Tour of Southland postponed amid severe Southland weather
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
Six months into the Potatoes New Zealand chief executive role and Kate Trufitt has embraced the challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm.
With a wealth of experience in the horticulture industry spanning over 20 plus years, Trufitt is making her mark in the horticulture industry. She has travelled the length and breadth of New Zealand engaging with growers and industry partners.
"This opportunity has allowed me to really utilise all my expertise and expertise developed over time," she says.
"Working with industry it is clear that Potatoes New Zealand needs to really drive the industry strategy with guidance from our board and for the benefit of our growers."
Trufitt adds that she is encouraged by what the future holds and the direction New Zealand's potato industry is heading.
Heading up a team of six experienced staff, Trufitt says she is committed to listening, enabling and promoting better outcomes for the New Zealand potato industry.
As the focus for the Potatoes New Zealand team shifts to the year ahead, one of their primary goals includes garnering member support for the levy order.
There is also presenting the finalised strategy and business plans to propel the industry in the right direction.
With the levy order vote scheduled for April - May 2024, Trufitt and her team are rallying grower members to actively participate in shaping the future of New Zealand's potato industry.
Trufitt is optimistic about the vision for the NZ potato sector: 'End to End Value Creation'.
She adds that there will be no resting for the Potatoes New Zealand team as in the coming months they will be working towards the industry's objectives.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.