David Seymour Criticises Rural Women NZ Over Submission
Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says advocacy group Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has submitted against a controversial bill without consulting its members.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
O’Brien says she’s taking this step with mixed emotions.
“I have absolutely loved working with the board and national office team and meeting so many of our wonderful members over the past three years,” O’Brien says.
“It’s been a privilege to lead this special organisation and I’m proud of the work we have achieved during my tenure, including navigating the organisation through the challenges of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As we prepare for next year’s Centenary, I am most proud of all of the work that has gone into setting up the organisation for the next 100 years. I am confident it will continue to play an important role in connecting and supporting women at the heart of our rural communities.”
After finishing up, O’Brien plans on pursuing some different opportunities, projects and interests including some travel.
Rural Women NZ board president Gill Naylor says she will miss O’Brien’s measured expertise.
“It’s been a great pleasure to work with Gabe and she is leaving the organisation in a much stronger position to tackle the future as a result of her dedication and commitment over the past three years,” Gill says.
The board will begin the process for recruiting a new chief executive shortly.
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.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…