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Richard Burke (pictured) says there doesn't seem to be a long-term approach to infrastructure.
Well before Cyclone Gabrielle struck, Richard Burke was advocating for a long-term sustainable infrastructure plan for the Tairawhiti region.
The cyclone brought to the fore a problem that has existed for decades, with the east coast constantly struggling to get a strong roading network in this vital farming and horticulture region.
Despite all the talk, about the need to improve the road, Burke feels the mentality of those who could change things is still in 'repair mode'. Having said that, he says one cannot fault the investment that has gone into repairing road infrastructure.
"But there doesn't appear to be emerging signs of a long-term approach to once and for all resolving some of the bigger issues around sustainable infrastructure that serves the needs of Tairawhiti," he says.
Burke says, before Covid struck, there was a group of local leaders aligned in their thinking on this, but this doesn't appear to exist today. For things to happen, says Burke, key local people need to get together and develop a strategy and plan that can be sold to central and local government.
If there was a silver lining in the tragedy that was Cyclone Gabrielle, for New Zealand Young Grower of the Year, Grace Fulford, it was the tremendous sense of community and seeing first-hand what good leadership looks like.
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The road between Napier and Wairoa is on the mend.
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
A large Māori-owned kiwifruit business that was badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle has bounced back with a vengeance.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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