Government boosts support as drought grips farmers, organic sector fights to protect GE-free status, and World Champion tree climber claims top rural sports title.
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Government boosts support as drought grips farmers
The government has extended drought classification to Northland, Waikato, Horizons, and Marlborough-Tasman regions as dry conditions continue to impact farmers across the country.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has declared these areas a medium-scale adverse event, following the same classification made for Taranaki last month. The move recognizes worsening conditions as below average rainfall dries out soil moisture levels and puts pressure on stock feed and water supplies.
McClay has allocated $100,000 for rural support groups working directly with farmers on the ground. The classification unlocks additional assistance including tax relief, with Rural Assistance Payments now available through the Ministry of Social Development.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson encourages farmers to use their networks and reach out if they need support. MPI will continue monitoring conditions as temperatures drop and growth slows heading into winter.
Federated Farmers provincial presidents welcome the proactive declaration. Northland's Colin Hannah says springs and wells are drying up from North Cape down the west coast, creating major issues with stock water availability.
Waikato president Keith Holmes describes severe conditions west of the Waikato River in areas like Tuakau, Piopio and Mahoenui. Farmers are switching to once-a-day milking and sending stock to works early. Maize crops appear healthy but lack sufficient water, meaning minimal feed value at harvest.
Farmers can contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 or MPI on 0800 707 133 for support.
Organic sector fights to protect GE-free status
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand is calling for critical amendments to the Gene Technology Bill, warning it could threaten the country's valuable organic farming sector if passed without changes.
OANZ will present its oral submission to the Health Committee in Parliament on March 26, pushing for four essential amendments to protect organic producers. The organization has consistently advocated for food and environment to be exempt from the Bill entirely.
Scott Lawson from the OANZ Board warns the legislation in its current form jeopardizes New Zealand's global reputation as a leader in sustainable, GE-free food production, potentially risking jobs, exports, and consumer trust. The organization is demanding stronger civil liability provisions to ensure GMO contamination costs fall on those responsible, not organic farmers.
OANZ is also calling for mandatory traceability for all GMOs including labeling, robust co-existence measures to prevent contamination, and independent decision-making on exemptions through a Gene Technology Regulator rather than ministerial control.
Public law expert Mai Chen, counsel for OANZ, stresses that traceability of all GMOs is essential regardless of their regulatory classification. She argues the civil liability provisions in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act must extend to all regulated and unregulated GMOs.
While OANZ acknowledges Shane Reti, Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology, has recognized traceability importance, they believe the Bill must go further to fully protect the organic sector's integrity.
New Zealand's organic industry contributes nearly a billion dollars annually to the economy with 60% exported, commanding price premiums up to 43% over conventional products. The government's own assessment acknowledges organic producers will bear the financial burden of adapting to GMO expansion risks.
The Health Committee's report is expected in mid-June.
Council advances critical water storage for Heretaunga Plains
Hawke's Bay Regional Council's decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility has been welcomed by Horticulture New Zealand as a crucial step for the region's growers.
The council is moving into full feasibility for a 27-million-cubic-metre water storage facility at Whanawhana, designed to support both the region's horticultural industry and improve environmental outcomes. The project aims to harvest water during abundant periods to replenish rivers and the underlying aquifer that supplies much of the region's irrigation water.
HortNZ strategy and policy general manager Michelle Sands says reliable water access is essential for the industry's survival on the Heretaunga Plains, home to world-class soils and climate conditions that support diverse crop production. The plains host key growing operations around Napier and Hastings, forming one of New Zealand's most important food-producing regions.
The storage facility will help safeguard the horticultural sector against climate change impacts while supporting continued economic growth and job creation. Sands notes that growers understand the importance of carefully managing the aquifer to protect spring-fed waterways, and they look forward to working collaboratively with iwi, mana whenua and community representatives on the project.
Horticultural crops from the Heretaunga Plains serve both export and domestic markets, with the region growing everything from pipfruit and summerfruit to vegetables, berries and leafy greens. The plains are particularly significant for New Zealand's billion-dollar apple industry, with approximately 65 percent of the country's apple production centered in Hawke's Bay.
The water storage initiative represents a balanced approach to supporting agricultural productivity while addressing environmental concerns, creating resilience for a key food-producing region against future climate challenges.
Canterbury and Hawke's Bay farmers celebrated for excellence
Dairy excellence across New Zealand has been recognized with top honors for farmers demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainability and work-life balance. In Canterbury, Stuart Neill of Pukatea Dairy Farms claimed the Regional Supreme Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for his three-decade commitment to environmental stewardship on his Amuri Basin property.
Neill's innovative approach includes reducing weekly milkings from 14 to 10, improving animal welfare while maintaining productivity. Judges praised his extensive water quality initiatives, which have established some of the lowest nitrate levels in the region through strategic investments in riparian planting and drainage systems. Neill advances as a contender for the national Gordon Stephenson Trophy in Wellington in June.
Meanwhile, Chris Hillier has been named Hawke's Bay/Wairarapa Share Farmer of the Year at the regional Dairy Industry Awards. The Auckland-raised 38-year-old, contract milks 213 cows on a Carterton property, and credits his success to the farm's low-cost system and his focus on maintaining work-life balance.
Grace Te Kahika took the region's Dairy Manager title while managing 180 cows at Dannevirke. The mother of two previously won the Trainee award in 2015 and aims to purchase her own herd with husband Isaac.
Eighteen-year-old Pieter van Beek claimed the Dairy Trainee award while working on his family's Greytown property, already setting his sights on farm ownership.
The public can visit Hillier's operation during a field day on March 26 in Carterton.
World Champion tree climber claims top rural sports title
Steph Dryfhout has climbed to the top of New Zealand rural sports, claiming the prestigious Ford Supreme New Zealand Rural Sportsperson Award at the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
The world champion tree climber made it a double celebration, also taking home the RX Plastics New Zealand Rural Sportswoman of the Year title. The Feilding expat, was recognised for her outstanding achievement at last year's ISA International Tree Climbing Championship, where four years of relentless determination culminated in a world title.
More than 400 athletes, administrators and key figures from the food and fibre sector gathered to witness Timbersports powerhouse Jack Jordan from Taumarunui claim the PTS Logistics New Zealand Rural Sportsman of the Year award. West Melton's Carter Dalgety was named Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year for his achievements in harness racing.
The awards also celebrated those whose contributions extend beyond competition. Para-alpine skier Adam Hall received the Permobil Rural Sportsperson with a Disability Award for his inspirational sporting journey. The TAB Outstanding Contribution award recognised Lyn Baigent for her work in shearing, alongside Ken and Karen Breckon for their harness racing contributions.
The Courtesy Ford Lifetime Legacy Award honoured sheepdog trialist Jack Davis, rodeo stalwart Sir Mervyn Tutuiri Church, and ploughing veteran Alan Wallace. Cricket legend Tim Southee received the Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background.
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