Ravensdown Named Naming Rights Sponsor of A&P Show
Farmer owned co-operative Ravensdown has signed a two-year naming rights sponsorship of the Canterbury A&P Show.
Rural trader Ruralco has appointed former Speaker and Banks Peninsula farmer Sir David Carter as its new chair.
Carter replaces Jessie Chan who stepped down from the board last month.
He joined the Ruralco board in 2020. Prior to this, he competed a successful 26 year parliamentary career which saw him chair numerous select committees as a Member of Parliament before becoming a Senior Cabinet Minister from 2008 until 2012. This included being Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Economic Development, Forestry, and Primary Industries from 2008 to 2012 before being elected Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament at the start of 2013. In December 2000 Carter was awarded a Knighthood recognising his 26 years of public service.
He currently farms 10,000 stock unit sheep and beef breeding and fattening operations, spread over three properties on Banks Peninsula and in North Canterbury.
Carter says he is honoured to be appointed by the board to the chair role.
“I am committed to supporting our chief executive officer and executive team to continue the good work done to date by all of our people and to keep challenging ourselves to deliver value for our members."
Ruralco chief executive Rob Sharkie says Carter’s experience in both governance and farming has been valuable during his board tenure to date.
“With him now moving into the chair role we are looking forward to working together to build Ruralco into the partner of choice for rural New Zealand."
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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