Fibre broadband expansion to 95% of NZ gets green light – a win for rural connectivity
The Infrastructure Commission has endorsed a plan by Chorus to expand fibre broadband to 95% of New Zealand much to the delight of rural women.
Higgins Shearing, Marlborough, was named the Supreme Award winner at the NZI Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) Business Awards last night.
The company was one of seven category award winners announced at the Public Trust Hall in Wellington.
“We strive to break through the status quo of the shearing industry,” owner Sarah Higgins said.
Higgins said that her inspiration comes from passion for the job.
“When I left school, having worked as a woolhandler in the sheds, I had developed a real passion for wool,” she said.
She said that since she’d started shearing full time, it had become her passion.
“I love to see others excel in what is essentially a professional sport,” she said.
She added that it was the company’s passion and commitment that endeared them to farmers.
“Farmers love our passion for the work we do and the commitment we put in to doing the best we can for their wool in such a professional manner,” she said.
RWNZ national president Fiona Gower said Higgins was a fantastic role model for women in the industry.
“Sarah’s passion for her work, together with her support for her community, and the shearing industry is outstanding,” she said.
Christina Chellew, NZI’s executive manager commercial underwriting, said that a combination of commitment, leadership and support for the rural community made Higgins “a very deserving winner.”
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…