More regions to face drought declarations
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the present weather conditions remain challenging for farmers.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is asking people to take care and avoid unnecessary travel until Wednesday morning, as Cyclone Hale is set to hit the country.
MetService predicts the regions most likely to be impacted by heavy rain are Coromandel Peninsula, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay, with much of the North Island set to experience periods of gale or severe gale force winds.
“Several severe weather warnings and watches have been issued, and more areas will be added as the system moves closer and its track and intensity become more certain,” MetService meteorologist Peter Little says.
NZTA acting national maintenance and operations, Jaclyn Hankin says heavy rain may cause surface flooding, trigger slips and cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, requiring NZTA to close some state highways.
“Our contractors will be working hard, doing what they can to keep the state highway network safe and open,” Hankin says.
She says people need to drive to the conditions, check weather forecasts, and check their intended route for hazards and disruptions before setting out.
“Stay alert for unreported hazards, such as surface flooding, slips, fallen trees and branches, and downed power lines,” Hankin says.
“If you must travel, slow down and maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front,” she adds.
“We want to see everybody get home safely,” she says.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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