The social licence to operate
OPINION: In the 2023 election, 77.5% of the 3.69 million people eligible to vote took the privilege of making their wishes known about the governance of New Zealand.
A LEADING Maori agribusinesswoman says there’s a myth going around about the so-called ‘potential’ of Maori farming.
Traci Houpapa, chair of the Federation of Maori Authorities and deputy chair of Landcorp, says people are saying Maori landholders and farmers need to lift their performance and productivity. But she says the same can also be said of non-Maori farming enterprises.
Houpapa says because Maori are over-represented in a number of negative statistics, there is an expectation that some of that might come from Maori landholders or Maori asset holders.
“We are only one part of the story and it’s going to take a collective will and might across the full range of industries to turn that around. Perception is certainly a problem,” she told Rural News.
“We know there are exemplary Maori-owned farming enterprises and land-based enterprises in this country that can easily and quickly foot it with mainstream or non-Maori farming enterprises.
“We don’t hear about that, so the efforts of the media – like you – to raise the consciousness of Maori achievement in Maori agribusiness is critical. Maori need to start patting themselves on the back and saying we are actually doing quite well.”
Houpapa says there is no doubt dairying is offering the greatest returns at present, but she believes this means there are opportunities in sheep and beef to lift returns.
“Some of that’s around industry aggregation, some of that’s also around starting to look at market and value chain plays and those discussions are ongoing. They are not going to happen overnight and it does take a collective mind and will to make those changes.”
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
New Zealand must continue to educate Chinese consumers about the unique qualities of its red meat products and how they differ from competitors, says Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dan Boulton.
There are opportunities outside the farmgate for young farmers to further develop their skills, says 2025 Primary Industries Emerging Leader Award winner Bridie Virbickas.
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