McIvor to step down in July
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor will step down in July.
The Labour Party’s water tax policy is “pretty short on details,” and the farming sector needs to have input into a final plan, says Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons.
“If Labour is in government we would want to work with them to work out how we could best deliver on swimmable rivers, while making sure we don’t ‘crucify’ the primary sector at the same time.”
Parsons says Labour leader Jacinda Ardern had been clear that the party would not lay out all the detail until a decent conversation had been held with those who would be affected if they were in government.
“On one hand, you can say it is not fair because people want to know what they are voting for, rather than just these vague policies.
“But on the other hand, you can also say she has been open about the fact that it would be wrong to work up policies without consulting with the people affected, so if you take it at face value it is probably a positive way to go about it. That’s if they get into government.
“We would have to cohabit and everyone would have to make some adjustments; that’s the journey we are on. But what we don’t want are policies which are well intended but actually work against us – poorly constructed policies that are a disincentive to progress.”
For example, mandatory fencing of waterways in hill country would be a very poor policy as it may not be the best way a farmer can spend money.
“If they [had only limited money to spend on] mitigation work to improve water quality, fencing off waterways may not be the best way to achieve really good water quality outcomes.”
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.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.