New Company ASTEC to Supply Asparagopsis Seaweed for Methane Research
A new company set up to cultivate and supply seaweed for animal methane mitigation studies believes it could be a game changer for the dairy industry.
Statistics Minister Craig Foss says the Government Statistician decides on the statistics used to measure the topics.
Farmers should have their say on what the priorities should be for environmental reporting.
New Zealanders are being invited make submissions about proposed topics under the new national environmental reporting system.
"The Environmental Reporting Act passed by Parliament in September requires fair and accurate reports on the state of our environment," says Environment Minister Nick Smith.
"It means our country's clean, green brand will now be assessed against authoritative and independent data across five domains. Today we are calling for submissions on what New Zealanders think are the priorities for reporting across these domains."
The new Environmental Reporting Act requires the Secretary for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand to publish a report every six months on one of the five environmental domains (air, freshwater, land, marine, atmosphere and climate), beginning with freshwater in 2016.
A synthesis report, with analysis of all five domains, will be published every three years. The topics for future reports will be set in regulations under the Act.
Statistics Minister Craig Foss says the Government Statistician decides on the statistics used to measure the topics.
"Statistics New Zealand is world-leading, with sound credentials — it provides New Zealand with critical economic indicators such as GDP and CPI. It brings the same reputation for statistical integrity and independence to environmental reporting," Foss says.
"I encourage New Zealanders to make a submission on future topics for environmental reporting — your views will inform discussion and aid the decision-making process."
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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