Fieldays hold out the begging bowl
OPINION: When someone says “we don’t want a handout, we need a hand up” it usually means they have both palms out and they want your money.
New Zealand’s largest agriculture event has been postponed.
Last night, New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation sent an email to exhibitors and stakeholders advising that National Fieldays, scheduled for 10-13 June 2020 at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton, will be postponed.
The decision follows Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s announcement last night that gatherings of more than 500 people must be cancelled.
Schools and universities are exempt from the ban.
Only eight patients have tested positive for Covid-19 in New Zealand and no deaths have occurred.
The decision to postpone the event will impact the economy further: National Fieldays has contributed over $18.5 billion to New Zealand’s economy over its 51 years.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?