HortNZ Welcomes $400 Million Boost for State Highway Resilience
Horticulture NZ says the funding boost to improve state highway resilience will support growers and strengthen the transport links they rely on to get produce to market.
Two new grower board members have been elected to the Horticulture New Zealand board.
Northland kiwifruit grower David Kelly has been re-elected for what will be his third and final term.
Hawke's Bay's Hugh Ritchie will be a newcomer to the board. Hugh is managing director of Drumpeel Farms. He grows various crops including cereals, seed, and process vegetables.
They have each been appointed to serve for a three year term, beginning on August 4.
"I am thrilled with both appointments and I believe both Dave and Hugh will make substantial contributions," HortNZ president Julian Raine says.
"Between them they have extensive governance skills, and a good understanding of what the growers want and need. Dave has a very sound understanding of how HortNZ operates, and Hugh will bring an infusion of new blood, which is always valuable."
Pukekohe tomato grower Lex Dillon was the unsuccessful third candidate in this year's election.
"We thank Lex for his enthusiasm and commitment to the election process," Raine says.
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.

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