Woolworks scour reopens after $50m rebuild
The world’s largest wool processing facility, badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle over one year ago, has re-opened following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty has announced further appointments to the Government Inquiry into the response to the 2023 North Island severe weather events.
Sir Jerry Mateparae, who was announced as chair of the inquiry two weeks ago, will be joined on the Inquiry by:
The Panel will be appointed for the duration of the Government Inquiry, which is due to be completed in March 2024.
“There are always lessons that come from responses to severe weather events. We began an inquiry to ensure New Zealand’s emergency management system is properly set up so that we’re ready for and can respond to future emergency events,” McAnulty says.
He says the members of the inquiry, announced today, have broad knowledge and experience from a wide range of relevant areas.
“The Inquiry will look at how prepared local and central governments were to be able to respond to the severe weather events.
“The Government has committed $6.8 million to meet the costs of the Inquiry. It is important it’s done right and has the resources it needs,” he adds.
“Many agencies involved in the severe weather response are undertaking their own reviews, which will be more specific. The Government Inquiry will not seek to duplicate this work and will be informed by the findings of those reviews when making recommendations.
“I’d like to welcome the members of the Inquiry and thank them for being a part of this work. The weather events have been extremely tough on communities and it’s important we learn lessons and keep improving.”
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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