On Your Behalf: Health and Safety Checklist for Vineyards and Wineries
Keeping healthy and safe during vintage 2026
The Hound understands that more than a few farmers are feeling uncomfortable about the new work health and safety regime onfarm being promoted by WorkSafe NZ.
In fact, one correspondent took time to write to this old mutt’s editor expressing these concerns after our story on these in the last issue. The frustrated farmer was reluctant to publish his letter stating, “It is probably a waste of time publishing... as the Worksafe gestapo are determined to have us all wearing nappies regardless…. Unfortunately the rules they are forcing upon us are insulting, highly inconvenient and time wasting.” Your old mate suggests that WorkSafe NZ still has a fair bit of work to do convincing farmers about the merits of its new onfarm health and safety regulations.
“Pack your thinking caps. You need more than just farming knowledge for this one.”
Cyber attacks on New Zealand businesses are down.
The man who organised a 57,000 signature petition to ban the export of live animals by sea from NZ says he's delighted that the Government has abandoned plans to reinstate the trade.
Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Will Foley says McCains plans to close its Hastings vegetable processing factory is a "tough pill to swallow" for the Hawke's Bay region.
New Zealand's largest medicinal cannabis operation is looking for contract growers to help meet surging international demand.
The proposed retrenchment of Heinz Wattied's manufacturing presenced in New Zealand will be a blow to the wallets of more than 200 Canterbury vegetable growers.

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