HortNZ supports new water storage plan
Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains.
Māori Development Minister, Nania Mahuta says horticulture is an important and emerging sector for Māori.
She says it not only provides good returns to Māori Trusts and Incorporations, but also provides career pathways for Māori people and Whanau.
Mahuta quotes a recent statistic suggesting a 300% growth in Māori horticulture in the past 14 years, with more growth predicted. She says 3800 Māori are employment in the horticulture sector and make up 17% of the total sector.
“The total growth output of Māori farms is $220m with more room to improve capacity and capability in the sector. In particular it offers excellent opportunities for our whanau in the manual trades and labour who are seeking a better life. We also seen a trend of younger people wanting to come and live and work on their own whenua.”
Mahuta says her role is to ensure that Māori are included in the economic opportunities which create sustainable social outcomes and advance our people. She says the Ahuwhenua Awards are one of the tools which help Māori people to gain the confidence to showcase their achievements.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition recognised the significant contribution of the Māori agriculture sector.
He says this year’s finalists are part of an emerging group of people who making a positive impact on a multimillion-dollar industry and are among some of the best across the country.
Federated Farmers says the health and safety changes announced this week by the Government represent the start of overdue reforms.
The Government is calling on rural New Zealanders to share their views on proposed regulations designed to improve the management of farm plastic waste.
For many urban New Zealanders, stepping into Pāmu’s Pinta dairy farm near Taupo last month was the first time they had had the chance to experience farm life up close.
After tasting 240 New Zealand made cheeses, judges have bestowed medals upon 199 of the entries.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
Afimilk, a global dairy farm management solutions provider, has appointed Justin Miller as the new general manager for New Zealand and Australia.
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