Editorial: Right call
OPINION: Public pressure has led to Canterbury Police rightly rolling back its proposed restructure that would have seen several rural police stations closed in favour of centralised hubs.
Organisers of the 2014 Canterbury A&P Show are calling for entries.
The country's largest agricultural and pastoral show has been running for over 150 years; the country's best animals and talented competitors have been showcased at the show.
More than 3000 animals and close to 1000 competitors are expected to compete in 1700 classes including sections for horse and pony, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, alpaca, llama, wool, goat, dog trials, poultry, shearing and woolhandling, woodchopping and vintage machinery.
Entries are also open for two of the feature competitions of The Show – the Mint Lamb Competition where New Zealand's top lambs are put to a taste test, and the Young Auctioneers Competition where up-and-coming stock agents get to show off their skills.
Canterbury A&P Association president, Richard Parkes is confident of another strong exhibitor turnout in 2014. "It's a testament to the volunteers behind The Show and the exhibitors, both old and new, that we consistently attract some of the best equestrian and livestock entries that New Zealand has to offer – that equates to around 7000 entries each year."
"Exhibitors travel from all over the country to attend The Show – it's very much a national event. To acknowledge and encourage exhibitors that travel from further afield, we're once again offering subsidies to those that travel great distances. This year the offer is extended to all exhibitors travelling more than 400km to compete in The Show."
The Canterbury A&P Show attracts around 100,000 visitors every year. This year's 152nd Show will be held at the Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch from November 12-14.
Details can be downloaded at www.theshow.co.nz or contact the Show Secretary on 03 343 3033 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Entries close late September for most sections.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.

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