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.
Flooding in West Auckland has led the Insurance Council of New Zealand to remind customers that insurers are able to support them during the higher Covid-19 alert levels.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has confirmed that insurers are able to support customers despite the current Covid-19 alert level settings.
The announcement has come after flooding affected West Auckland overnight.
“If you have been affected by the rain and floods, don’t hesitate to contact your insurer, who is open and available to support you with processes in place to comply with alert level requirements,” says Tim Grafton, chief executive of ICNZ.
As an essential service, insurers are able to support critical work and make safe repairs. All ICNZ members have confirmed that processes have been established to ensure all necessary steps are taken to limit or eliminate the risk of spreading Covid-19.
“Your first step is to contact your insurer, they will then be able to walk you through what their response will be like at Level 4,” says Grafton.
ICNZ says that after the initial steps to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, there are some things you can do to help with the necessary recovery and support a smooth claim process.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…