Federated Farmers hails rural banking report
Federated Farmers says the final report into banking competition is a significant step forward for rural New Zealand - and a vindication of the farming sector's concern.
HELP IS needed to pack and distribute food hampers to agencies working with Christchurch’s most vulnerable people in what Federated Farmers says will be the Farmy Army’s last operation.
“This time doesn’t it require a shovel. Instead, we need help to pack fresh food hampers,” says Helen Heddell, Federated Farmers Farmy Army’s coordinator of catering.
“If you can help us this Friday, we’re asking people to go to one of two locations. If coming from the north, please head straight to New Brighton by 10.30am. We’ll be operating from the Roy Stokes Hall carpark, which is opposite New Brighton Police Station.
“If you’re coming from the south, east or west, please meet at the Riccarton Racecourse’s main driveway before 10am. We need help there to freight the frozen meat and the home baking we’ve received to the New Brighton Police Station.”
Heddell says that in August organisers thought Farmy Army had completed its last mission after delivering Sunday roasts with meat donated by Alliance Group and vegetables donated by farmers from around Ashburton.
“[But] such has been the true spirit of Christmas that we started planning for this last operation... As word got out the volume of donated food grew and grew.”
Federated Farmers, Rural Woman New Zealand, Young Farmers, the Student Volunteer Army and the New Brighton Police have been putting food packs together during the week.
“Unlike August, we’re now delivering food packs to agencies who will then get them to those most in need. What the Farmy Army wants to encourage is the same spirit of community we share in rural New Zealand.
“We hope recipients will ask their neighbours and family over to share their Christmas. Now is the perfect time to move forward, help each other and bolster our Canterbury spirit.”
Federated Farmers Farmy Army acknowledges the support of Alliance Group, Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, Ashby Meats, the Mad Butcher and CQ Printing.
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
OPINION: Productive whole farmlands conversions into forestry are becoming a thorny issue for the Government.
Thus far in 2025, the Hawke's Bay rescue helicopter crew have completed over 220 missions, resulting in numerous positive patient outcomes.
The New Zealand Food Network's (NZFN) fifth birthday celebrations have been boosted by a whopping five tonne meat donation from meat processor ANZCO.
Pukekohe vegetable growers farewelled 101-year-old Alan Wilcox in late July, celebrating his many achievements and reflecting the widespread respect in which he was held.
A new nationwide survey shows New Zealanders expect farmers and food producers to play a leading role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but also gave them higher marks than most industries for their current efforts.