RWNZ chief executive to step down
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
Waikato's newest milk processor says Covid-19 has slowed progress on the $280 million project.
Happy Valley Nutrition (HVN) is now hoping to receive first milk for processing in July 2022.
The ASX-listed company is in the process of developing a vertically integrated, nutritional grade milk processing, blending and packaging plant for infant milk formula and other nutritional products in Otorohanga.
HVN chief executive Greg Wood says while the global Covid-19 lockdown had understandably slowed the company’s progress, it did serve to highlight a growing demand for the manufacture and supply of safe, secure nutritional ingredients.
“New Zealand’s handling of the pandemic and status as a safe and dependable country with first-rate biosecurity has resulted in potential customers assessing their supply chains and looking to New Zealand.
“These insights and other evolving market signals have further strengthened the business case for HVN and we are very well-positioned to take advantage.”
HVN still plans to develop a single dryer facility with the site master-planned to allow for the addition of an extra drier as well as a blending and canning plant.
“By progressively adding these components we will be well positioned to reach our vision of becoming a trusted business-to-business supplier of consumer ready IMF and other nutritional products derived primarily from A2 and organic milk.”
An independent economic report stated that once the plant was operational the Waikato/King Country would see an incremental GDP increase of over $100 million annually, the equivalent of a total of 185 full-time jobs in the area.
“HVN is proud to sit at the forefront of a movement which will drive greater business opportunities locally, provide new opportunities for people in the Otorohanga area, and support local services,” Wood said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the community and all stakeholders to create an enduring legacy for all our stakeholders through the production and delivery of safe, nutritious, premium New Zealand milk products to the world.
“We’re not just a milk company, we’re a nutrition company and our vision remains to become a trusted supplier of consumer ready IMF and other nutritional products primarily using A2 and organic milk.
“We are tracking well and our team have made meaningful progress towards maintaining the ability for us to achieve first milk from July 2022.”
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.