$150B farm succession challenge looms for NZ agriculture
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Rabobank is to open a second branch in Northland, at Dargaville. It has had a branch at Whangarei for 10 years.
Rabobank Northland branch manager Tessa Sutherland said the office is convenient and centrally located, allowing clients easy access.
“It has been a vision for some time and we are thrilled to be opening our new branch in Dargaville next week, starting off 2015 with a bang,” Sutherland says.
“The township is witnessing a new building taking shape and we are happy with the modern look and feel, as well as the state-of-the-art facilities our clients and staff will have.”
Sutherland, who has worked 11 years with Rabobank, previously managed the Whangarei branch. She will continue to operate from both branches, like other staff.
She claims the new branch firmly “cements” the commitment the bank is making to the region long-term.
“Our Northland team will continue to work together in both branches which will allow us to fully support our clients and to share knowledge of the overlapping agricultural areas.
“We will make the most of having the two offices to work from – it will be a flexible and welcoming arrangement.”
The new branch has room for eight staff.
“It’s a tricky time we are going into, regarding dairy prices, but we know the fundamentals are strong and we remain positive about dairy. Conversely, the sheep and beef sector is in excellent shape and prices are swinging in the right direction.
“We are here to help people through these agricultural cycles. That’s what we do.”
Fonterra has unveiled the first refrigerated electric truck to deliver dairy products across Auckland.
Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.
Virtual fencing and pasture management company Halter says its NZ operations has delivered a profit of $2.8 million after exclusion of notional items.
Manuka honey trader Comvita slumped to a $104 million net loss last financial year, reflecting prolonged market disruption, oversupply and pricing volatility.
The Government has struck a deal with New Zealand's poultry industry, agreeing how they will jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.