Santa's present for the primary sector - an FTA with India
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
The HortNZ board says it is disappointed to see Tunley go, but she leaves HortNZ with “a strong team, strong structure and strong direction set out in the strategy and the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan”.
“While the timing of a valued CEO’s departure is never ideal, the board and Nadine feel it is important that with a new commodity levy proposal about to be voted on, HortNZ is able to recruit a replacement CEO that can lead the organisation and deliver the strategic outcomes for the next six years, with the full energy required,” the board says.
Tunley took over as HortNZ CEO in May 2021. She has been involved in the apple and pear industry since 2000. She was chair of NZ Apples & Pears Inc from August 2012 until April 2018, and has been a director of HortNZ since 2010.
Her involvement in the industry began just prior to deregulation in 2001, where she was tasked with exporting some of the first shipments made outside of the single desk model.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.