Print this page

Thursday, 18 November 2021 06:55

Rural license support

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size

Rural Communities Minister Damien O'Connor.

An extra $600,000 in funding to support driver licensing and education programmes in rural communities across NZ has been committed by the Government.

Rural Communities Minister Damien O'Connor says the funding, provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), will be spread over three years to boost the Waka Kotahi Community Road Safety Fund.

Waka Kotahi will use the funding to partner with community providers to deliver rural-focused driver licensing and education, which will include free driving lessons. The aim is to help people to get jobs in the food and fibre sector and learn how to drive safely.

O'Connor says it builds on previous work funded by MPI earlier this year to help migrants in Mid-Canterbury to get their driver's licence and supports the Government's goal of boosting jobs in the food and fibre sector.

More like this

Editorial: Keeping the Govt honest

Editorial: Keeping the Govt honest

OPINION: Federated Farmers' latest farmer confidence survey results won’t surprise too many people.

A challenging year but better days are coming

A challenging year but better days are coming

For the primary sector, 2024 would go down as one of the toughest years on record. Peter Burke reports.

'Putting common sense back in the room'

ACT MP Mark Cameron says the Government is bringing common sense “back in the room” by halting the rollout of freshwater farm plans.

Out of touch

OPINION: Last week's announcement by the Government to remove a decades-long ban on genetically engineered crops was generally well-received by farming and science communities.

Give it back!

OPINION: Most of the country's wage slaves will welcome the extra coin left in their wallets thanks to National's tax cuts.

Popular Reads

Fonterra to boost UHT cream production with $150m plant

With Fonterra's UHT plant at its Edendale site less than a year from completion, demand continues to grow for products…

Bold taste wins gold medal

Alliance Group's Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has been recognised on the world stage, securing top honours at the…

Pamu and LIC to launch Synergizer

The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near…

Divestment means Fonterra can focus on its strengths

OPINION: Fonterra's board has certainly presented us, as shareholders, with a major issue to consider.

Rising energy prices put NZ meat processing industry under pressure

Rising energy prices are putting financial pressure on the meat processing industry, according to the chair of Meat Industry Association, Nathan…

Featured

Dean Astill reflects as Young Horticulturist of the Year comp turns 20

Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.

Carrfields invests in new Ashburton R&D hub

The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.

Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'

New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.

Elite sheep dogs to go head-to-head at Ashburton A&P Show

A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

Fewer bobby calves as dairy farmers shift to beef breeding

Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.

Low-footprint feed drives high-profit, low-emissions dairy

The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

National

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church…

Todd McClay urges farmers to prioritise safety amid storm

Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they…

Royal A&P Show Returns to Canterbury: Record livestock entries and renewed prestige

The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is back next month, bigger and better…

Farmers Lead Sustainability Push: Woodchip bioreactor cuts nitrate runoff in Manawatu

Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals.…

MPI’s Diana Reaich: Building global trade relationships

Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede…

Machinery & Products

Case IH's expanded Optum Series shorter, lighter and faster

Currently available in New Zealand in 250, 270, 300 and 400 horsepower options, Case IH’s Optum Series is being readied…

Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor

Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo…

New player set to enter SP Mower market

While the Krone Big M has set the standard for many years, sources close to Rural News, with an ear…

US tariffs hit European ag machinery markets

The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural…

Claas unveils next-generation large square baler concept ahead of Agritechnica 2025

Innovation awards at international agricultural events are always on the wishlist of manufacturers.