Tractor fires: Nests Behind Almost A Third of FMG Claims
Nesting birds are behind around $1.2 million worth of tractor fire claims every year, according to rural insurer FMG, which is urging farmers to check under the bonnet before starting work.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has appointed a new president and vice-president.
Amanda Whiting, chief executive of IAG New Zealand, has been appointed as the organisation’s new president and Adam Heath, chief executive of Farmers Mutual Group (FMG) has been appointed as the vice-president.
The ICNZ is a representative body which was established in 1895 to represent fire and general insurance companies.
“I feel honoured to have the confidence of my fellow Board members to take up this leadership role for general insurers and look forward to working with Adam to ensure New Zealanders continue to enjoy the strong protection our sector provides,” Whiting says.
She replaces Toni Ferrier as president who has stepped down from the role as she has moved to become country manager for Marsh McLennan, a professional services firm which is not an ICNZ member.
Whiting was ICNZ’s immediate vice-president and Adam Heath was appointed vice-president b the ICNZ Board.
“I want to acknowledge the valuable contribution Toni Ferrier made during her term as president and wish her success in her new role,” Whiting concludes.
When dairy manager Miriam Lauridsen learned the farm, she was joining held weekly health and safety meetings, she initially thought that was “a bit over the top”. Experiencing that culture changed her mind.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.
Keeping up with pasture moisture demands is likely to be the key challenge for dairy farmers during this season’s El Niño weather pattern, says Blue Skies Weather & Climate Services meteorologist Tony Trewinnard.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.

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