RWNZ chief executive to step down
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
The Government is spending $28 million to redeploy almost 300 forestry workers.
The scheme is part of a $100 million package to redeploy workers affected by the economic impact of COVID-19.
Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford says COVID-19 is having a significant impact on workers throughout New Zealand, especially forestry workers in Tairāwhiti.
“Forestry was one of the first industries to be seriously impacted by COVID-19 but by keeping the infrastructure and workforce of the sector intact, we hope it will be one of the first to recover,” says Twyford.
The announcement comes on the same day as Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announcing that Tairāwhiti’s wood processing sector will receive funding through the Provincial Growth Fund of $12.1 million.
Alternative work identified for Tairāwhiti forestry workers includes:
• local roading work, including road maintenance
• hazardous tree removal
• fast-tracked One Billion Trees projects
• conservation activities
• retraining and educational opportunities.
The Tairāwhiti package will be administered through the Provincial Development Unit in partnership with the Mayors’ Forum and Gisborne District Council. Affected workers will be referred via the Ministry of Social Development’s Rapid Response Team and affected businesses.
Jones says forestry accounts for 6.7% of regional GDP in the Tairāwhiti economy, however a recent slow-down has meant that the sector is low on cash reserves.
“The sector was just recovering from a slow-down over last winter. Many small firms used their cash reserves to get them through that and some companies are now struggling to survive.
“However, the future for the forestry sector is extremely bright and we want to ensure it is in a position to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19 as quickly as possible. By redeploying workers to short-term projects, we can help ensure they are available to go back to the forestry sector once it returns to normal,” says Jones.
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.