MPI launches industry-wide project to manage feral deer
An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral pests, in particular, browsing pests such as deer and pigs.
Restrictions in an Auckland suburb where one Queensland fruit fly was found may be lifted this weekend after no more have been found.
The Ministry for Primary Industries expects to review the controlled area notice and current fruit movement restrictions this week. The earliest these restrictions will be lifted is Saturday, May 26.
Meanwhile work continues in MPI's response to the finding of a single male Queensland fruit fly in a surveillance trap in Avondale on May 8.
Since that detection, MPI has run an intensive surveillance programme of trapping and fruit inspection to find if a population of the fruit fly is present in the area.
Work underway includes clearing fruit fly traps placed in fruiting trees and inspections of fruit from the area.
To date there have been no further detections of the fruit fly and no adverse reactions from trading partners.
MPI continues to be grateful for community support for the work underway, particularly in complying with requests to avoid moving fruit and vegetables from the controlled area around where the initial fruit fly was found.
Full information about the Queensland fruit fly is on the MPI website at: www.mpi.govt.nz and follow the fruit fly button.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

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