MPI cuts 391 jobs
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
A new action plan between Australia and New Zealand will see defences against the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) strengthened.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and his Australian counterpart, Senator Joe Ludwig announced the two countries will work more closely together focusing combined defences against the threat of FMD.
"FMD poses one of the single greatest threats to livestock industries and rural communities in New Zealand and Australia. We've estimated that a large outbreak would cost Australia $AUD 16 billion to control," Ludwig says.
"Australia has successfully kept FMD out of the country for more than 130 years. Our countries have committed to work together to develop a trans-Tasman FMD Action Plan to improve preparedness.
"Collaborative government action will help ensure we are both adequately prepared for this disease."
Guy says both countries are extremely aware of the importance of preparing for the threat, given the importance of the agricultural sector to both economies.
"This work will build on the strong relationship we already have through years of working together on animal health and biosecurity issues," Guy says.
"It reflects an on-going commitment to improving our knowledge and preparedness."
Key activities under the joint plan include:
• sharing intelligence on emerging animal health risks facing our region
• developing and improving training activities and FMD detection capabilities, including training in exotic animal disease recognition and participating in joint exercises
• sharing and comparing economic and disease models of FMD to inform management strategies
• collaborating on policy development, approaches and operational plans for vaccination and carcass disposal
• participating in simulation exercises to explore how we could support response efforts in the event of an incursion.
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has found itself in a stoush with NZPork over the controversial National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL).
Fonterra says the sale of its global consumer business and its Oceania and Sri Lankan operations could take 18 months to complete.
The lobby group the Methane Science Accord (MSA) says it welcomes a recent government move to seek outside advice on reducing biological methane targets, rather than relying on recommendations made by the Climate Change Commission.
Well-known scientist Jock Allison has passed away.
After a decade of consultation and court battles, Environment Southland has officially adopted a plan to prevent further decline in the region's water quality.
Farmers are throwing down the gauntlet to politicians - hold an independent inquiry into rural bank lending or face tough questions from the farming sector.