Industrial Hemp Regulations Revoked as New Zealand Opens New Era for Hemp Industry
From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.
Through MPI, SPCA National Rescue Unit, Massey University, HUHANZ and others have held a significant field presence throughout the response. Photo: SPCA Nelson Facebook page.
The Ministry for Primary Industries and volunteer groups have come together to protect animal welfare in the Tasman District fires response.
Through MPI, SPCA National Rescue Unit, Massey University, HUHANZ and others have held a significant field presence throughout the response.
Yesterday, MPI reached 700 animals at the Richmond Showgrounds in the care of MPI, SPCA, HUHANZ and other volunteers.
MPI is working through animal welfare jobs for itself and volunteers. As at 3pm yesterday afternoon, 400 animal welfare jobs have been logged that are being followed up on and worked through.
MPI says its 0800 number has so far received around 130 calls, all of which have been followed up and had a call back where needed. MPI is addressing the highest priority calls first, and then following up with people as possible.
MPI aims to phone every property owner in the area but is currently prioritising known animal welfare concerns, or the areas where they have not yet been able to check behind the cordon.
You can log any concerns about animals in the Tasman District fires 0800 008 333 – option 4.
Information and support
- MPI is providing regular updates about the animal welfare response to the Tasman Fires on its website, here: www.mpi.govt.nz/tasman-fires
- Federated Farmers has opened its Feedline to support farmers who have been affected by the fires and need extra feed or grazing for their animals. Farmers who are short of feed, or who have feed to donate, can contact Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646.
- The Rural Support Trust is also available to support farmers, growers and others in the rural sector. They provide free and confidential support, advice and referrals, including with health, finances and more. RST can be contacted on 0800 787 254.
The 2026 National Fieldays has seen Westpac NZ launch its fourth community banking van.
Morrinsville-based agribusiness leader Geoff Maber has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the King’s Birthday Honours, recognising a lifetime of service to agribusiness, the rural sector and the wider community.
Retired agribusiness professor and commentator Keith Woodford says it's a great honour to receive the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit title in the King's Birthday Honours List.
The Environment Court has directed Waikato Regional Council to make 20 specific changes to finalise a landmark plan to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā rivers.
The Government has announced it is backing a new initiative designed to grow grassroots rural wellbeing leaders.
Waikato vet Katrina Roberts came from Australia in 2002 as a veterinary student and never left.

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…
OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…