Fruit fly discovery puts growers, exporters on edge
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Horticulture NZ has appointed Mike Chapman as its new chief executive.
Chapman has been chief executive of NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc since June 2005. He is interim chair of the industry's National Labour Governance Group, serves on a number of kiwifruit industry committees and is a Bay of Plenty Polytechnic councillor.
Chapman trained as a lawyer and his previous appointments include Defence Force solicitor as part of his career in the Royal NZ Navy, chief counsel at the Commerce Commission, professional standards director for the Auckland District Law Society and chief executive of Kiwifruit NZ.
Chapman will start his role with HortNZ on January 18.
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

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