ACC urges safety during spring calving
Dairy farmers around the country are into the busy spring calving period.
A newly launched collaborative rural wellbeing recovery project aims to help rural communities across the North Island to come together through a series of in-person events and programmes this summer.
“This is a challenging time for our farmers, growers and other rural people. Making time to pause to check-in on each other and focus on our personal and family wellbeing is key,” says Lisa Sims of the Agri-Women’s Development Trust. “That’s why several rural organisations have come together to deliver ‘Checking-in’ – a series of community events and online tools and tips for connection and resilience in a tough season.”
Headlining the project is a series of community get-togethers, events and personal development programmes across the North Island. These include AWDT’s YOU Matter programmes, Rural Women NZ supporting community Christmas events, Farmstrong Comedy events and more.
Rural people across New Zealand are also invited to subscribe to the ‘Checking-in’ tools and tips email series.
Delivered weekly, the 15-part series of short videos is about making the hard stuff manageable – like supporting young people through challenging times, managing emotions and enjoying the good times.
‘Checking-in’ is run by the Agri- Women’s Development Trust, Rural Women New Zealand and Farmstrong, with support from the Rural Support Trust. The project is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of the NIWE (North Island Weather Event) response.
www.checking-in.co.nz.
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More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.

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