Bikinis in cowshed
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content posted on social media and adult entertainment subscription site OnlyFans.
Four new biosecurity x-ray machines have been installed this week at international airports to prevent passengers bringing unwanted pests or diseases to New Zealand.
The machines, which have been installed in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown, will be used to scan baggage from overseas travellers for plant and animal products that pose biosecurity risk to New Zealand.
“The new x-rays are part of MPI’s ongoing commitment to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity system and are part of a larger programme to improve how we clear arriving air passengers,” says MPI detection technology manager Brett Hickman.
“The new machines will provide better reliability and increased capacity, along with improved image quality and functionality.
“This means border staff will be better equipped to spot biosecurity risk items before they enter New Zealand, and we will have the capacity to increase the level of screening during times of high alert.”
MPI has now installed 19 new x-ray machines around the country over the past three years.
MPI currently owns and operates 27 x-ray units at international airports, the Auckland International Mail Centre and military bases. This includes a trailer-mounted mobile x-ray in Auckland.
An additional new machine is earmarked for Wellington airport, and one more will shortly go into the International Mail Centre in Auckland, says Hickman.
“X-ray screening is one of a range of biosecurity tools we use to block destructive pests and diseases that could damage our primary industries and natural environment,” says Hickman.
Two of the four new x-ray machines installed this week are located in Auckland airport. The remaining two have gone to Christchurch and Queenstown.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…