Haere Mai Matariki
With the stars of Matariki to rise in June, Jeff Sinnott, a member of the Tuku Māori Winemakers Collective, looks at their relevance to our grape and wine community.
Making Hawke's Bay the leading exporter of premium primary produce is a key objective of Matariki – Hawke's Bay Regional Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan 2016.
It is a comprehensive plan to diversify and grow the Hawke's Bay economy, increasing jobs, income and investment in the region.
The plan aims to make Hawke's Bay the most innovative region in New Zealand, the leading exporter of premium primary produce and a hub for business growth. It focuses on improving pathways to employment, supporting business, lifting innovation and productivity, attracting investment and skilled migrants, developing infrastructure and increasing visitor spending.
As part of the Regional Growth Programme, the plan represents a coordinated approach to lifting the region's economic performance.
Local and central government, businesses and iwi worked together to develop the plan. Implementation of individual actions will be led by various groups and government agencies.
Iwi have been extensively involved in developing the strategy and action plan and have come together to form Te Kahui Ōhanga o Takitimu, which will play a key role in achieving collective economic goals for Māori.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.

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