Editorial: Right call
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
Canterbury processor, Synlait Milk has increased its forecast of the market milk price for this season from $4.40/kgMS to a range of $4.50 - $4.70/kgMS.
"The market has recovered faster than expected, but recent volatility has shown us it still remains fragile," says Synlait Milk managing director John Penno.
Penno also acknowledged how financially difficult the current season is for suppliers and says this increased forecast market milk price range will be well received.
"Cash flows are incredibly important for our suppliers, particularly as they head into winter. We indicated in February that our next update would be in May, but given current market conditions, I'm pleased we can provide one now."
Penno adds that this update will enable Synlait suppliers to manage their finances with more certainty and a corresponding increase in advance rates will further support this.
"We believe the market will continue to recover in the medium term as consumption expands and production growth slows in response to lower pricing. However, we remain mindful of the additional milk growth likely to come from Europe as milk production quotas are removed on April 1.
"We will continue to keep an eye on the market and expect to update our forecast market milk price towards the end of May 2015".
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.

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