Fonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ Report
The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report, but it’s not “manna from heaven” for the economy.
A business trip to India, organised by ANZ Bank, has generated new business for several primary produce customers who took part.
Late last month ANZ took 13 New Zealand businesses, including meat, dairy, wine, fruit and juice exporters, on an eight-day trip to India – a key destination for New Zealand businesses looking to expand.
The group visited Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, and attended 109 meetings with prospective buyers, customers, business partners and Kiwi companies already working in India. Business workshops were held by ANZ India, NZTE, the New Zealand High Commissioner to India, KPMG and AZB Partners.
"The goal was to give customers a better understanding of how to do business in India and connect them with ANZ's networks in India that will help them expand their business into this enormous market," says Sunil Kaushal, ANZ Head of India Relations.
"Already the new connections have paid off for several customers, who have secured new orders for their produce, while others built relationships that are expected to lead to more export orders."
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…