Government Launches New Rural Leadership Scholarship
The Government has announced a new rural scholarship designed to back emerging primary sector leaders.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society is encouraging teachers to register school groups for the 2026 National Fieldays, set to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre from 10-13 June.
Discounted student tickets will be available for groups of 10 or more at $10 each, a 45% discount off the standard child rate.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society, which owns and operates the Fieldays event, says the Careers & Education Hub will be the central starting point for school visits, supported by a Careers Trail on the Fieldays App that helps students explore training and employment pathways across the event.
More than 70 sites are part of the Careers Trail, bringing together training providers, support organisations and employers keen to connect with future talent.
Halter's marketing and events specialist, Lily Foote-Caughey, says the company is excited to be part of the Careers & Education Hub.
"At Halter, we believe the future of farming is being built right now, and we want students to know there's a place in it for them," Foote-Caughey says.
Meanwhile, Steve Chappell, the New Zealand National Fieldays Society's programme manager, says that each year, more schools choose Fieldays because it gives their students a practical window into future careers and real-world learning.
"From hands-on pathways into agriculture and related industries, through to science, technology and sustainability-focused roles, students can meet the people behind the work and see what those jobs look like in practice," Chappell says.
Alongside the Careers & Education Hub, points of interest for students include the Fieldays Forestry Hub, the Fieldays Innovation Hub, the Fieldays Drone Zone, and Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato, offering short sessions that support learning conversations around innovation, sustainability and future skills.
Schools can register on the Fieldays website to access their group booking discount and plan their visit.
Tickets are now available for the 2026 Arable Awards, set to be held in Christchurch on 20th August.
Environment Southland is calling on residents to be vigilant and check their properties after a new Old Man's Beard site was discovered near Dipton.
Amelia Marsden has secured the 2026 Nelson Young Grower title for the second year running, earning another opportunity to represent the region at the national Young Grower of the Year competition later this year.
Federated Farmers is urging the Government to put a halt to Waikato Regional Council's controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1), warning the regulations will impose significant costs, complexity and duplication on thousands of farmers while major national reforms remain unresolved.
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.

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