Australian teams to help repair North Canterbury irrigators after storm
Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by the big windstorm of late October.
The future for irrigating farmers in Otago will come under the spotlight at IrrigationNZ's first-ever AGM in the region next month.
The AGM will take place on Thursday 5 November. All irrigating farmers and potential irrigators are invited to attend a workshop beforehand at 10.30am, which will precede the 12.30pm AGM at the Cellar Door Restaurant in Alexandra.
IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis says the workshop will cover how national policy impacts irrigation in the region and how Otago irrigators can best equip themselves to benefit from this. The discussion will be based on a recent report that IrrigationNZ commissioned outlining the challenges and opportunities facing Otago irrigators.
"We'll be presenting the big picture of what's ahead for irrigators in this area. The regulatory barriers you need to be aware of, alongside the prospects for growth and innovation in our sector. If you're already irrigating, thinking about converting or upgrading irrigation infrastructure, you need to be at this workshop."
IrrigationNZ chair Nicky Hyslop and Curtis will present an overview of the national situation and IrrigationNZ's role in advocating for industry, while report author Suzie McKeague will highlight significant findings from her report around the prospects for Otago irrigators.
Canterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million- up $15m on the previous year.
Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of local government - poor governance.

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