Truth Is Out
OPINION: It's been an eye-opener watching the big media companies behaving exactly like the powers-that-be who the crusading hacks from the likes of One News and Stuff claim to be "keeping honest".
Rural News reporter, Peter Burke has been awarded life membership of the Science Communicators Association of New Zealand (SCANZ) at its annual conference in Palmerston North this week.
He is the first life member of SCANZ which he foundered in 2003 after attending an international conference on science communication in South Africa in late 2002.
Burke says when he attended that conference he was amazed to find that New Zealand was about the only country not to have a formal network for science communicators.
"It was logical to set up one here and with the help of some dedicated colleagues we got it off the ground within six months of my attending the South African conference," he says.
SCANZ had about 150 members who come from all facets of the science world including journalists, writer, scientists, science educators, film makers, public relations staff and policy makers. Burke says he's very honoured by the award. He is also a life member of the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalist.
OPINION: Farmers around the country are welcoming the proposed reform of local government.
A move to boost farmer uptake of low methane emitting sheep is underway.
Silver Fern Farms has tackled the ongoing war-induced shipping challenges to mideast markets by airlifting 90 tonnes of chilled New Zealand lamb and beef to the United Arab Emirates.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.