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 the free flow of trade.
Budding photographers who attended a series of courses in Weber, 28km southwest of Dannevirke, not only had a chance to upskill, but also had a valuable opportunity to connect with other locals.
The courses were part of a Tararua Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP) initiative to boost wellbeing and other support services that received a grant from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) complementary services fund.
“We have been focusing on what resources and skills already exist within our communities and building on these,” says Tararua REAP general manager Claire Chapman.
“Rather than try to do the same old thing, we are trying something new. We’ve brought on board three Rural Connectors who link people with support services and foster local initiatives.”
The project received a grant of $30,000 to build on wellbeing support services and resources that are already available.
“There are some gaps in the support that remote rural communities can access, so initiatives like this play an important role,” says MPI’s director of rural communities and farming support Nick Story.
“We want to see new wellbeing initiatives and extend the reach of services to help improve the mental wellbeing of rural people. The success of New Zealand’s primary sector hinges on having strong, vibrant and sustainable rural communities.”
Three community connectors have been appointed across the district: Ella Domper from Norsewood, Vicky Tomlinson from Woodville, and Trudy Hales from Weber.
“Our Rural Connectors are already well-known in their local community, so they’ve got a head-strart when it comes to making connections. They’re go-to people who get things done,” says Chapman.
REAP’s rural connectors, who started in August 2021, offer free, confidential and non-judgmental guidance. The aim is to reduce barriers that prevent people taking up servies.
The photography courses in Weber are one example of the kinds of activities that are being supported.
Other activities include first aid courses in Woodville, a regular kai and korero gathering in Norsewood, and one-to-one support for people getting vaccine passes in both Weber and Woodville.
Last Saturday, a fifth photography course was run by Vicky O’Connor. After the local photographer was repeatedly asked about camera basics, she decided offering courses was the best way to go. She also wanted to do something that would bring people together.
“The pandemic has meant people haven’t been connecting as much a they used to. I wanted to change this. The courses were a chance to bring people together,” O’Connor says.
"I always tell everyone coming along to a workshop that photography can be a creative escape. It provides a way to reconnect with ourselves and the beauty in the world around us."
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

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