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.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says the succession of Recovery Ministers who have resigned or left has not made his life easy.
In the middle of a crisis, gone are Meka Whaitiri, Stuart Nash and Kiri Allen. The latter Little describes as a wonderful lady who was most helpful. He says not having someone to ring for help from has made life harder for him.
"We have had good relations with Ministers but sometimes I feel the voice of Hawke's Bay gets drowned out," he says.
On the positive side, Little says Kieran McAnulty in his roles as Minister of Local Government, Emergency Management and Rural Communities has been good. He describes him as being very approachable but adds that he's a 'busy boy'.
Little says regardless of who wins the election, it will take time for any new Minister to come to grips with the issues the district is facing. He'd like the Wairoa District Council to have the authority to deal with flood protection because he believes they can get it done quickly and cost effectively.
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.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
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