Woolworks scour reopens after $50m rebuild
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is putting out a call to all vets affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, asking how they are faring and what support they need.
NZVA chief executive Kevin Bryant says the first of a series of webinars was held at 2pm today with the aim of checking in on as many veterinarians as possible.
“We know telecommunications are still problematic for many people, but we are keen to develop a clear picture of what is needed, particularly in remote parts of the country.”
Animal welfare issues have been top of mind for veterinarians in the Upper North Island since the Cyclone hit, including animals that have been displaced or made unwell or injured by flood water or storm damage.
Significant issues have also arisen for many farmers, particularly in relation to cows that have not been milked as usual.
"The key questions we are asking our members are "Do you have a good stock of medicines?, Do you have sufficient staff? and Are your clinics able to be used?’," Bryant says.
"Animal food and medicine suppliers have been calling us asking what they can provide and we have had numerous offers from veterinarians and other veterinary professionals to visit cyclone-damaged parts of the country to help out."
NZVA is keeping a register of veterinarians offering support and will match people with teams in need as required.
The organisation is working alongside local emergency management co-ordinators to ensure that any additional supplies or personnel are provided in a way that fits with the overall disaster response.
"Behind the scenes we are also supporting veterinarians across the country through our wellbeing support provider Vitae," Bryant says.
"Aside from the difficulties associated with responding to a disaster like this, the death of vet and volunteer firefighter Dave van Zwanenberg has greatly affected many people in the veterinary community," he says.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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