Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
Rural Women New Zealand is concerned for the mental well being of farmers as they struggle with the current drought.
"However, the overriding concern for Rural Women™ is women, who are often at the sharp end when mental illness strikes," says president Wendy McGowan.
"While they are seen as carers and nurturers they are not immune to stress and depression, but are most likely to put their own mental wellbeing on hold and 'keep calm and carry on'."
It is well recognised that family violence spikes after an adverse event. Increased reports of violence can continue for up to two years following the event. Rural women are especially vulnerable, given their distance from neighbours, health care, childcare, family, friends and services. The insidiousness of a drought when there is no end in sight further compounds the problem.
The uniqueness of the farm/home environment and joint nature of agribusiness can complicate matters further if a woman wishes to leave an abusive relationship. The economic and emotional ties make it very difficult to walk away from those responsibilities.
"Women play a major role in achieving resilience in rural communities. A quiet word may be all that it takes to initiate help and support, and prevent a tragedy," says McGowan.
"Rural Women™ is well placed and committed to supporting women and families in rural communities."
AgriZeroNZ, the joint venture (JV) fast-tracking emissions reduction tools for Kiwi farmers, is looking to speed up delivery of a methane vaccine with a $10m investment in US ag-biotech start-up, ArkeaBio.
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has found itself in a stoush with NZPork over the controversial National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL).
Fonterra says the sale of its global consumer business and its Oceania and Sri Lankan operations could take 18 months to complete.
The lobby group the Methane Science Accord (MSA) says it welcomes a recent government move to seek outside advice on reducing biological methane targets, rather than relying on recommendations made by the Climate Change Commission.
Well-known scientist Jock Allison has passed away.
After a decade of consultation and court battles, Environment Southland has officially adopted a plan to prevent further decline in the region's water quality.