New Zealand Sign Language Week Highlights Inclusion at Fonterra Clandeboye
Last week marked New Zealand Sign Language Week and a South Canterbury tanker operator is sharing what it's like to be deaf in a busy Fonterra depot.
Fonterra is looking at more business in Iran following the recent lifting of UN sanctions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it has started the process of updating its regulations and removing the UN sanctions, which it expects to complete next month.
Fonterra managing director global ingredients, Kelvin Wickham says Iran is a valuable trading partner and a key butter market for Fonterra.
'The removal of the UN sanctions, and our Government's unwinding of restrictions, will only improve the outlook for us in Iran."
With a population of nearly 80 million and long-standing customer relationships in Iran, Fonterra expected continued growth in the market.
"Our customers in Iran are growing and we're seeing them make significant investments in infrastructure and capacity to meet demand," says Wickham.
"We have skilled people in the region who understand the opportunities and potential of doing business in Iran, and who welcome more normalised trade relations."
The UN Security Council recently endorsed a deal to end years of economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.
Sanctions are unlikely to be removed until next year, as the deal requires approval by the US Congress. Nuclear inspectors must also confirm that Iran is complying with the deal.
While the Iranian and US presidents have been promoting the accord, hardliners in Tehran and Washington have spoken out strongly against it.
However, many European companies have already shown interest in re-establishing business in Iran, with Germany sending its economy minister Sigmar Gabriel on the first top level government visit to Tehran in 13 years together with a delegation of leading business figures.
Silver Fern Farms has tackled the ongoing war-induced shipping challenges to mideast markets by airlifting 90 tonnes of chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
The battle for the rural vote is on and parties are securing high profile names to try and bolster their chances at the general election.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.

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