Alliance Group faces crucial vote on Dawn Meats deal
The future of the Alliance Group is “pretty dark” if the proposed Dawn Meats deal does not go through, says board chair Mark Wynne.
Alliance Group says it has helped to raise more than $42,000 at a recent Ronald McDonald House South Island Supper Club event in Invercargill.
It was announced in January this year that the co-operative would become an official partner of Ronald McDonald House South Island which provides
free accommodation and support to families who need to travel for their child’s medical care.
Guests at the Supper Club event enjoyed a mystery dining experience which saw them dine at exclusive venues such as the window display of H&J Smith Department Store.
“Following the cancellation of the Supper Club events in 2020 due to Covid-19, we were very grateful to be able to bring back this unique dining experience this year,” says Ronald McDonald House South Island chief executive Mandy Kennedy.
“We are so incredibly thankful to Alliance Group, the venues, caterers and chefs, as well as each and every sponsor, auction donor, volunteer and guest who made the Invercargill Supper Club, presented by Alliance Group, such a success.”
Before departing for the mystery dining experience, guests heard from Kat Moses who stayed at the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Southland Hospital when her son Bodhi was born prematurely.
“I was a huge supporter of this charity before, but after my six weeks stay, I cannot even put into words how much respect and love I have for Ronald McDonald House South Island,” she told the diners.
David Surveyor, chief executive of Alliance Group, says Alliance and Ronald McDonald House South Island share common values of care and support.
“We don’t have to go far in talking with farmers or our people to see how this charitable trust has touched the hearts of rural communities,” Surveyor says.
“The Supper Club event was also a great opportunity to showcase our farmers’ products, cooked by some of the region’s best chefs.”
The money raised from the event will go directly to support families who stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Southland Hospital.
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.

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