Innovators and advocates among 2025 PINZ Awards finalists
Among this year’s Primary Industry NZ (PINZ) Awards finalists are rural New Zealanders who advocate for pragmatic regulation and support stressed out farmers.
NZ Young Farmers and Careers New Zealand formally document their relationship and commitment to promoting careers in the primary industry.
NZ Young Farmers chief executive officer Terry Copeland and Careers New Zealand chief executive Keith Marshall signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable both parties to progress strategies of mutual interest together.
Copeland says the relationship would enable the two parties to share expertise to strengthen programmes and initiatives.
"This agreement strengthens our commitment to encourage young people into the Primary Industry and is another important step in trying to attract labour into agriculture, in line with the Government’s 2020 export goals for the sector."
The youth organisation currently facilitates a number of programmes that promote Primary Industry careers, including the Get Ahead Programme that highlights the myriad of opportunities available in agriculture to secondary school students. Funded by Beef and Lamb NZ and Dairy NZ, the programme offers Experience Days and targets urban schools.
"The relationship with Careers New Zealand will strengthen all our programmes and I am delighted to be working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes."
Careers New Zealand chief executive Keith Marshall says this relationship is another step in strengthening our education to employment strategy to get people “career-ready”.
“By working with NZ Young Farmers we can better connect educators with employers to increase their understanding of career pathways within the Primary Industry – a sector that offers numerous opportunities for young people to gain skills and qualifications as they work.”
Careers New Zealand is helping to grow a skilled workforce and improve outcomes for young people by connecting learning to work, and is a hub for trusted, independent high-quality career information and advice.
"This document aligns with the Government's emphasis on encouraging more young people to take STEM subjects, as careers in the Primary Industry draw on science and technology, in particular."
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…