increase font size
THE NEW Zealand Transport Agency is reminding Canterbury rural property owners of their responsibility to adequately fence their properties to contain livestock after a significant rise in reports of wandering stock.
There have been 36 reports of wandering stock since December 24, which the Transport Agency's journey manager Lee Wright says poses a serious safety risk to all road users, not only on the state highway network, but also on local roads.
The highest number of wandering stock reports have been on State Highway 1 in North Canterbury and State Highway 75, in particular from Little River to Akaroa.
"When farm animals are wandering on highways, they present a significant hazard for anyone travelling through the area and there is the potential for serious injury, and even fatal, crashes to happen as a result.
"The Transport Agency is reminding rural property owners that they are liable for any damage caused by their wandering stock and if wandering stock cause a crash and negligence is proven, the livestock owner may be prosecuted."
Wright says property and livestock owners need to be aware they have responsibilities under three pieces of legislation – the Crimes Act 1961, the Animal Law reform Act 1989 and the Impounding Act 1955.
"It is important property and livestock owners are aware of their responsibilities under the acts and take relevant measures to ensure their farm animals remain adequately fenced in."
Motorists are asked to report any wandering stock by phoning 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.
Twenty five secondary school students from around New Zealand recently completed a three day residential programme designed to explore career opportunities across the food and fibre production supply chain.
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
Farmer owned co-operative Ravensdown has signed a two-year naming rights sponsorship of the Canterbury A&P Show.
Canterbury arable farmers are down by tens of millions of dollars after a rollercoaster of wild changeable January weather saw harvests delayed and some crops destroyed by violent hailstorms.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
