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.
New Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson says rural communities often get marginalised behind urban issues and he intends to change that.
Patterson, who is also an associate Agriculture Minister, told Dairy News that he was determined to get cracking in his new role.
This week, Patterson will be visiting Gisborne to get a first-hand look at recovery efforts in the area following devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year.
"It will give me a chance to see first-hand where things are sitting in terms of recovery," he says.
"We will see what their needs are and what more can be done to help them."
Patterson, an Otago sheep and beef farmer, is serving his second stint as a NZ First MP.
He served in Parliament six years ago. He was given a portfolio outside Cabinet as part of the coalition deal.
He says he's honoured to be given the role, given he has lived in rural communities all his life.
"I'm passionate about them and understand the issues they face. Rural communities often get marginalised behind urban issues. We are going to change that by working for rural communities and farmers."
Patterson believes the large number of farmers in Parliament and holding associate agriculture roles outside Cabinet make for a strong voice for rural communities.
The farmer MPs will work as a team in their delegated areas of responsibility.
They will be led by Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay, a National MP.
Other farmers holding associate agriculture roles are former Feds president Andrew Hoggard and National's Nicola Grigg.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
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.
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