Wilding Pines Could Cost New Zealand Billions, Says Hoggard
Wilding pines are the wrong tree in the wrong place, and they need to go, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
The Big Feed is on for 2022!
The telethon, backed by Federated Farmers, is an event which calls on farmers and growers to donate one million meals worth of the nutritious food they produce to food banks during the event.
The Big Feed will be livestreamed via social media on Thursday 15 December from 6am until 7.30pm.
During the telethon farmers and growers can pledge to donate livestock, milk and other produce.
Federated Farmers national president Andrew Hoggard says his organisation supports the idea that no one should have to go without food in New Zealand.
“Farmers are used to looking out for their neighbours. We’re all one wider rural community at the end of the day so supporting this event is a no-brainer for Feds,” says Hoggard.
The telethon will be hosted by Federated Farmers vice president Wayne Langford alongside TV personality and wellbeing advocate Matt Chisholm as they cross live to over 100 farms, businesses and food banks across New Zealand.
“We farmers grapple with problems and challenges that seldom, if ever, trouble our fellow urban Kiwis but putting nutritious food on the table isn’t usually one of them,” Langford says.
“Sadly, the same can’t be said for some families in our towns and cities – especially around Christmas time.”
To find out more visit www.meattheneed.org. Anyone who wishes to support The Big Feed can donate $3 by texting FEED to 206.
From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.
The Rural Support Trust is hosting a series of community wellbeing events featuring former NZSAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata.
Government plans to reduce the regulations relating to drones that farmers use on their own properties has drawn a mixed reaction from commercial drone operators.
Families farming the same land for generations, including one spanning 187 years, were recognised at the 2026 Century Farms and Station Awards held in Lawrence, Otago recently.
Cambridge and surrounding communities are benefiting from a new emergency ambulance, thanks to joint funding from longstanding supporters, Grassroots Trust Limited and Greenlea Foundation Trust.
Safer Farms ambassador Lindy Nelson's dedication to "rethinking how the primary sector works together to reduce harm on farm" has been recognised with a finalist place in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards for 2026.