Manawatu's economy bouncing back
Although the national economy is still functioning below pre-pandemic levels and the road ahead remains uncertain, the Manawatu region appears to be bearing up well.
Central Districts Field Days organisers say their event is shaping up the “tastiest yet” with new exhibitors and attractions.
For foodies, the Taste of Central Districts will serve the region’s wines and foods – Pheasant Creek and Ruahine wines, Basecamp venison salamis, Koast Limoncello, Gladstone Vineyard and Southern Grain Spirits.
Southern Grain drinks will include Duckshooter Port and aged whisky.
Food zones will sell whitebait fritters, gourmet burgers, hotdogs, hot donuts, etc. Supporting local business and talent, these food zones will be astir for the three days.
The food innovation and research experts FoodHQ will be on site offering visitors chats with their experts about the science being done in New Zealand. FoodHQ is world-notable for agri-food science and innovation along the food value chain - from idea generation to products on the shelf.
The FoodHQ campus being developed in Palmerston North will offer global customers ‘one-door access’ to the best in New Zealand food innovation. The collaborative approach creates a faster, easier way for food companies to work with the FoodHQ family.
Mark Ward, programme director at FoodHQ, says: “We’ll be talking to people about our vision and what we’re doing to help grow New Zealand’s agrifood sector. They’ll get to hear from food science experts and get to taste some enjoyable, innovative treats.”
Central Districts Field Days will be held at Manfeild Park, Feilding, from March 12-14.
A seminar on rural dispute resolution has been organised at Lincoln University, Christchurch this month.
The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Awards were announced at the recent National Rural Health Conference.
One of Fonterra’s global customers, Mars is launching an ambitious sustainable dairy plan to work with dairy farmers and cut emissions by 50%.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive for the past eight years, Sam McIvor is heading for new pastures at Ospri, which runs NZ’s integrated animal disease management and traceability service.
The world's largest wool scouring facility, WoolWorks Awatoto plant in Napier, is back operating at full capacity.
A year on and the problems created by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle has largely dropped off the radar of media and politicians.