Dates confirmed for annual hunting competition
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced that its annual Pureora Hunting Competition will open on 16 March.
There is relief in the deer sector as the investigation into the accidental killing of takahe on Motutapu Island has been completed.
New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association national president Bill O'Leary says, "People who took part in the cull managed by the Department of Conservation were volunteers with every intention of removing pukeko predating on takahe nests.
"In the event four takahe were shot among more than 600 pukeko in what were clearly unintentional mistakes made by two members of the shooting party who failed to correctly identify their target.
"Positively identifying your target is a fundamental rule for hunters and all safety messaging hammers that.
"The association is distressed that in this instance the rule was broken."
He says the NZDA was satisfied that the investigation carried out by the department was professional and thorough and he does not believe that the relationship between the two organisations has suffered.
"The NZDA has worked with DOC a number of animal and bird management operations throughout New Zealand and expects that this will continue."
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
Making things simpler, not harder, for deer farmers in farm planning and coping with regulations is Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) industry capability manager John Ladley’s current focus.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is launching an online business directory called The Country Women’s Collective to promote and support entrepreneurial rural women.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill has joined the Campaign for Wool NZ as an ambassador, lending his name and profile to educate and advocate for New Zealand strong wool.
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
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