Susan O'Regan Appointed New Chair of QEII National Trust
Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka has appointed Susan O'Regan as Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a three-year term.
Waikato property owners are being urged to avoid lighting fires if there is a chance they will get out of control.
Fire and Emergency are encouraging Waikato property owners not to light fires if there is a chance they will get out of control.
Waikato District Manager, Daryl Trim says Waikato firefighters have recently been called out to vegetation fires due to fires being lit in the wrong conditions.
“If it’s too risky to light your land clearing fires, don’t do it,” says Trim.
Trim is also reminding residents there are currently fire restrictions around the Kawhia and Waipa peatlands.
“We aren’t considering further fire restrictions at this time of year as we recognise the use of controlled fires as a land management tool,” he says.
“However, the fire danger won’t ease until there is some significant rainfall, so people should continue to be vigilant and take care with any outdoor fires.
"Most landowners do take safety precautions, but we want to minimise the risk in the ‘risky areas’ until we have had reasonable rainfall," he says.
"Fires in a green paddock, well away from scrub, kikuyu grass and peat are okay, providing fire precautions are being followed.
Supervise the fire until it is completely out and make sure it is well clear from other combustible materials."
For more information on how to be fire safe or to apply for a permit, go to www.checkitsalright.nz.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.