Susan O'Regan Appointed New Chair of QEII National Trust
Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka has appointed Susan O'Regan as Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a three-year term.
Fresh heavy rain around the region over Sunday and Monday means the Waikato Regional Council is again closely monitoring river levels in the region for flood risk.
The heaviest falls have been on the Coromandel Peninsula, where up to 200mm has fallen has fallen in the past day, and more is expected today (July 23) and tomorrow.
The Ohinemuri River flowing through the Karangahake Gorge and past Paeroa is now in flood and road closures are possible, says duty emergency management officer Greg Ryan.
The Piako, Waihou and Waitoa rivers are also expected to become swollen over coming days. Further west, the rain is expected to prolong flooding of the Waikato and Waipa rivers which rose after heavy rains the weekend before last.
"We advise farmers to move stock to higher ground if necessary and for all residents to stay up to date with information regarding river levels,"says Ryan.
"People need to be aware of the potential for inundation of flood plains, surface flooding generally and for transport links to be disrupted."
Ryan says the council's staff will liaise with other agencies over any flood response and keep the public up to date with relevant advice.
"It looks as though we're in for a few very wet days on top of what has already been a very wet July, so risks will certainly be elevated this week."
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…