Levies return 26c/kgMS per year in value, DairyNZ reports
Milksolids levies paid by dairy farmers over the past six years have generated nearly $3 billion in value, according to an independent review.
Irrigation New Zealand has appointed former DairyNZ manager Vanessa Winning as its new chief executive.
Winning will start her new role today; she will be based in its new Wellington HQ.
She has 20 years experience in the agriculture, banking and corporate sectors with excellent stakeholder management and engagement skills.
Winning was most recently general manager farm performance at DairyNZ, where she led a large team across the country to help farmers improve their businesses and reduce environmental impacts. Prior to DairyNZ, she spent 18 years in banking; trade; product development; marketing and communications.
Winning has a commerce degree in economics and management, and a postgraduate degree in marketing
She has also just completed a contract for the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) on a He Waka Eke Noa project.
“The irrigation sector has much work ahead to continue building public trust and bridge knowledge gaps about the benefits that fair water management can bring to our communities and environment - we believe Vanessa is the right person to drive this,” says Keri Johnston, chair of IrrigationNZ.
“Vanessa has the strategic vision to lead our sector in the right direction: she partners to achieve positive outcomes; has commercial experience to grow an effective organisation; understands the primary sector and has worked in it managing large teams; and can navigate the increasingly complex area of water management in New Zealand.”
Commenting on her new position, Winning said: “I see so much potential for water in our country - its sensible harvesting, fair management, and pragmatic use for balanced outcomes across the economy, environment, and all of our communities, including mana whenua. I can’t wait to get stuck into the role!”
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
Next month, wool training will reach one of New Zealand's most remote communities, the Chatham Islands - bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to locals eager to step into the wool harvesting sector.
Farmers' health and wellbeing will take centre stage with a new hub at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.

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