MPI launches industry-wide project to manage feral deer
An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral pests, in particular, browsing pests such as deer and pigs.
Minister for Agriculture Damien O'Connor said the awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and thank primary sector employers.
Exceptional employment practices in the primary industries were celebrated at last night’s Good Employer Awards held at Parliament.
The awards, sponsored by the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Agricultural Marketing Research and Development Trust (ADMARDT) featured finalists from a range of enterprises, including Māori agribusiness, forestry and veterinary services.
Minister for Agriculture Damien O’Connor said the awards provided an opportunity to celebrate and thank primary sector employers who had gone above and beyond to create productive, safe, supportive and healthy work environments.
“The past 12 or so months have been tough. I have been particularly impressed with how many of finalists have said they used Covid-19 to look at how they were working and make changes that benefited them and their employees,” O’Connor said.
“It’s clear that everyone who has entered the Good Employer Awards is leading the way in best practice. When we do this collectively, we show out urban cousins that rural communities are vibrant and inclusive places to work, live, and grow in.” he said.
Winners
Māori Agribusiness - Chubby Rewi, Rewi Haulage Limited and East Coast Log Haulage Limited
Employee Development - Adam Hittman, Vetora Waikato
Safe & Healthy - Zac Robinson and Barry Wells, Port Blakely
Supreme - Anna Pule, Rayonier Matariki Forests
A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General, Ray Smith.
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.
Primary sector leaders have praised the government and its officials for putting the Indian free trade deal together in just nine months.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
Dairy farmers are still in a good place despite volatile global milk prices.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.

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