Storm-damaged trees still causing havoc in Southland
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
SOUTHLAND FARMERS are advised to move stock to sheltered areas with snow forecast to near sea level on Sunday.
MetService is predicting a series of cold fronts will cross the South Island at the weekend, with snow likely to affect higher roads and passes tomorrow, and heavy falls likely on Sunday, in particular on the Milford Road and in the Catlins areas.
MetService says the snow will be accompanied by strong to gale force south to south-west winds and this will add to the bitterly cold temperatures.
Emergency Management Southland's Craig Sinclair says they will be monitoring the situation over the weekend.
"There's possibly going to be a lot of snow so people may want to think about whether they need to travel or not, particularly on Sunday," he says.
Meanwhile Southland's rivers are reacting quickly to rainfall, due to already saturated soils. Environment Southland activated its flood warning status on Wednesday morning (21/5), which monitors rivers and rainfall throughout Southland.
After recent rainfall many river levels have been higher than usual during the past day.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.