RWNZ chief executive to step down
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) chief executive Gabrielle O’Brien will step down at the end of June.
IrrigationNZ has thrown its support behind the Government’s method of regional post-COVID-19 recovery through Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funded water projects.
The industry body believes the water projects that have been included in the $48 million loans from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will be a step towards boosting the economy following the impact of COVID-19.
“It is great to see the Government recognising the importance of water storage and the big role water plays in the social and economic wellbeing of our communities,” says IrrigationNZ chief executive Elizabeth Soal.
“Not only will the water projects be good for providing employment opportunities and supporting incomes during the construction phases of these projects, but also in the long term.”
Soal says having reliable access to water enhances communities’ resilience, climate change responsiveness, social outcomes, and unlocks the potential for land use flexibility.
“Investing in water projects is a sound investment for the long term economic and environmental sustainability of our country.”
Regional economic development minister Shane Jones made the PGF funding announcement this morning.
The water initiatives receiving loans totalling $48.4m are:
• Raukokore River Water Ltd, water storage project – $10.6m
• Wairarapa Water Limited, community water storage – $7m
• Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea Trust, Awanui water storage project (Far North) – $3m
• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Tukituki water storage development phase - $2.5m
• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Heretaunga Plains water storage development phase - $1.7m
Soal says all of the projects have scope to benefit both people and businesses from the urban and rural communities.
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.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.