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).
Westpac NZ has announced new initiatives that aim to give customers more options to do their banking in person.
New Zealand red meat exports experienced a 29% increase year-on-year in September, according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
The head of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) biosecurity operation, Stuart Anderson, has defended the cost and the need for a Plant Healht and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) being built in Auckland.
BNZ says its new initiative, helping make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking a little easier, is being well received by customers and rural professionals.
The head of Fonterra's R&D facility in Palmerston North is set to literally cross the road and become the new vice chancellor at Massey University.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.

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