Editorial: Drones Are Not Toys
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
Environment Minister Amy Adams and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy this week start a series of meetings throughout the country with councils, iwi, environment groups, businesses and the public to discuss proposed changes to the resource management system.
The Government has announced proposals aimed at strengthening the Resource Management Act (RMA), and improving water quality and the way freshwater is managed.
Proposed changes to the RMA aim to make the system easier to use, increase certainty,, attract investment, reduce duplication and cost, whilst continuing to protect the environment.
The freshwater proposals outline a plan of action for the most comprehensive and positive reform of New Zealand's freshwater management system for a generation. The proposals are consistent with and based on the Land and Water Forum's recommended approach and gives effect to their core recommendations.
Meetings will be held in Greymouth, Wellington, Gisborne, Rotorua, Invercargill, Whangarei, Tauranga, Hawke's Bay, Queenstown, Taupō, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Hamilton, Christchurch, New Plymouth, Auckland and Nelson.
"The meetings are a good opportunity for people to hear the reforms explained in more detail, and to ask any questions they might have," Adams says.
"I want to stress that these are proposals, and it is important to know what each community thinks about the Government's reforms. The feedback received will help shape the reforms."
For information about the public meetings and hui, including dates, times and venues, go to: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/rma/reform/phase-two/public-meetings.html
Southland's wet winter and spring will potentially cost Wyndham sheep and beef farmer Ben Dooley between $100,000 and $120,000 in lamb losses.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand says the National Party’s agriculture plan provides a strong basis for lifting productivity, supporting rural communities and recognising the sheep and beef sector’s environmental track record.
Wools of New Zealand chief executive John McWhirter says its new direct-to-consumer wool carpet service, Laneve, is the next step in the development of the business.
The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement entered into force today, improving market access for New Zealand businesses across a wide range of sectors.
Vetekina Pau'u is the first Tongan to win the William Gearish Memorial prize and sadly she will also be the last recipient.
Things are looking up in the dairy goat sector.

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