Winston's crusade
OPINION: A short-term sugar hit. That's what NZ First leader Winston Peters is calling the proposed sale of Fonterra's consumer and associated businesses.
Fonterra provided nearly 20 million packs of milk free to 145,000 primary school students last year as part of its Milk for Schools scheme, now in its fifth year.
At the 2012 launch, 119 schools joined and last year 1431 schools took part.
To mark the fifth year, former All Black captain Richie McCaw will fly special helicopter milk runs to schools.
He will visit four schools selected from online entries saying why he should visit. Where possible, he will fly in to deliver milk. Local farmers will also be part of the visit.
Primary schools can be nominated until March 19 on Fonterra.com. Updates can be followed on Fonterra’s Facebook page.
Fonterra general manager, community programmes, Chris Ward says Milk for Schools is still growing.
“Two things stand out about it for us: ensuring Kiwi kids get a daily dose of quality nutrition and the generosity of Fonterra and its farmers to make it happen.”
The programme is also said to help with a sustainability initiative in which the Tetrapak milk packs are recycled in Thailand into school books, roof tiles, etc. There is no such recycling machine in NZ.
Milk for Schools has been underlined by two university health studies showing health benefits to children, particularly improved bone and dental health.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.