BNZ Launches First Farm Funding Boost Scheme
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)will expand its First Farm support with a new funding boost designed to help more farmers and growers take their next step into farm ownership.
OPINION: On top of the rural banking inquiry, several as-yet-unnamed banks are facing a complaint to the Financial Markets Authority over their role in a government bond sale.
A similar case is underway in Australia as its corporate regulator ASIC investigates alleged manipulation of Aussie government debt.
Like yours truly, readers probably won’t be able to squeeze out a tear for the banks.
One farmer sent the Hound his own rules for dealing with banks: “Rule no.1 – They are not our friends. Rule no.2 – Refer to rule no.1.”
As the banks prep for the coming inquiry, they may feel it’s unwarranted.
But the evidence, anecdotal and from recent surveys, show that our friends in finance have a real perception problem with farmers that they need to address.
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…
OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…