the Nelson/Tasman area and people available across the Bay," he adds.
Farmers are advised to move stock to higher ground ahead of the storm.
“We understand the pressure and uncertainty rural communities are facing right now, and we remain focused on ensuring they have the resources to manage this event and any challenges ahead," McClay concludes.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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