NIWA warns of little drought relief before winter, cherry exports smash records, and national shearing showdown kicks off in Te Kuiti.

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NIWA warns of little drought relief before winter

Niwa forecasters are delivering a stark message to North Island farmers, that the anticipated April rainfall will do little to break the ongoing drought conditions. National forecaster Chris Brandolino warns that relief might not come until winter, with some regions experiencing rainfall levels down by 75% since the start of the year.

The forecast suggests minimal precipitation for drought-stricken areas including Auckland, Northland, and Waikato. Brandolino indicates that meaningful drought relief would require 30mm of rain over 24 hours, repeated three times - a scenario looking increasingly unlikely. Water resources are already critically low, with Auckland's dam levels sitting at 66.5%, well below the historical average of 78.4%.

As drought conditions intensify, more than 2,000 farmers are now seeking support from the Rural Support Trust. National chair Michelle Ruddell reports calls coming in from all fourteen regions, with drought declarations across western North Island and parts of the South Island enabling farmers to access critical assistance.

The trust is coordinating a multi-agency response involving Beef+Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Ruddell emphasises their focus on connecting farmers, and running workshops and events to help rural communities share challenges and develop solutions.

MPI's On Farm Support team leader Dr John Roche warns of growing concerns, noting low soil moisture levels and the potential long-term impact if dry conditions persist. Farmers are advised to carefully manage feed resources and prepare for a potentially extended drought period.

 

Farmers endorse B+LNZ strategy update

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has wrapped up its 2025 Annual Meeting in Rotorua, with around 70 farmers supporting a refreshed organisational strategy aimed at addressing current agricultural challenges. Chair Kate Acland highlighted the organisation's commitment to supporting farmers through innovative approaches in a challenging economic landscape.

The meeting saw two key resolutions pass, including a narrow approval for increasing directors' fees with 50.62 percent support. KPMG was overwhelmingly reappointed as auditor, receiving 96.83 percent backing from farmers. Chief Executive Alan Thomson noted the organisation's focus on new initiatives to maximise benefits for farmers, with export receipts forecast to increase by $1.2 billion in 2024-25.

The organisation continues to emphasise its farmer-led approach, with the Farmer Council and Māori advisory group Kāhui, playing crucial roles in strategic development. Thomson acknowledged ongoing challenges around climate change and freshwater policies, committing to advocate strongly for farmers' interests and minimise unnecessary costs.

 

Cherry exports smash records

Cherry growers have achieved a significant milestone, exporting over 5,000 tonnes of cherries and generating $124 million in export revenue. Summerfruit NZ chief executive Dean Smith confirmed this is the first time the industry has crossed the 5,000-tonne threshold, marking a remarkable achievement for the country's 250 summerfruit growers.

The export success is attributed to favourable growing conditions and strategic investment in orchard technologies. Taiwan remains the primary market, purchasing 46 percent of exports, with China following at 15 percent. The timing coincides perfectly with Chinese New Year celebrations, where cherries are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity.

Hawke's Bay and Marlborough experienced particularly strong growing conditions, though Central Otago growers faced challenges from late frosts and hail.

Industry leaders highlight the significant growth over two decades, with export volumes nearly six times larger and values twelve times higher than previous years. Smith noted new investments in productive capacity and growing systems have enabled more efficient yields per hectare, positioning New Zealand as a competitive player in the global cherry market.

 

Kiwi startup brings water testing to local hubs

A groundbreaking water testing pilot is set to improve drinking water safety across rural Northland, with schools playing a key strategic role in community health protection. Wellington-based startup Bactosure will establish 15 testing hubs in schools, marae, and community organisations, addressing critical water quality challenges facing rural communities.

Rural Schools Leadership Association president Andrew King underscored the importance of schools as community hubs, noting their central geographical location and social connections. The pilot aims to extend existing school water testing capabilities to local households, recognising that children consume most of their drinking water at home where water quality often remains unknown.

Bactosure founder Chris Bishop explained the project's core mission is to make water testing simple, affordable, and accessible. Previous research revealed two-thirds of drinking water samples from an undisclosed region tested positive for E. coli, with most contaminated samples coming from homes with basic or no water treatment.

The four-month pilot, launching in May, promises significant improvements in water testing accessibility. Traditional methods require water samples to travel an average of 47km to laboratories, while Bactosure's remote technology could reduce this to just 7-8km. The company estimates this approach could help address the annual issue of approximately 34,000 New Zealanders becoming ill from contaminated drinking water.

 

National shearing showdown kicks off in Te Kuiti

Home-town shearer Jack Fagan is ready to defend his New Zealand Shears Circuit title as the national championships begin in Te Kuiti this week. Fagan has qualified third among 12 top shearers after competing in 14 partner competitions across the North and South Islands during the 2024-25 season.

The championships will reach a dramatic climax on Saturday, with semi-finals and a six-man final determining not just national bragging rights, but also two places in the 2025 New Zealand UK tour team. Fagan will face stiff competition from three-time winner Nathan Stratford and previous champion Paerata Abraham, who recently claimed his second PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit title.

Welsh shearer Llyr Jones hoping to become the first overseas winner in the event's 35-year history. 

The competition traces back to 1989, when Fagan's father, Sir David Fagan, won the first of his eight titles in a remarkable 26-year career.

The Te Kuiti event is the pinnacle of the 58-show Shearing Sports New Zealand season, with three significant titles up for grabs - the Shears Circuit, North Island Shearer of the Year, and the New Zealand Open Shearing Championship. With five merinos, five ewes, and five lambs to be shorn, competitors will need skill, speed, and precision to claim victory.

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