NZ tomato growers face rising energy costs
Tomato growers are facing a challenge like never before over the rising cost of energy and the uncertainty of supply.
Allan Freeth, chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced he is resigning.
Freeth has informed the EPA’s board that he intends to step down from the role on 30 June 2026.
Barry O’Neil, EPA chair, says the timing coincides with the end of the financial year.
Freeth will have served as chief executive of the EPA for over 10 years.
"Allan has led the EPA with vision and energy and has been instrumental in growing the EPA from its early phase as a developing regulator to one now respected by the environmental sector,” O’Neil says.
He says Freeth led the EPA through the coronavirus and has overseen the expansion of the EPA’s remit, including the recent establishment of the fast-track function.
"The board would like to thank Allan for his significant contribution to the EPA to date and wishes him all the very best for his future endeavours."
The board will begin the process for identifying a new chief executive shortly, with a view to confirming a replacement prior to Freeth’s departure.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.