NZ Catchment Groups Thrive with ‘Source to Sea’ Approach
The most successful catchment groups in NZ are those that have 'a source to sea' approach.
A Hamilton woman has been disqualified from owning horses for a year, sentenced to 100 hours community work, and ordered to pay vet fees of $498 after her horse starved to death.
Alicia Victoria Keppel, 53, appeared in the Hamilton District Court for sentencing on one animal welfare charge, after the case was brought to the court by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
MPI animal welfare and national animal identification and tracing (NAIT) compliance regional manager, Brendon Mikkelsen, says it was serious offending.
“The horse was Ms Keppel’s responsibility and she failed to provide proper care and sufficient food for it. For a long period of time she didn’t check on the horse.
Animal welfare inspectors visited Keppel’s property in the North Waikato area on 22 February 2020, after a complaint from a member of the public about an emaciated horse. When inspectors arrived, they found the horse had died overnight.
Mikkelsen says the horse would have suffered significant distress, was extremely emaciated and starved to death.
"In New Zealand, everyone must take responsibility for animal welfare. We encourage any member of the public who is aware of animal ill-treatment or cruelty to report it to the MPI animal welfare complaints freephone 0800 00 83 33".
Jane Mellsopp has been confirmed as the new Government Appointee to the New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB).
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of its annual Good Deeds competition, Rabobank will give away $100,000 to improve rural community hubs, schools, clubrooms, and marae across New Zealand.
Agricultural and veterinary product supplier Shoof International has appointed Michaela Dumper as its new chief executive.
Federated Farmers is celebrating following the Government's announcement that young farmers will be able to use their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first home or farm.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) today announced that Chief Executive Officer Sirma Karapeeva has resigned from the role.
The winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne Solway Park in Masterton on Thursday evening.

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