Rural leader grateful for latest honour
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.
The Waikato and South Auckland Primary Industry Adverse Event Cluster core group convened earlier this week to collectively review conditions and information from farmers and growers across the region.
The group was set up in 2016 to bring together agencies from the primary industries, central and local governments to prepare for and coordinate responses to adverse events.
Ohinewai farmer and group chairperson, Neil Bateup says usual summer conditions have returned to the regions.
He adds that it’s good to see farmers are generally well-prepared.
“There is plenty of supplementary feed about for stock at present following a good spring and farmers generally are reported to be coping,” Bateup says.
“With no significant rain forecast for the region in the near future we want to reassure farmers that we’ve got this situation on our radar and we’re looking out for them.”
Bateup encourages people to look after their own wellbeing and take a moment to check on neighbours.
“Farmers will need to be agile,” he says. “It will rain and conditions will improve, but we do not know if this will be early or late March.”
Bateup says farmers should stay in contact with rural professionals and graziers, to regularly review feed and financial budgets, and have a plan B and plan C.
“Influence what you can control, particularly the communication with others, and planning,” he concludes.
