MPI Boss Says H5N1 Will Inevitably Reach New Zealand
Don’t worry about it but just be aware - that’s the message from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director-general Ray Smith as the H5N1 strain of bird flu is found in Australia.
OPINION: With media putting so much effort into covering the issue of children not really liking the school lunch they never asked for in the first place, it's understandable they've paid little if any attention to the looming threat to the NZ economy - bird flu.
Since 2022, bird flu outbreaks have affected over 166 million birds in the US, making eggs more valuable than gold and crossing over to dairy cattle.
While the H5N1 strain has not yet infected humans, concerns remain.
The US has its 'best' people on it: US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. thinks farmers should "let it run through the flock" to identify birds with natural immunity.
Actual expert and a former state veterinarian Dr Gail Hansen says this is "a really terrible idea" that would give the virus "5 million chances" to mutate into a more dangerous form.
New import standards could put New Zealand’s blueberry industry and the wider horticulture industry at risk.
The Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) Project has been named a finalist in the Technology & Innovation Project Award at the Primary Industries New Zealand (PINZ) Awards.
Amber Davy has won the 2026 Canterbury Young Grower regional title.
Carey Pawson-Edwards, a South Canterbury stock manager, has been named the winner of the 2026 Rabobank Management Project Award.
Nominations are now open for two directorships on the Ravensdown Board and will close at 5pm, Friday 24 July 2026.
AMINZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have partnered to develop a new Farm Debt Mediation video series aimed at farmers, creditors, and advisors.

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