Feds make case for rural bank lending probe
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
Federated Farmers representatives have described Michael Spaans as a “kauri in the forest” and “an asset to the dairy sector and agriculture” with his extensive governance acumen.
Feds was “extremely saddened” to learn of his death and extends its condolences to the Spaans family.
Vice-president Andrew Hoggard says Spaans was an asset to dairy and agriculture -- “a farmer first and foremost and someone who especially cared about decisions and what they meant onfarm”.
“One enduring memory of Michael is 2013, at the launch of the Sustainable Dairy Water Accord.
“The various signatories were accepting plaques on behalf of their organisations and Michael was representing DairyNZ.
“Seeing PM John Key looking a long way up, dwarfed by Michael, was bloody amusing. When it came to the pictures you could see the PM actually shifting his feet to get on his tip-toes.”
Feds dairy industry chair Chris Lewis describes Spaans as a “kauri in the forest” and a considerate man who showed great leadership.
“I’ve worked with Michael on the Waikato Dairy Leaders Group and first met him five years ago,” says Lewis.
“I recall asking him if he played defence as a basketballer or a lock in the first 15. He probably got asked that question a lot; he’ll be greatly missed.”
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.