Federated Farmers Welcomes Local Government Reform Plans
Federated Farmers says reforms of local government announced last week will be music to farmers' ears.
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.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.

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