M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
The New Zealand AgriFood Week is the latest agribusiness event to fall victim to coronavirus.
Event host, the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) has announced that the week-long event, scheduled to start today, has been postponed: New dates will be announced later.
The event is closely associated with the Central District Field Days, which is scheduled to start on Thursday, March 19. However, organisers of the three-day event are likely to follow suit and postpone it.
CEDA chief executive Linda Stewart says meticulous care had been taken in coming to this decision.
“CEDA have been working around the clock to review the rapidly changing scene, considering the guidelines and advice from Ministry of Health and our DHB,” she says.
“With attendees coming from across New Zealand and the globe, the decision to postpone the Week was made to protect the wellbeing of all involved and our communities.”
Naming sponsor ASB fully supports the decision: ASB’s executive general manager of business banking Tim Deane saying the decision had not been made lightly, however it was the right one.
“We know AgriFood Week is a highlight in the rural calendar, however the safety and wellbeing of those attending is our top priority, and in light of the current situation we believe this decision is the correct one.
“We look forward to celebrating AgriFood Week at a later date with our customers and the wider rural community,” says Deane.
Ticket holders to the headline events will be notified of the proposed new dates as soon as practically possible.
Ticket holders are advised to check their emails for the latest information regarding postponement.
The coronavirus outbreak has forced the postponement of the Waikato A&P Show, Lely’s open farm day in Waikato and all public events of Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…