Editorial: Happy days
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
The New Zealand Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa (NZWAC) is welcoming the mandatory review of its governing legislation, the Walking Access Act 2008.
When initially passing the Act in 2008, Parliament decided to undertake a review after ten years to assess if it remains fit for purpose and to identify any improvements.
The review will be run by the Ministry for Primary Industries, and supported by a small independent panel chaired by Dr Hugh Logan.
Ric Cullinane, NZWAC chief executive, says the review is a great opportunity for people to have their say about public access to New Zealand’s outdoors.
"We encourage all those who have a passion for creating and protecting public access to the outdoors to get involved during the consultation phase in early 2019."
"This review offers the chance to reflect on ten years of the commission’s work, and to ensure we are best placed to make the best of opportunities for public access in the coming years," says Cullinane.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.

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