ETS costs cut 66% for forest owners – McClay
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
The position supports key Government objectives, including ensuring New Zealand’s trading partners understand approach to agriculture and primary production and on raising the performance of agricultural and primary sector exports in global markets.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says Guy’s immediate priorities will be to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production interests from the perspective of a practising farmer.
“I have asked Guy to show particular focus on India and GCC markets, to leverage the opportunities that trade agreements with these countries would present.”
Guy is a dairy farmer and agribusiness leader. He served as Minister for Primary Industries between 2013 and 2017.
He is currently the chairman of the Meat Industry Association and independent chair of Apiculture New Zealand.
McClay says Guy’s background promoting New Zealand’s producers both as a Minister and as a farmer means that he is uniquely well placed to tell the story of New Zealand’s primary production sector to the world.
Guy replaces Hamish Marr, who has held the SATE role since 2023.
“Hamish has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural trade interests,” McClay says.
“He has been highly effective in conveying the message that New Zealand agriculture is not a threat to others but rather that we can complement our partners to our mutual advantage.”
Guy will take up the role on 1 January 2026.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.
Norwood has announced the opening of a new Tasman dealership at Richmond near Nelson next month.

OPINION: Meanwhile, red blooded Northland politician Matua Shane Jones has provided one of the most telling quotes of the year…
OPINION: This old mutt has been around for a few years now and it seems these ‘once in 100-year’ weather…