Ravensdown Returns to Profit, Approves $15/Tonne Shareholder Rebate
Ravensdown has reported a net profit before tax and rebate of $50.1 million for the year ended 31 May 2026.
The Reserve Bank has increased the official cash rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 3.5%.
Reserve Bank Governor Graeme Wheeler noted that over recent months, export prices for dairy and timber have fallen.
And these will reduce primary sector incomes over the coming year, he says.
"With the exchange rate yet to adjust to weakening commodity prices, the level of the New Zealand dollar is unjustified and unsustainable and there is potential for a significant fall."
Wheeler says it is important that inflation expectations remain contained.
"Today's move will help keep future average inflation near the 2% target mid-point and ensure that the economic expansion can be sustained.
"Encouragingly, the economy appears to be adjusting to the monetary policy tightening that has taken place since the start of the year.
Wheeler also signalled a short break in another interest rate hike.
"It is prudent that there now be a period of assessment before interest rates adjust further towards a more-neutral level.
"The speed and extent to which the OCR will need to rise will depend on the assessment of the impact of the tightening in monetary policy to date, and the implications of future economic and financial data for inflationary pressures."
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…