Storm-hit Tararua farmers receive $120,000 in fencing packs from RRT
The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has given farmers in the Tararua District a boost as they rebuild following recent storms.
Nearly 100 kilometres of free fencing was distributed to 300 local farmers at a big community celebration in Wellsford last week.
Organised by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, eight trucks carrying the materials crossed Auckland Harbour Bridge in a convoy last Wednesday morning on their way to Wellsford.
RRT NZ director Danny Blampied says they have already given away more than $1.4 million worth of fencing materials to over 1,000 farmers.
"These events are a great way for the community to turn up and let farmers and their families know how valued they are in their communities."
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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