Susan O'Regan Appointed New Chair of QEII National Trust
Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka has appointed Susan O'Regan as Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a three-year term.
Agricultural contractors are reminded they must leave a buffer of at least 2m between waterways and areas cultivated for growing maize.
Maize cultivation – involving ploughing paddocks and planting seed – happens in spring. The Waikato Regional Council has been receiving reports of contractors failing to follow the 2m rule.
"The rule is aimed at preventing sediment and nutrients in the soil from getting into waterways, as this can affect water quality and the health of aquatic organisms," says programme manager Ross Wightman.
"Following the reports of some contractors failing to maintain the right distance, all agricultural contractors in the region are being written to reminding them of their obligation.
"Farmers need to be aware of this issue to and ensure contractors are following the two metre rule," Wightman says.
"If a contractor fails to observe the right distance both they and the farmer can be liable for enforcement action."
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.