NZ Local Government Reform: Regional councils axed, CTBs proposed
The biggest reform of local government in more than 35 years is underway.
This old mutt was taken aback by a vitriolic opinion piece penned in a weakly (sic) rural publication late last year by a self-important commentator named Craig Wiggins.
In the piece, Wiggins slammed Fed Farmers for what he claimed was the organisation’s lack of activity in relation to the M.bovis outbreak and accused the national farming lobby of not supporting farmers affected by the disease – especially in the Mid Canterbury region. This attack surprised your old mate, and a little sniffing around by yours truly discovered that Wiggins was once employed by Young Farmers. But he lost his role when former YFC chief executive and current Feds boss Terry Copeland ‘let him go’. Perhaps Wiggins’ anti-Feds stance is a bit of utu on his former boss.
OPINION: The latest reforms of local government should come as no surprise.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.
Rural recycling scheme Agrecovery is welcoming the Government's approval of regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme for agrichemicals and farm plastics.
Despite a late and unfavourable start, this year’s strawberry crop is expected to be bountiful for producer and consumer alike.
Nearly three years on from Cyclone Gabrielle, Hawke's Bay apple orchardist Paul Paynter says they are still doing remedial work around their orchards and facing financial challenges.
An unusual participant at the recent Royal A&P Show in Christchurch was a stand promoting a variety of European products, during an event that normally champions the homegrown.

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