M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Changes have been made to the requirements to cross the Auckland border amid Auckland's Level Four lockdown.
With most of New Zealand returning to Alert Level 2, the border around the Alert Level 4 area in Auckland is subject to particular scrutiny.
In order to cross the border, farmers and their workers now need to carry:
The Government is requiring that all those people crossing the border provide proof of a Covid-19 test that has occurred within the seven days prior to travelling from 16 September.
It is understood that those travelling will not need the actual test result, just evidence of the test itself.
The Government is also strongly encouraging farmers to ensure they maintain strict protocols on their farms, even under Alert Level 2.
Tracing has indicated that the source of the first velvetleaf find of the 2025-26 crop season, in Auckland, was likely maize purchased in the Waikato region.
Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.
With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.
Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.
More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.

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