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Federated Farmers Dairy Industry chair Andrew Hoggard.
Federated Farmers is welcoming the arrest of a dual Filipino/New Zealand national on suspicion of facilitating fraud.
The fraud involved multiple work visa applications submitted by Filipino nationals in the dairy industry.
"The dairy industry is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, and foreign nationals, like kiwis, are part of the solution, but this needs to be done in the right way," says Federated Farmers Dairy Industry chair Andrew Hoggard.
Federated Farmers say they recognise the importance of the additional measures recently undertaken by Immigration New Zealand to ensure documents submitted in support of visa applications for work in the dairy industry are genuine. The co-op note there are comments by the Immigration Minister that he is working with officials to ensure the dairy industry is not materially affected.
"Federated Farmers is confident that the processing of visa applications will soon return to a normal pace and that with government support New Zealand's dairy industry can train and attract skilled workers from within this country and overseas."
A rare weather double-whammy has seen many South Island farmers having to deal with unseasonal snow while still cut off from power supplies after an unprecedented windstorm.
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
Engaging, thought provoking speakers, relevant seminars and relatable topics alongside innovative produces and services are the order of the day at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Farm supplies trader Ruralco has recovered from two consecutive years of losses to post a $1.25 million profit for the 2025 financial year.
Naki Honey, a New Zealand manuka apiary company, has crafted what is believed to be the world's most expensive honey.
OPINION: Wool farmers believe the future of strong wool still holds promise.
Applications are open for Horticulture New Zealand's (HortNZ) 2026 scholarship programme, with 20 funding opportunities available.
OPINION: Farmers are being asked to celebrate a target that changes nothing for the climate, wastes taxpayer money, and ignores real science.
