Day out at Fieldays leads to ute win
Out of more than 80,000 entries, Daniel Neil from Piopio has been announced as the lucky winner of the Isuzu D-MAX LX Double Cab 4WD Ute in this year’s Fieldays Ute giveaway.
Minister for Rural Communities Damien O’Connor says the Government rule-makers will ensure rural communities are at the heart of their decisions.
The Rural Proofing Policy was launched at the opening of the Health Hub at the 50th Fieldays at Mystery Creek today.
“Those living in rural communities can enjoy excellent lifestyles but they face unique challenges that must be reflected in Government policy,” O’Connor said.
“This year alone has seen drought, floods and cyclones. We’ve also seen biosecurity incursions such as Mycoplasma bovis cause huge stress across our rural communities.
“The Rural Proofing Policy will ensure that when policy-makers sit down to design the rules they take into account the unique factors that affect rural communities such as low populations, isolation, and reliance on the primary sector for employment.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries will have an important role in supporting agencies to build their own rural knowledge and capabilities through practical resources, training and getting analysts out to talk to rural communities and businesses.
Three especially relevant areas are: connection infrastructure, access to services, and the ease and cost of doing business and compliance.
The policy and associated guide were developed with the advice and support of rural communities, and I thank all the community groups who have contributed.
“All of us, no matter where we live, should have the ability to live, work and fully contribute to and be part of New Zealand society,” says O’Connor.
“The bottom line is that rural Kiwis should have equitable access to social and economic opportunities, to reach their full potential.”
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
A project reducing strains and sprains on farm has won the Innovation category in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2025.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and other sector organisations, has launched a national survey to understand better the impact of facial eczema (FE) on farmers.
One of New Zealand's latest and largest agrivoltaics farm Te Herenga o Te Rā is delivering clean renewable energy while preserving the land's agricultural value for sheep grazing under the modules.
Global food company Nestle’s chair Paul Bulcke will step down at its next annual meeting in April 2026.
Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing and recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at in Wellington this evening.