M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Hokitika-based Westland Milk Products has been registered as an Essential Service and is processing milk.
It says operational staff at its Hokitika and Rolleston plants are operating under strict New Zealand Government guidelines to keep themselves and the community safe.
Westland chief executive Toni Brendish said all staff essential to manufacturing and distribution were now working on Westland premises with the rest of the staff working from home.
Staff required to travel to work had been issued with authorised letters confirming their employment within an Essential Service to show to authorities.
Brendish said Westland’s partners and employees all along its supply chain, such as farmers, tanker drivers, manufacturing and distribution employees, were all working under strict guidance from the Government on social distancing and safety rules.
“We’re extremely grateful of the recognition we have received from all our employees and business partners of the need to keep essential services such as food production operating as efficiently and safely as possible,’’ Brendish said.
“The work they have been doing to support each other and the community has been outstanding.’’
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.
Next month, wool training will reach one of New Zealand's most remote communities, the Chatham Islands - bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to locals eager to step into the wool harvesting sector.
Farmers' health and wellbeing will take centre stage with a new hub at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.
Dannevirke farmer Dan Billing has been announced as the new national chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Farmer Council.
A Mid Canterbury beef farm has unlocked a new market for its products thanks to its unusual beef breed, and an award-winning pie taking the district by storm.
The number of beef straws going into dairy cows is on the increase, according to LIC beef genetics product lead Paul Charteris.