M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
The New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association (NZDA) is urging hunters to follow the new anti-COVID rules with a shift to Level 3.
“Under Level 3, hunting and some other outdoor recreation will be permitted, although with tight rules around what is allowed,” says NZDA national president Trevor Chappell.
“Those include only allowing hunting on private land within your own immediate region and bubble, and with the landowner’s permission.
"Overnight trips are not allowed, and hunting must be on foot. Helicopters, quad bikes and other motorised vehicles are not permitted.”
He says the relaxation of the rules on hunting is the result of a concerted effort by hunting organisations like the NZDA, Game Animal Council and Fish & Game to convince authorities that hunting is safe and should be permitted.
“We are disappointed that public conservation land, which the majority of hunters use, is still out of bounds, allowing hunting on private land is a good start,” Chappell adds.
“While we would have liked the new rules to be more liberal, we also appreciate this is just the first step to returning to normal.”
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.

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