M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Westpac says it is offering financial support to business customers affected by the latest COVID-19 lockdown.
The relief package features a range of possible support options, which may include:
Retail customers experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 impacts should also contact the bank, it says.
Westpac NZ acting chief executive Simon Power says anyone who’s feeling worried or uncertain about their immediate future should contact the bank.
“We really want to talk to customers who are concerned about their finances, whether it’s household savings or cashflow at their business,” Power says.
“We have a range of ways you can do your banking through lockdown without leaving your home, to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, whether it’s online or on the phone.
“Please get in touch early so we can work through your options. Together, we’ll get through this.”
Customers who have been affected by the latest lockdown should call us on 0800 738 691 to discuss their individual needs.
The effects of the big windstorm of late October will be felt in lost production in coming weeks as repair crews work through the backlog of toppled irrigation pivots, says Culverden dairy farmer Fran Gunn.
The dairy sector is hopeful of being part of a free trade deal being hammered out between New Zealand and India.
With the current situation in the European farm machinery market being described as difficult at best, it’s perhaps no surprise that the upcoming AgriSIMA 2026 agricultural machinery exhibition, scheduled for February 2026 at Paris-Nord Villepinte, has been cancelled.
The Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) has launched the first in-market activation of the refreshed Taste Pure Nature country-of-origin brand with an exclusive pop-up restaurant experience in Shanghai.
Jayna Wadsworth, daughter of the late New Zealand wicketkeeper Ken Wadsworth, has launched an auction of cricket memorabilia to raise funds for I Am Hope's youth mental health work.
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.

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