Groundbreaking test paves the way
Hamilton-based Hill Labs has introduced a new test to detect earthworm eDNA levels in soils, claiming that it marks a significant development in soil health assessment.
Leading analytical testing organisation, Hill Laboratories has appointed Lorrae Taylor as client services manager for the organisation's food and bioanalytical division.
Taylor has nearly four decades of nationwide experience working in laboratories, or with laboratories to provide proficiency services testing.
Taylor says Hill Laboratories' client services teams, which are effective in all three of the company's divisions, are what sets the organisation apart from most other analytical testing laboratories.
"At Hill Laboratories we recognise that clients often have queries about the testing process, so we have strong client services teams to provide guidance on the best testing to meet client's needs," she says.
"I am passionate about not just meeting clients' needs, but exceeding them."
Taylor began her career at Bay of Plenty Cooperative Milk Producers Ltd, a Te Puke dairy laboratory where she spent 17 years first as a lab technician and eventually as lab supervisor.
Following this she undertook the role of laboratory manager at multi species processing facility Affco in Rangiuru, where she remained for six years.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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…