MPI defends cost of new biosecurity lab
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is today meeting with farmers in Kaikoura and North Canterbury to see and hear at first hand the issues they are facing as a result on the massive earthquake.
This morning he is in Kaikoura meeting local fishermen who have been affected by the quake especially with the rise in the seabed. This has created problems with berthing vessels and paua and crayfish beds have also been damaged. In Kaikoura, Guy will also meet with dairy farmers who have been unable to get their milk to processing plants because of damaged roads.
This afternoon he is meeting with farmers in Amberley and will then head to Waiau to see more damaged farms and get a first hand picture of the nature and scale of the problem.
Westpac NZ has announced new initiatives that aim to give customers more options to do their banking in person.
New Zealand red meat exports experienced a 29% increase year-on-year in September, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.

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