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Health reforms get cautious nod

NZ Rural General Practice Network chief executive Dr Grant Davidson says the current health system is not servicing people in rural communities.

Rural medical professionals, and those with an interest in rural health, have generally welcomed the Government's move to reform the sector.

EU move cheeses off NZ producers

A move by the EU to grant exclusive use of the term ‘halloumi’ to Cyprus cheesemakers is raising concerns among the New Zealand cheesemakers.

Moves by the European Commission to grant exclusive use of the term 'halloumi' to Cyprus cheesemakers is raising concerns among the New Zealand cheesemaking community.

$8 payout predicted for 21-22

Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny.

At least one bank is forecasting an $8 opening forecast farmgate milk price for the next season.

Truck wash company and farmer fined for pollution

Effluent ponded around irrigator (Paddy Smith Ltd case).

A Matamata truck wash business and a Hauraki farmer have both been convicted and fined over separate pollution events resulting from poor management of effluent infrastructure.

Verne Atmore named new independent director of PPBnz

Verne Atmore has been announced as the new independent director to the board of PBBnz in Feilding.

VLG receivership causes dismay

Canterbury farmer and former Federated Farmers dairy leader Willy Leferink says farmers shouldn't let banks run their businesses.

Rural Health is sick

Dr Fiona Doolan-Noble says the proof will be in the pudding for those in rural areas after the government's healthcare reform announcement.

Rural people are underserviced by the current health model, according to Dr Fiona Doolan-Noble from the Department of General Practice and Rural Health at Otago University.

Strong voice needed

North Otago farmer Jane Smith says industry-good bodies need to come together and serve the sector better.

North Otago farmer Jane Smith believes continual appeasement to government by industry-good bodies is not serving the sector well and it's time for a mega-merger of primary sector advocacy groups.

The Government will boost its drought support to new parts of the country and continue helping farmers in areas facing long-term dry conditions, says Agriculture and Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor.