Feds Back National’s 19 Farming National Standards
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
Federated Farmers has welcomed Elizabeth Soal as the new chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand.
"Federated Farmers maintains an excellent working relationship with Irrigation New Zealand," Feds water and environment spokesperson Chris Allen says.
"Elizabeth has the credentials and background, including her strategy and policy work for the Waitaki Irrigators Collective, to help ensure INZ continues its excellent work."
Federated Farmers says reliable water supply and storage, as well as its use in an environmentally sustainable way, is crucial for food growers and exporters, and thus to the vitality of provincial New Zealand. This will be even more important as the impacts of climate change bite.
"We look forward to working with Elizabeth and the INZ board to promote and enhance the critical role that irrigation has in food security," says Allen.
Federated Farmers has also thanked outgoing IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis for his contribution and wishes him well for his future endeavours.
Mark Hooper has been appointed the new chair of NZPork, the industry organisation representing New Zealand pig farmers.
As the India-New Zealand free trade agreement enters into force, New Zealand’s apple industry has reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term development of India’s apple sector.
Fonterra shareholders can begin voting on Tuesday 20 October in the 2026 Board of Directors’ election, a Co-operative Council election in one Ward, and seven Annual Meeting resolutions.
National’s pledge to introduce 19 new national standards shows the party is serious about getting Wellington out of farming, Federated Farmers says.
The National Party’s policies to make it easier to grow fresh vegetables, secure reliable water and energy and simplify farm planning are practical changes that will give growers the confidence to invest, according to Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.

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