Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says making everyday farming activities permitted activities “will unlock farming’s potential”.

He says it will cut unnecessary cost and complexity, give farmers the confidence to get on with farming and help grow the export-led economy.

"Top of Our Priority List"

Hurst says the policy sat at the top of the federation’s priority list for the incoming Government.

“We think it has the most potential to help transform our primary sector,” he says.

Federated Farmers released Backing Kiwi Farmers, a five-point plan to double farm productivity, cut costs and improve the environment, in June. It asked for 10 national standards.

“National have gone even further, announcing 19,” Hurst says.

What Is A Permitted Activity Standard?

Hurst says permitted activity standards are not a licence to do whatever a farmer wants. They set a clear benchmark farmers must meet to protect the environment.

“If those standards are met and you’re farming within the guardrails, you can just get on with the job,” he says. That means avoiding the cost, complexity, uncertainty and delays of resource consenting.

The Full List

Federated Farmers’ proposed standards were:

• Farm plans
• Vegetable growing
• On-farm water storage
• Gravel extraction
• Drain maintenance
• Effluent management
• Fertiliser application
• Farm quarries
• Wetland restoration
• Small and medium-scale solar

National has added:

• Micro-hydro
• Irrigation
• Energy storage
• Small-scale seasonal worker accommodation
• Farm tracks
• Agricultural aviation
• Culverts
• Offal holes
• Managing contaminated soils

The 19 standards build on work already done to reform the resource management system.

Exports and the Cost of Living

Hurst says the plan will help pave the way for farmers to double the value of agricultural exports to $106 billion by 2034.

He says it will also help families struggling with the cost of living. Barriers to farm production and the costs they create ultimately flow through to supermarket prices, he says, especially for fresh fruit and vegetables.

“This isn’t just a plan for farming; it’s a plan to grow the economy, grow our exports, and help New Zealanders get ahead,” Hurst says.

"Get Out of the Way"

Hurst says Federated Farmers has told the Government that if it wants to grow the economy, it should “get out of the way and let farmers get on with it”. He says farmers want to innovate, invest and increase production to drive export growth and lift living standards.

“With these standards replacing the need for consents, farmers can spend more time and money on growing their businesses and less on unnecessary bureaucracy,” he says.

The farms span New Zealand’s hill country and a wide range of farming systems and conditions:

• Mahipatua, Pouto Tōpū A Trust, Northland
• Onuku, Onuku Maori Lands Trust, Bay of Plenty
• Rotomate, King Country
• Te Hue, Waipuna Farms, Whanganui
• Panekiri, a Pāmu farm, Hawke’s Bay
• Longrange, Horizon Farming, Hawke’s Bay
• Muller Station, Marlborough
• Mt White Station, Canterbury
• Lochindorb, Otago

A selection panel chose them from a national long list using common criteria. Their role is to use the technology in normal commercial conditions, test practical farm system changes and share what they learn with farmers and the wider sector.

From Set-Up to On-Farm Delivery

The confirmation marks LIFT’s move from establishment to delivery. Farms have been onboarded, virtual fencing deployment is under way, and farm teams and consultants are working out where the technology may add value in each system.

The programme has begun collaring and training cattle and building production, financial and environmental baselines, including FARMAX and Overseer models for each farm.

Pāmu Chief Executive Mark Leslie says the value will come from the range of farms and their willingness to openly test and share what does and does not work.

“Virtual fencing creates new opportunities to improve profitability and environmental performance, but the technology on its own is not the answer,” he says. “What matters is how farmers use it to change grazing, stock management and the wider farm system.”

Participating farmers have started meeting as a national group, and conversations have already widened to pasture management, labour, animal performance, water infrastructure and environmental benefits.

Programme Lead Charlie McCaig says this is an important early sign.

Farm Spotlight: Lochindorb, Otago

Lochindorb is a third-generation family business run by Lyndon and Jade McNab. The 2,500-hectare property includes flats and hard hill country and carries sheep and beef. The farm is exploring whether more flexible grazing control can improve pasture quality and feed grown in harder-to-reach areas while protecting sensitive parts of the property. It is also interested in creep grazing, better youngstock growth and less time moving and managing cattle.

“The opportunity is not simply replacing a fence,” Lyndon McNab says. “It is being able to manage grazing more deliberately, make better use of the feed we grow and protect areas that matter to us.”

How the Programme Works

LIFT was launched in June as a five-year, $8.5 million programme led by Pāmu. The Ministry for Primary Industries is investing $3.5 million through the Primary Sector Growth Fund, as part of its Land Use Flexibility funding package, alongside partner support.

Each farm works with an independent consultant to update models, test system changes and track performance. The programme will assess production, financial, environmental and practical outcomes. It will also run field days and publish farmer stories, practical guidance and annual evidence reports. Farms stay commercial businesses and keep control of their decisions.

“We are not setting out to prove that one system will work everywhere,” McCaig says. “That means sharing the difficult lessons as well as the positive ones.”

Consultation opened today and closes on 9 December 2026.

NAWAC has reviewed the existing Code and is proposing new minimum standards and recommendations for best practice.

NAWAC chair Dr Matthew Stone says the draft changes aim to improve the welfare of cattle and horses used in rodeos across New Zealand.

What Is Being Proposed?

Extensive updates are being recommended to minimum standards for:

• steer wrestling
• roping and tying
• selecting and handling animals
• facilities and equipment
• stockmanship

New minimum standards are proposed for: 

• breakaway roping
• training of rodeo animals, and animals used to train rodeo participants
• contingency planning

The Main Proposed Change

The main proposed change is that cattle used in rope and tie and steer wrestling events must stay standing after being brought to a stop, instead of ending up on the ground.

NAWAC says the way these events are practised increases the risk of injury and distress to cattle and could breach the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

Stone says the draft standards would significantly change how the events are carried out, and that, if adopted, organisers might choose to withdraw some events from rodeos.

NAWAC is also recommending that the definition of a rodeo be changed to include events closed to the public. Those jackpot events would also require a vet in attendance.

Why Consultation Matters

Stone says public consultation is important to help shape how the events can be modified to meet the purposes of the Act. NAWAC’s approach has been to identify potential welfare risks in each event and describe what it believes needs to change.

NAWAC wants views from people directly involved in rodeos and others affected by the changes, and is also encouraging feedback from animal advocates and members of the public.

The rodeo season runs from this month through to March.

In the most recent season, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) animal welfare inspectors attended almost 30 rodeo events.

NAWAC is an independent body that advises the Government on animal welfare issues.

The Code of Welfare for Rodeos was last reviewed in 2014.

How to Have Your Say

Read the draft Code and find details on how to make a submission on MPI’s website: mpi.govt.nz/review-of-the-code-of-welfare-for-rodeo-animals. Submissions close on 9 December 2026.

The Whole Story Savory Hub is part of a New Zealand project supported by the Regenerative Fund for Nature and the Savory Institute. It aims to accelerate the move to regenerative grazing practices across sheep farms in Otago and Canterbury.

The project aims to support the regeneration of 50,000 hectares, using holistic management practices to improve soil health, biodiversity, water function and climate resilience.

Grazing livestock has long shaped New Zealand’s agricultural identity. But decades of pressure on landscapes have highlighted the need for farming systems that produce food and fibre while actively restoring the ecosystems they rely on.

Measuring Change with EOV

A key part of the project is Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV), a science-based monitoring framework that measures changes in ecosystem health, including soil function, biodiversity and landscape resilience.

Data gathered through EOV will help farmers understand the impact of their management decisions. It will also create a pathway for verified regenerative wool to reach premium global markets through Land to Market, a supply chain initiative linking ecological outcomes with commercial opportunities.

A Conversation About Land, Animals and Profit

Becks Smith, Hub Leader at The Whole Story, says the opportunity goes beyond environmental outcomes.

“Regenerating our high country through holistic management grazing principles creates a conversation between land health, animal health, farmer wellbeing, and long-term profitability,” she says. “By supporting farmers to look deeply at their ecosystems, measure improvement and connect with new markets, we can help create systems where healthy landscapes and thriving communities reinforce each other.”

About the Regenerative Fund for Nature

The Fund was established in 2021 by Conservation International and Kering, and has since grown to include additional fashion industry partners.

Conservation International manages the Fund, working with partners to select and oversee regenerative agriculture projects worldwide.

It supports practices that regenerate ecosystems, empower communities, strengthen economies and help address climate challenges.

How to Join

The project is seeking its final few South Island sheep farmers to join the current cohort. Register an expression of interest at thewholestory.co.nz/soiltowool or email becks@thewholestory.co.nz.

The Whole Story Savory Hub will continue working with farmers, industry partners and global networks to grow awareness, capability and market opportunities for regenerative agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of injury on New Zealand farms, with unsuitable or worn-out footwear a major contributing factor.

The #BootsOfShame Competition

To get farmers thinking about the state of their boots, Safer Farms is offering the chance to win a pair of boots worth $729.

Safer Farms Ambassador Lindy Nelson says farmers with old boots sagging around the ankles, or gumboots running low on tread, are encouraged to send in a photo.

“The right footwear is a simple but important line of defence,” she says. “We cannot prevent every injury, but we can make sure our footwear is up to the job.”

How to enter: photograph your battered boots and either share the photo on social media with #BootsofShame or upload it through the online entry form at saferfarms.org.nz.

Prizes: each week, entrants go into a draw for one of four $200 Prezzy Cards. All entries are in the running for a pair of Gronell Everest Tibet boots worth $729. The competition runs for five weeks from 12 October.

$50 Off Boots at PGG Wrightson

Safer Farms has partnered with PGG Wrightson to offer $50 off eligible boots or gumboots priced at $149 or more.

The offer is available in store and online until 31 October.

To get a discount code, head to saferfarms.org.nz/slips-trips.

One Farmer's Story

Canterbury arable farmer David Birkett was preparing to move irrigation equipment and wore standard gumboots because he was working with water. In a hurry, he stepped onto the tractor’s front wheel instead of using the steps, then jumped from the cab. He landed on uneven ground, rolled his ankle and chipped a bone.

The gumboots suited the irrigation work but did not give the ankle support needed on rough ground. He was off work for three weeks, followed by three weeks of rehabilitation with limited tasks. Finding someone with the right skills to cover his work was extremely difficult.

What the Numbers Show

• More than half of farm slip and trip incidents happen while people are interacting with livestock, most often in paddocks, sheds and yards.
• Running, rushing or taking shortcuts, time pressure, and poor plant or equipment design each feature in 60% of incidents.
• Surface contamination and inappropriate or worn footwear each contribute to 50%.
• Nearly half involve workers juggling another visual task, such as watching stock while moving, and 48% involve poor hazard assessment.
• Almost half of injured workers keep working, risking a slower recovery while pain and fatigue reduce agility and decision-making

Hazards can be hard to spot or easy to underestimate, from manure on shed floors and divots in paddocks to familiar steps and vehicle access points.

Choosing the Right Farm Footwear

Not all farm footwear is equal. The right pair depends on the task, terrain and weather. Check:

• Grip and tread: look for channels running in different directions, not just straight lines. Clean out mud regularly, as clogged tread reduces grip.
• Ankle support: essential on hill country, uneven paddocks and races.
• Toe protection: important wherever livestock or machinery could knock, stand on or crush a foot.
• Fit and comfort: well-fitting, supportive footwear can reduce fatigue on long days.
• Weather: cold can harden soles and reduce grip, and wet or smooth surfaces may be more slippery than they appear.

For a task-by-task guide, visit saferfarms.org.nz

A $3.07 million, one-year feasibility project will assess whether the Pouarua Water Storage Scheme and its piped distribution network stack up, and how they could be funded. The project is led by the Wi Pere Trust in partnership with Trust Tairāwhiti, the local economic development agency.

The Government is contributing $1.19 million, including the first investment from the Primary Sector Growth Fund in water storage.

The project will: 

• carry out design work
• pin down costs
• develop revenue and ownership models
• prepare the ground for consenting

Potential Benefits

Preliminary economic analysis estimates the scheme could add $246 million a year in farm and orchard gate returns and create 1,926 new full-time jobs. These are preliminary estimates, and the feasibility study will test whether the scheme is viable.

“Reliable water means farmers and growers can plan ahead,” McClay says. “On the flats that means higher value crops, better pasture and more options for farmers.”

He says the scheme would bring more growth to the region, new post-harvest jobs, and farms and orchards that continue to produce during dry summers.

New Zealand captures and uses only about two per cent of its annual rainfall, according to the release. Storing water when there is plenty and using it when it is dry takes pressure off rivers and aquifers, and is good for water quality, the Government says.

A Community-Led Project

McClay says the Wi Pere Trust is carrying on the legacy of Wi Pere, who spent his years pushing for regional development and better opportunities for his people. He also recognised East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, who has been a strong supporter of the project and has pushed for the jobs and economic development irrigation could bring to the region.

“This Government wants farmers, growers and rural communities to have water they can rely on,” McClay says.

Farmers have become more frustrated with black spots and poor reception since the 3G network was switched off in March, the organisation said.

Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Mark Hooper said last year’s Rural Connectivity Survey found service levels were already hit and miss.

This year’s survey, of nearly 650 farmers, painted a bleaker picture, he said. It was carried out in late August and early September.

Half of farms now have mobile coverage on less than half of the property, the survey found.

A third of farmers have a place on their farm that worked on 3G but no longer does, and for most the gaps are not confined to one part of the farm.

Emergency Access and Safety Concerns

Nearly two in three farmers said they cannot rely on reaching 111 from most of their farm, and 8% said connecting to emergency services was not possible anywhere on the property.

More than 40 farmers said there was nowhere on their property where they could reliably reach 111.

Hooper said patchy coverage creates obvious risks in an accident or emergency, especially for people working alone.

One farmer said they had failed a WorkSafe audit because poor coverage meant they could not check on staff every two hours.

Hooper noted that telcos have an agreement to redistribute a failed 111 call across whichever networks reach that spot, but said it cannot create coverage where none exists.

Financial Cost of the 3G Shutdown

One in seven farms had to replace equipment that relied on the 3G network, including irrigation and pivot controls, cow collars and other farm systems. Some spent many thousands of dollars, and the vast majority replaced gear that was still working, the survey found.

Two in three farmers paid for workarounds such as satellite broadband.

Only 15% of farmers regard satellite-to-mobile as an adequate substitute for a cell tower.

Providers Not Fixing Reported Problems

Of 126 farms that reported coverage and reliability problems, just two had the problem resolved.

Hooper said farmers reported that raising problems with providers often did not result in a fix, with some providers effectively denying there was an issue.

That’s very frustrating and indicates their concerns aren’t being taken seriously,” he said.

He said earlier assurances that most areas previously covered by 3G now have 4G and 5G had “proved hollow”.

Federated Farmers Meets Telcos

Hooper said Federated Farmers is holding urgent meetings with telcos to understand what scope exists within existing infrastructure or planned investment to improve the situation.

He said the organisation has some sympathy for the argument that heavy investment in “old technology”, such as new towers, may not be the best use of resources when satellite calling is on the way.

It is also interested in what fine-tuning of existing infrastructure might be possible now.

“At the very least, surely we can get more farmers hooked back up to the service standards they had with 3G,” he said.

Roads and Highways

Four in five farmers know a stretch of their regular roads where mobile service fails, and only 4% said they do not experience drop-outs on their journeys.

Eight times as many farmers said highway coverage had worsened over the past year as said it had improved.

The company said country music and culture are reaching a new generation of New Zealand fans. Two dedicated country music radio stations launched in New Zealand in 2025, and major international artists have played to large Kiwi crowds.

HelloFresh pointed to the local scene as well. The 2025 NZ Gold Guitar Awards attracted a record 829 entries, with organisers reporting particularly strong growth among teenage entrants. Tussock Country recorded a 26% year-on-year increase in attendances in 2025.

What is in the Country Cookout Box?

The menu features Southern-inspired recipes described by HelloFresh as smoky, sticky and satisfying:

• Tex-Mex Pulled Pork & Rodeo Rice Bowl, with creamy corn slaw and Cheddar
• Glazed Louisiana Chicken & Creamy Potato Salad, with pear-celery slaw
• Ranch-Style Texan Beef Loaded Fries, with avo salad, charred onion and smokey aioli
• Smokehouse Southern-Spiced Chicken, with creamy parsnip-potato salad and corn slaw
• Double Chocolate Brownies

HelloFresh On The Menu

Hannah Gilbert, head of culinary at HelloFresh New Zealand, said the company wanted to offer something different at dinnertime.

“We wanted Country Cookout to give Kiwis something a little different at dinnertime – big, bold flavours that are fun to eat but still easy to pull together,” she said.

She said the recipes draw on flavours associated with Southern-style cooking and are designed to be simple to make at home.

“It’s an easy way to shake up the usual midweek dinner without adding more work to the evening,” she said.

The Country Cookout Box is available to order until 3 November 2026 through hellofresh.co.nz.

Ballance chief executive Kelvin Wickham says the co-operative supports National’s policy and its recognition that reliable access to fertiliser and water is critical to on-farm productivity and to the New Zealand economy.

“Primary production is, more than ever, the engine of our economy, and fertiliser security is food and economic security for New Zealand,” Wickham says.

National’s policy, announced this morning, comes after significant disruptions to shipping routes, global fertiliser prices and availability amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Associate agriculture spokesperson Mike Butterick said without reliable access, the farm sector would not be able to sustain its current production base.

“New Zealand plans for fuel security and energy security. National believes we should also plan for fertiliser security to protect New Zealand’s productive economy,” he said.

The party would also, if elected, create a $10m fund to partner with domestic fertiliser manufacturers to support pathways for long-term domestic nitrogen production and the transition from natural gas to electrification.

“National will prioritise reducing reliance on imports and improve certainty of availability for our farmers,” says Butterick.

Wickham agrees that the conflict in the Middle East has shown the importance of planning for soil nutrients the way the country plans for fuel, and secure, well-managed supply supports both productive farms and the New Zealand economy. “We welcome the focus on working directly with supplier countries to keep fertiliser flowing when markets are disrupted.”

Wickham is urging bipartisan support for this policy direction so that farmers and investors have confidence it will stand the test of time.

“Ballance will continue working with all parties, before and after the election, to help ensure a secure and resilient nutrient supply chain,” he says.

But in the early 1990s, stock horses on farms began to disappear due to a growing preference for quad bikes and later side-by-sides or UTVs. Suckling knew he had to change the direction of his business.

Seeing potential in the quad market, in 1991 Suckling launched his first product, a cab for quads called Quad Pod.

Over the coming years, as UTVs began replacing quad bikes, Suckling ventured into cab kits and accessories like windscreens and launched a new business, Ag-Tech Industries in Dargaville.

Soon, UTV cab kits were in hot demand, and the saddle business ceased.

The biggest breakthrough came in 2012 when the world’s first flexible crush protection device (CPD) for quads was launched - the ATV LifeGuard.

The LifeGuard began winning innovation and health and safety awards and by 2014 over 1000 had sold, including a first shipment to Australia.

Innovation continued to play a key role in the company’s development and by 2019 a new flexible crush protection device made from plastic, the QuadGuard, was launched.

Today the business, under the name Trax Equipment, makes windscreens, roof kits, doors, stock crates, mudflap kits and CPDs.

Vernon Suckling has retired and his son Kerry and son-in-law Kingsley now manage the business, which carries the reputation of making farm work easier and safer for side-by-side and ATV users.

Kerry told Rural News that problem-solving is what built the Trax reputation from day one.

“It hasn’t stopped since. Honda, Yamaha, Polaris, CF Moto – every model that’s landed on our shores has brought a new design challenge.

“Trax has met every one of them. If your quad or UTV is doing real work on the farm, there’s a solid chance something on it carries the Trax name.”

However, Kerry says the part of the range that matters most doesn’t get talked about enough. Quad bike rollovers are still one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on New Zealand farms. Not a statistic – a reality that too many rural families know firsthand, he adds.

Trax’s award-winning Lifeguard crush protection device, and its next-generation QuadGuard, exist for exactly that reason.

Kerry says they aren’t accessories and could be the difference between life and death for quad bike riders involved in a rollover.

When the NZ Government decided to reintroduce roll bars due to the number of deaths, Kerry recalls a person coming up to his dad and suggesting the concept of “a Roman arch could be incorporated into a roll bar somehow”.

“This got dad thinking and he made many prototypes out of wooden blocks before launching one at Mystery Creek which won an award.

“That got dad a lot of attention all around.”

The CPDs are now sold worldwide. While Australia and New Zealand are the main markets, the UK is also embracing CPDs made in New Zealand. Lifeguard CPDs have also been sent to Antarctica to be fitted on ATVs used there.

Kerry believes his dad’s innovation has been a game changer for farm safety.

“We’ve had many numerous reports of how it’s [prevented] injury or death.”

CPDs are not mandatory but WorkSafe and ACC strongly encourage farmers to have their ATVs fitted with one.

So, what’s Kerry’s message to quad bike users?

“It is their call at the end of the day, but too many ATV riders are killed or seriously injured in rollovers and the stats speak for themselves, CPDs and helmets are a crucial part of preventing this.

“It’s like a seatbelt in a car: it minimises your chances of injury or worse if there’s a mishap.”

For a limited time, farmers can access a 20% discount code for CPDs from Trax Equipment and Safer Farms thanks to the Safer Rides programme - saving up to $395 on selected models. To apply for your discount visit www.saferfarms.org.nz/safer-rides-2026

Alliance Co-operative Chair Mark Wynne said the planned distribution would include two payments to eligible farmer-shareholders: a dividend for shareholding and a supply rebate for eligible livestock supply. Of the total, 45% will be paid as a dividend and 55% as a supply-based rebate.

The dividend and rebate are expected to be distributed to farmers in late 2026.

Further Distribution Planned

A further distribution of up to $20 million is planned for next year, subject to livestock flows. Seventy-five per cent is expected to be paid as a rebate and 25% retained as earnings.

"This planned distribution reflects the commitment to returning value to farmer-shareholders while continuing to strengthen the business," Wynne said.

"Reset-and-Growth Phase"

Alliance Chief Executive Niall Browne said the company is making good progress.

"Ten months on since the transaction with Dawn Meats, Alliance is changing for the better," he said. "After a tough few years, the business is moving into a reset-and-growth phase, built on disciplined improvements across the areas that will drive future shareholder value."

Browne said Alliance is maintaining its market share across lamb, mutton, beef and venison, with potential for growth. He said the company's financial performance continues to improve, and its focus is on turning that progress into stronger, more consistent returns.

"That means doing the basics better every day," Browne said.

He said Alliance is investing in plant upgrades to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, environmental performance and product quality. It is also streamlining livestock procurement, staying closer to customers and making faster decisions closer to its plants and regions.

"We are delivering against what we promised," he said.

What Shareholders Need To Do

Farmer-shareholders are being encouraged to check their livestock supply numbers in the Alliance farmer portal.

Alliance has not set out the detailed criteria for eligibility in the announcement.

With those in the primary sector facing uncertainty - geopolitical events, looming El Niño and a general election around the corner - what assurances of support can you give the farming community?

NZ First

There can be absolute assurance that New Zealand First will continue to prioritise the primary sector within the next government. We have a strong policy focus on regional New Zealand and understand implicitly that 82% of New Zealand's merchandise exports are derived from the efforts of our farmers, growers, fishers and foresters. Sectors that are not only vital for underpinning thriving rural communities but fundamental to the overall economic performance of New Zealand as a whole.

We have a proven track record of standing up for maligned and neglected industries like mining, fishing, aquaculture, forestry and wool and will continue to promote policies that prioritise their future.

Our track record in using our political leverage in coalition negotiations is to secure funding for regional infrastructure, previously via the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) and during this term of government, the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF). We have secured funding for key regional infrastructure like flood protection, water storage and irrigation projects and port upgrades.

We believe the regions earning the money should get a fair share back from Wellington. Regional development will continue to be a huge focus for us and policies like returning half of mining royalties to to the regions they are extracted from will further advantage rural New Zealand.

Labour

Just like the cost-of-living crisis, our farmers are having a cost-of-farming crisis. Rising costs, energy insecurity, biosecurity risks and extreme weather are all putting pressure on farming businesses and our rural communities.

Government has a role to play in easing those pressures. We are focused on practical policies that give the rural sector the confidence and certainty they need to remain profitable, build resilient businesses, and plan for the future. Our Small Business Action Plan is an example of this. Small business owners will get paid sooner, get more support to invest in the equipment they need, and keep more of what they earn.

National

Our track record and farm profitability is the best assurance we can offer.

When we came into government, farmers were facing a price on livestock emissions, a ute tax and a pile of new rules from Wellington. We scrapped the ute tax in our first weeks. We scrapped He Waka Eke Noa and took agriculture out of the ETS. And we started cutting back the red tape.

Farmers noticed. In late 2023, rural confidence in the Federated Farmers survey was at an all-time low of negative 66%. Within two years it had rebounded to plus 37%, one of the biggest turnarounds, because farmers were allowed to farm again. We declared Labour's war on farmers over, and we've celebrated your success. Farmers are now more confident about profitability than at my time since records began.

The sector has responded. Food and fibre exports are forecast to hit a record $64.3 billion this year. Across the whole economy, exports are up around $20 billion since we took office. One in every seven New Zealanders works in the primary sector, and our goal is to double export value in ten years.

Trade is a big part of that. We've concluded deals with the UAE and the six Gulf states. Our free trade agreement with India comes into force on 20 October. It removes or cuts tariffs on 95% of what we sell there and opens up a market of 1.4 billion people. Exports to the EU have risen $3 billion.

Today we have more market access than we can supply. That's a good problem to have, but we need to fix it. In our next term, our land use flexibility policy will make it easier for farmers to change how they use their land, so they can produce more while still meeting our sensible environmental and climate obligations.

Strong national numbers don't make life easy on every farm. Conflict in the Middle East is pushing up fuel and fertiliser prices.

El Niño could bring a dry summer. Farmers carry that risk every day, and we know it.

So we'll keep backing you when it gets tough. That means the Rural Support Trusts, Farmstrong and the Rural Wellbeing Fund. It means simpler rules and consents for on-farm water storage. It means $40.5 million over four years for catchment groups, because locals usually know what works best in their own patch.

And it means certainty. We've replaced the RMA. For the first time, food and fibre production is now written into the new Natural Environment Act as a goal.

We'll also soon announce new policy on water storage and irrigation. It will boost rural production and give the world's best farmers the certainty to invest.

Opportunity

We believe there are two things farmers - and indeed all New Zealanders - need from the government in these increasingly uncertain times. Political stability and investment in innovation.

Returning stability to politics is central to Opportunity's platform this election. That's why we have called for a 30-year infrastructure strategy with the buildout of our roads, bridges, power plants and other critical infrastructure led by the Infrastructure Commission, not politicians. It's also why we will convene cross-party plans for health, education and energy - so the system settings for these services stop changing each election cycle. Underpinning our commitment to stability is our Citizen's Voice policy, which will mainstream the use of Citizen's Assemblies in central and local government to ensure that decisions are real, lasting and informed by the communities those decisions affect.

Innovation is how we meet the challenges coming at us, because there are no problems that farmers and Kiwi innovators cannot solve, if given the proper support to get on and solve them. Our Breakthrough Economy policy includes a generational uplift in our research and development spending, with a focus on funding our regional polytechnics, agricultural scientists and technology incubator programmes properly. We will also back small businesses, like farms, to step-up their technology rollout through a 25% tax credit on new investments, and make financial and accounting support services for small businesses more widespread.

That was the message from Meat Industry Association chair Nathan Guy in his opening address at last week's Red Meat Sector Conference in Wellington.

He told the 300 delegates that many good things are happening in the sector and pointed to the investment taking place in the sector - notably the Irish meat processing giant Dawn Meats taking a 65% shareholding in Alliance and ANZCO taking over the successful Greenlea Meats.

The theme of the conference was 'managing volatility', appropriate given the myriad of geopolitical events impacting the red meat sector at present. But Guy insists that the industry is nimble and agile.

"We have always faced headwinds, but it just so happens they are blowing pretty hard in our face at the moment," he told Rural News.

"We are worried about the US investigation to ours and Australian lamb exports there and claims that these are 'injuring' American lamb producers," he says.

The sheep flock in the US is a mere five million, and Guy says NZ does not believe that its exports to the US are impacting negatively on their sheep producers. Rather he says our lamb goes into their market at a time when American lamb is not on supermarket shelves and there is a strong argument that having lamb on shelves for 12 months of the year is beneficial to all parties.

He says other challenges are the high cost of diesel and rising freight costs, which are impacting on profitability right across the sector. Another problem is the proliferation of non-tariff trade barriers - or specific rules that countries we export to impose on us to protect their own producers.

"These are costing us $1.5 billion a year and we are working closely with MPI and MFAT to eliminate these," he says.

Despite the volatility, there are many positives emerging. The conference heard from a variety of experts in market intelligence and international trade, including Simon Quilty and Brett Stuart from Global Agritrends who pointed to a positive outlook for beef exports to the US.

Making a video appearance at the conference was the former CEO of Air New Zealand, Greg Foran, who now heads up Kroger - a large US company which runs supermarkets, manufacturing facilities and other retail outlets.

One unexpected insight from him was the fact that about 12% of Americans are now on weight loss drugs - a trend likely to continue. This has positive implications for NZ because people need high-quality protein which our beef offers.

Guy says NZ can meet this need immediately, although he says our processing companies may need to reduce the size of the portions of the meat they supply.

Immediately after the conference, Guy in his capacity as NZ's special trade envoy left for India, taking a delegation of representatives from the primary sector to progress the benefits of the recent India FTA that comes into force later this month. While he'll be supporting the apple and pear, kiwifruit and honey sectors, he also plans to attend a wool and textile expo and take part in a lamb promotion.

"The timing of this trip is perfect because there's a lot at stake and a need to build the relationship with India," he says.

Participants at the recent Arable Sector Forum were actively following up on the five big headings to consider how they could best be addressed.

As a research, development and extension organisation, FAR's work would continue to bring a sharp a focus as possible on the things that make a difference to the growing of crops, "whether that's about improving profitability or reducing costs or whatever it might be".

Champion said FAR was looking more closely at connecting arable to other sectors, primarily dairy and sheep and beef.

He noted that 75% of wheat and barley go into animal feeds rather than human consumption, and probably 90% of arable farms would carry livestock in some form.

"So how do we think about connecting better into dairy, identifying and then providing the opportunities around using New Zealand grains for supplementary feeding in those pasture-based systems?

"These are some of the things that we're turning our attention to."

However, there were some barriers to replacing imported feeds with local grains, such as their nutritional profiles versus animal nutrition needs, and greenhouse gas impacts.

"We've released some life cycle analysis data recently which is the first New Zealand generated data across maize grain, maize silage, feed wheat and feed barley.

"We now recognise that there are dairy farmers who are interested in it and there are small incentives that are available at the moment for lowering emissions."

While PKE was the most common imported feed, there were others such as dried distillers' grain and soy.

"The reality is we won't be able to substitute all of that. The volumes are more than we produce here in New Zealand."

Champion has been in the role as FAR CEO since July last year, following several years with Beef+Lamb NZ and in a private consultancy.

He said the organisation recently released a new five year strategy focusing on four key goals, with strong connection to growers and collaboration at the heart of FAR's approach.

One goal area was building an understanding of arable and "getting a bit more visibility" on what arable does, said Champion.

Arable had a strategic role in underpinning the sheep and beef and dairy sectors, both through the provision of grazing land in mixed farm systems - which was becoming more important in key areas like Canterbury - and in the supply of the pastoral and forage seeds that drive those big export industries.

He says this needs to be fixed because it's inhibiting development in these areas.

He cites a report by the combined Chambers of Commerce of the South Island which points out the funding for infrastructure across the country is wrong because it prioritises population growth over economic growth.

Patterson says, for example, the South Island is only getting 11% of the national roading funding. Yet, he says, there are rural roads in the South Island that need resealing and bridges that need repairing.

"We have got to be wary that some of the big mega projects don't suck out the potential to maintain our rural infrastructure, because it is under a lot of pressure to severe weather-related events. If you look at really productive areas like Tairawhiti, they face huge challenges at times getting their product to market," he says.

Patterson says lack of infrastructure is hindering economic development in areas with known huge potential.

Another issue that is inhibiting growth in some rural areas is a lack of quality internet access. He says the telcos keep saying everything is right, but Patterson says that's not the feedback he's receiving. He says the rollout of broadband has reached 87%, but asks, what about the remaining 13%?

"We can't have digital poverty in NZ and a lot more work needs to be done. Lack of quality broadband is not only affecting farmers to run their businesses properly, but it's making some people think twice about working in some remote places. There's a perception in Wellington that the job is done - well it isn't," he says.

Finally, Patterson says in all his interactions with rural communities, the issue of most concern is that of health.

He says health services are under pressure in multiple places and are just being held together by very dedicated and hardworking professionals on the frontline.

He says Labour's decision to restructure the health service in the middle of the Covid pandemic was madness. 

He says a number of moves are underway to improve the situation.

"Often some of the problems could be fixed with the addition of a few thousand dollars. And this could result in a more comprehensive service," he says.

Patterson says there is a need to fortify rural health services to take the pressure off base hospitals.

Sheepmeat exports were worth $309m, 20% more than in August last year.

China increased 46% to $71m, while the United Kingdom rose 118% to $54m and became the third-largest sheepmeat market by value for the month.

Beef exports increased 26% in value to $403m. The US remained the leading market at $155m, up 30% while China rose 12% to $79m and Canada increased 55% to $18m. Fifth-quarter exports were worth $156m, an increase of 13%.

Meat Industry Association chief executive Nick Beeby said the result underlined the value the sector continues to generate for New Zealand.

"A 23% lift in export value is a strong result. Export volumes have also increased compared with August last year, but the more significant movement is in value, reflecting improved returns from international markets.

“The breadth of the result is encouraging, with export values higher across all major markets and gains for both sheepmeat and beef in China.”

However, Beeby says one month’s data should be viewed in context, given the global volatility and costof- living pressures that may push some consumers towards lower-value proteins.

The August result builds on the returns for the 2025/26 financial year (year ending 30 June), where red meat and fifth quarter exports were worth $13.1 billion. This was 21% higher than in 2024/25 and a record annual export value.

After posting a record net operating profit of $113 million for the 2026 financial year, the SOE has trimmed back its forecast 2027 net operating profit to a range of $77 million to $87m in its integrated report released last week.

In August, Pāmu reported a NOP of $113 million, up from $49 million the previous year, alongside a net profit after tax of $160 million. The Government received $25m in dividends from Pāmu for 2026, including a $10m special dividend reflecting Fonterra's special capital return to farmer shareholders.

While farms are still on track to increase production, chief executive Mark Leslie says the profit forecast revision has come down due to two factors - rising input costs and weather.

"Those additional feed, fertiliser, and fuel prices mean nearly $30 million of additional costs that the businesses are facing this year, so that's a big reason for the backing off that profit," he told Rural News.

"We haven't backed off on the production side of it, so that's being held.

"We are watching, like everybody is probably watching, two things now: one is those fuel and fertiliser feed costs, and the other, what plays out with weather conditions around El Nino.

"But if you look at a $77 million to $87 million range, if you asked me two to three years ago how that looks, it looked pretty positive."

This year's record results reflect the progress Pāmu has made in strengthening the commercial performance of its core farming business.

Strong protein prices supported the result, but they were not the whole story, says Leslie.

"An estimated 60% of the improvement came from productivity and operational performance: producing more from our land, livestock and people, managing costs carefully, and making better decisions across the portfolio," he says.

Over recent years, he says Pāmu has maintained a disciplined focus on the fundamentals of farming performance, growing more feed, improving animal performance, managing costs carefully, and ensuring resources are directed to where they create the greatest value.

Pāmu dairy farms produced 15.8m kgMS last year, 13% more than the previous year. Livestock productivity rose slightly to 22m kg liveweight.

At the same time, cost of production for conventional dairy dropped 7% to $6.99/kgMS, went up 10% for organic dairy and up 7% for livestock.

Leslie says their priority is now to lock in the gains made.

"That means continuing to lift productivity, sharpen capital allocation, manage costs and risks, and focus effort where it will have the greatest commercial impact.

"We also recognise that ongoing global volatility and forecast El Nino conditions are expected to increase costs in the coming year. We will keep investing in people, systems and stewardship where they support stronger operating performance and long-term value creation.

"There is more work ahead, but the direction is clear. When we stay focused on our core operations, make good commercial decisions and keep lifting productivity, we create value for our shareholder and, through that performance, contribute practical benefit to New Zealand agriculture."

Champion recently acted as facilitator for an Arable Sector Forum that brought together FAR, Federated Farmers, the Ministry for Primary Industries and growers, to grapple with an exodus of farmers reportedly leaving the sector in search of better returns.

Champion told Rural News that all the key inputs - fuel, fertiliser, machinery, agrichemicals - had outpaced any gains on the product side.

"Some of those are very significantly beyond our control because of tensions in the Middle East or whatever it might be.

"We can't necessarily address those in the shorter term."

However, he was encouraged by the working relationships evident at the forum. As a smaller sector, everyone knew everyone else, and no one was trying to hide from the challenges, he said.

"The fact that people have come together and getting some energy and momentum into this conversation is really positive.

"I'm really encouraged by, number one, the recognition of the issues; and number two, the desire to do something about it and the willingness to actually move and try to move reasonably quickly."

A press release following the meeting said it identified five initial priorities for action and further engagement with the sector:

• Addressing poor on-farm profitability and managing costs
• Improving market intelligence and data to support on-farm decisions
• Growing the partnership between the arable sector and the dairy and livestock sectors
• Identifying opportunities to improve transport and logistics
• Developing customer recognition of the benefits of New Zealand grown grains.

Associate Minister of Agriculture Mike Butterick, who attended the forum, says arable growers played a vital role in New Zealand's food and fibre sector and economy.

"Arable growers produce the grain, feed and seed that underpin livestock production, horticulture, food manufacturing, and pastoral farming systems across New Zealand.

"The Government recognises the strategic importance of the arable sector in driving the prosperity of our rural communities and the New Zealand economy.

"At the Forum, there was a real sense of optimism, with everyone committing to positive action and acknowledging that we can achieve more together.

"The Government continues to drive positive changes for the sector through significant and sensible reforms in resource and freshwater management, cutting red tape, and investing in innovation and climate-friendly initiatives.

"We're committed to continue working alongside the arable sector to create the right environment for a thriving, profitable, and resilient sector."

David Birkett, immediate past Federated Farmers arable chair, said the Feds were committed to supporting efforts to help drive the arable sector's long-term success and rebuild growers' confidence.

"The Forum enabled first steps towards supporting our growers to navigate challenges, strengthen financial resilience, and capture future opportunities."

However, Labour’s agriculture spokesperson Jo Luxton says the rules will be used as “a starting point” to take to a select committee.

Luxton made the comments at the Rural Leaders Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton this week.

About 300 farmers attended the event, organised by Federated Farmers, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ,

Luxton says Labour has no plans to bring back the rules which were roundly rejected by farmers.

“The start point is not the end point because whatever we do with the freshwater space, we need to make sure that it is practical and workable for farmers,” she says.

“Everybody wants clean drinking water and clean rivers, and we do have to make sure that we are working towards that because it's not our generation, it's our children, and their children are going to be the ones that deal with anything that we do now and the decisions that we make.

“So, I want to make it clear that we'll go through a full select committee process so that everybody can have their say and whatever comes out of it, we'll make sure that it is workable and practical for farmers and rural communities.”

But National’s Todd McClay pounced on Luxton’s comments, reminding her that people rejected the rules even as a starting point and they did this by voting Labour out of office in 2023.

“So, where will it end up? What's the end point going to be?

“You're saying: we're only going to do something that you know you don't like”.

Luxton replied that no matter the outcome, “we will ensure that it is workable and practical for farmers”.

Debate host, Heather du Plessis-Allan asked Luxton what would be different from ‘the end point’ a new Labour-led government was trying to achieve and what former Labour Environment Minister David Parker achieved in 2022.

Luxton says they aren’t going to say, “this is what we must do”.

“We're going to say this is where we start. We want to hear from you, find out what's workable, find out what's achievable, while ensuring that we maintain sustainable rivers.”

Du Plessis-Allan then asked about how united Labour was on the path to take on water reforms.

She pointed out to Luxton that there's friction within the Labour caucus “on a bunch of things where you guys are pulling at each other and trying to figure out where the policy position is”.

“Is Rachel Brooking (Labour environment spokesperson) in agreement with you or is she with David Parker?

Luxton replied that Brooking agreed with her.

“Actually, she's spent the last three years getting out on the farm as well: getting to understand the intricacies that are involved in the farming sector.”

Ironically, New Zealand First and the Greens found themselves on the same side of the debate on this issue.

NZ First MP Mark Patterson told about 300 farmers at the event that the NZ/India FTA was not a game changer.

“There’s no beef, no dairy, lamb is a tight deal and the tariff on wool is like 2%,” he says.

Pressed by debate host Heather du Plessis-Allan that India was one of the largest export markets in the world and have a growing middle class, Patterson says the FTA was “a pretty tight deal”.

He claimed under the FTA, New Zealand would provide uncapped student coming in with work rights.

He also claimed NZ had signed up to invest $35 billion into the Indian economy.

“If it was a free trade deal, we would have been all over it. But look at what we've had to trade off here.

“This is a massive trade off of actually very small gains.”

Green MP Steve Abel also chimed in, questioning why NZ got the China FTA across the line without investing $38b.

“We don't have a foreign direct investment clause in any other trade deal.

“I would say this is probably the worst trade deal ever negotiated.”

Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay, who is credited with negotiating the deal with his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal jumped in to defend the FTA.

McClay reminded the audience that India has 1.4 billion people compared to five million in New Zealand.

He says the Indian FTA “is a better deal than most any other country that has signed an FTA with us.

“It's not perfect.  We didn't get enough dairy.

“But for most other sectors, you will have an opportunity to go out there and beat the Australians and the level playing field will be better.”

McClay says he has a lot of respect for Patterson and NZ First leader Winston Peters.

“He's a very, very long-time family friend of mine. It's a good deal: it’s time to move on.”

Fish & Game New Zealand chief operating officer Richie Cosgrove said trout in many waterways hadn't been fished for months.

"There is every reason to be excited, and plenty of opportunity to get out on the water," Cosgrove said.

Cosgrove said fishing offered benefits well beyond the catch itself.

"Fishing is great for body and mind. It is hard to dwell on your worries when your attention is on a trout at the end of the line. It is also a great way to spend time with whanau and friends, get some wild kai on the table, teach kids new skills, and pass on a love of the outdoors."

He said the sport remains accessible regardless of budget. "You do not need the latest and greatest gear to enjoy fishing. With a licence and some basic equipment, you can easily get started without spending a fortune."

Cosgrove encouraged families to make the most of the school holidays, pointing out that many regions have kid-friendly fishing spots within walking or biking distance of main centres.

Children under 12 can fish for free, though they still need a licence. Anglers aged 12 to 17 can buy a whole season licence for $31.

Fish & Game has launched a new Fishing Knowledge Hub, an online resource bringing together guides on where to fish, choosing gear, reading the water, and techniques spanning spin, fly and boat fishing, along with advice on preparing a catch for the table and a growing library of how-to videos.

"Whether you are picking up a rod for the first time or you have fished our rivers and lakes for years, the Hub has something for you," Cosgrove said. "It is everything you need for freshwater fishing in New Zealand, all in one place."

Cosgrove noted New Zealand ranks among the world's best trout fishing destinations. "It is world-class fishing, and it is right on our doorstep. We look forward to seeing people out on the water this season."

Whole season licences are available online and from accredited sports shops and other outlets, with licences and the Fishing Knowledge Hub both accessible at fishandgame.org.nz.

The council had been considering the option to deal with more than 20,000 cubic metres of sludge stored in geobags and at the bottom of aeration ponds at the Cromwell wastewater treatment plant.

Councillors instead chose to continue trucking the sludge to a landfill in Winton, the disposal method used previously.

Federated Farmers Otago president Anna Gillespie welcomed the outcome.

"It's heartening that councillors have heeded the anger and strong warnings from rural residents in Lauder and the wider Manuherekia catchment," Gillespie said.

"The understandable motivation was to save ratepayers' money in these tough times, but that cannot be at the expense of the environment and water quality in a sensitive catchment."

Gillespie said Mayor Tamah Alley and Deputy Mayor Tracy Paterson had acknowledged during the process that rural residents shouldn't be expected to bear the impact of waste generated in urban areas.

Council officers had warned of potential rural community fightback and possible delays to urgent work needed at both the Cromwell and Alexandra treatment plants if a decision was delayed. But new information emerged suggesting the existing Lauder consent might only cover about half of what CODC needed to dispose of, while the projected ratepayer savings from using Lauder narrowed from an initial $600,000 estimate to $182,000.

Gillespie said Federated Farmers had questioned the science and modelling behind the original consent allowing sludge from Wānaka and Albert Town to be spread at the former sheep and beef farm at Lauder since it was first granted.

"The prospect of more sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra was truly alarming," she said.

She said Otago Regional Council (ORC) was now reviewing the conditions of that original consent in light of concerns Federated Farmers had raised.

"It's pleasing to learn that Otago Regional Council is now reviewing those consent conditions in light of the points we've been making."

Applications open on 1 October and close on 31 October 2026 at 11.59pm NZT.

The Award is open to New Zealand and Australian residents aged 21 to 35 who are actively engaged in the primary sector, with one winner selected from each country each year.

What Winners Receive

Winners receive a $10,000 education package alongside a bespoke programme of mentoring and professional development, including access to influential figures across farming, agribusiness and beyond.

All travel and accommodation for mentoring trips is covered, with flights sometimes taken by private plane to reach remote and diverse locations across both countries.

Finalists also join the Zanda Alumni, a network offering ongoing support and learning opportunities.

"It's Changed My Life"

2026 New Zealand winner Karn Dhaliwal, from the Waikato and founder of Ohinewai Harvest Ltd and Dhaliwal Ag Ltd, has just returned from mentoring trips around Australia and New Zealand as part of his prize.

"The Zanda McDonald Award is unique. There is nothing out there like it, and it's changed my life," Dhaliwal said.

"The biggest thing is the connections I've made and the people I've been fortunate to have around me. It's already opened up areas I hadn't even thought about, and I've only just started on my journey."

Why the Award Stands Out

Zanda McDonald Award Chair Shane McManaway MNZM said the Award's trans-Tasman focus and bespoke, personalised approach set it apart.

"We're excited to discover the next generation of passionate young Kiwis and Aussies who are poised to make a difference in agriculture," McManaway said.

"This Award is designed to develop their skills and broaden their horizons. Winners will engage with some of the top trans-Tasman agricultural operators, gaining invaluable insights and leadership skills that are truly transformative."

A Track Record of Career Acceleration

Organisers say the Award has built a reputation not just for honouring talent but for accelerating it, with past winners and finalists describing the experience as career-defining, enlightening and personally transformative.

Young people in farming, agribusiness or related primary sector careers looking for their next step are encouraged to apply before the 31 October deadline.

The two organisations say strengthening the rural GP workforce is one of the most effective ways to improve access to care and reduce long-standing health inequities, which they say fall hardest on rural Māori.

College President Dr Luke Bradford said rural GPs are highly skilled generalists working across a broad scope of practice.

"We know rural communities experience poorer health outcomes and greater barriers to accessing healthcare. Strengthening the rural GP workforce is one of the most effective ways to improve access, reduce inequities and ensure people receive the care they need, when they need it," he said.

"This is not simply a workforce issue. It is about ensuring rural New Zealanders have equitable access to high-quality healthcare."

A review published in the New Zealand Medical Journal draws together three decades of New Zealand research on rural medicine.

According to the College, it identifies repeated calls over that period for rural-specific postgraduate training and points to the role dedicated training pathways can play in supporting rural medical careers.

In response, the College has developed GP Rural, a proposed postgraduate pathway sitting within its existing General Practice Education Programme.

The pathway is intended to give registrars sustained preparation for rural practice and to support broader rural medical career development as rural health services change.

Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network Chief Executive Dr Grant Davidson said the network already invests in encouraging young people into health careers, but doctors working at the top of their scope in rural areas need specific training.

"A dedicated Rural GP Training Pathway would give them the skills, experience and confidence they need to build sustainable careers in rural communities," he said. "Rural communities cannot afford to wait for the workforce gap to grow further."

College Chief Executive Toby Beaglehole described GP Rural as a practical opportunity to support the future workforce.

"GP Rural would prepare doctors for the realities of rural practice and support more of them to build long-term careers in rural communities," he said.

"Workforce shortages cannot be solved overnight. Long-term progress requires sustained commitment and collaboration across the health system."

The College and Hauora Taiwhenua are encouraging continued investment in rural medical workforce development, saying GP Rural could make a meaningful contribution alongside a more integrated approach to rural medical training and career development.

CODC will decide at a meeting this week whether to send thousands of cubic metres of accumulated sludge to the Manuherekia catchment. Council staff have recommended the option, saying it could save ratepayers about $600,000 compared with trucking the waste to a landfill in Winton.

Federated Farmers Otago president Anna Gillespie said the proposal follows closely on the heels of a non-notified consent granted to Queenstown Lakes District Council to spread Wānaka and Albert Town's sludge on a former sheep and beef farm in Lauder.

"It's absolutely staggering that the council is even discussing this after the recent outcry over Wānaka trucking its treated excrement to a Lauder farm," Gillespie said.

What's Driving The Proposal

According to the council report, sludge from the Cromwell treatment plant has been stored in geobags — porous containers that let the material dry out before transport.

The council says it is running out of storage space, and a further 20,000 cubic metres of sludge from wastewater settlement ponds needs to be shifted urgently or the plant risks breaching its own consent.

Sludge from the Alexandra plant also needs a destination.

Farmers' Concerns

Gillespie said the Manuherekia catchment has been the focus of years of work by local farmers to improve water quality, backed by more than $4 million in central government Jobs for Nature funding through the Thomson's catchment project and Waiora Manuherekia.

She questioned modelling used to support the Lauder consent, arguing the farm's gravelly, low-rainfall soils cannot realistically grow enough crops to absorb the nutrients in the volume of sludge proposed.

"There is a serious mismatch between those estimations and what the consent allows," she said.

The Existing Lauder Consent

The Wānaka-related consent, granted without a public hearing on the basis its effects would be "no more than minor," allows up to 2000 cubic metres of sewage sludge and a further 3600 cubic metres of grease trap, mud tank and winery wastewater to be spread across 178 hectares at Lauder.

The same consent permits CODC to use it too, via contractor SJ Allen Ltd.

What Federated Farmers Wants

Gillespie said the group wants the existing Lauder consent re-investigated and is renewing its call for Local Government Minister Simon Watts to intervene.

"We're calling on Central Otago District councillors to kick this short-sighted plan to touch," she said.

The Rural Co-ordination Group (RCG) met this week to assess conditions across the region and coordinate support for affected farming communities.

The group brings together Rural Support Trust Southland & Otago, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Environment Southland, Federated Farmers, Thriving Southland, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ.

Southland Rural Support Trust Chair Simon Hopcroft said the group's focus centers on four priorities: people, animals, feed and property.

"The sustained wet weather is taking a real toll across parts of Southland and South Otago. Every farm is different, but many farmers and their teams are dealing with added pressure, difficult decisions and long days," Hopcroft said.

"Our message is simple: you do not have to carry this alone. Talk with your neighbours, trusted advisers, veterinarian, bank, industry organisation or the Rural Support Trust. Reaching out early can help identify practical options and risks before the pressure builds further."

Practical Steps Farmers Can Take Now

The RCG has outlined a set of practical actions for farmers to consider in the current conditions:

• Review feed budgets and plan several weeks ahead for supplementary feed needs.
• Act early on feed purchases and delivery arrangements, particularly where transport or contractor availability may become tighter.
• Monitor stock condition and animal welfare closely, and seek advice promptly if concerns arise.
• Keep assessing pasture damage, access points and critical farm infrastructure.
• Check in regularly with staff, family and neighbours, and share the workload where possible.
• Ask for support early if the situation is becoming difficult to manage.

Feed Supply: Available, But Tightening

The RCG's current understanding is that supplementary feed remains available, although silage supply is very tight, and transport and logistics networks are under increasing pressure.

Farmers who anticipate needing additional feed are encouraged to plan early, rather than waiting until supplies or delivery options become more constrained.

The Toll Beyond the Farm

Hopcroft acknowledged that prolonged difficult conditions can affect farmers physically and mentally, not just their operations.

"Looking after yourself and your people is just as important as looking after the farm. Keep checking in with each other, and if things are feeling overwhelming, talk to someone you trust or contact the Rural Support Trust," he said.

Community Events and Coordinated Support

Stakeholder organisations are planning farmer support and wellbeing events across the region, giving farmers opportunities to access practical information, hear from rural professionals and connect with others facing similar conditions.

Organisations running these activities are being encouraged to register them on the Rural Support Trust Southland & Otago events calendar, so support can be coordinated and spread across communities rather than clustered.

The RCG is also keeping government Ministers and agencies informed, so decision-makers have an up-to-date picture of the challenges facing rural communities in Southland and South Otago.

A Community Response

Hopcroft pointed to the wider community response as a strength of the current situation.

"We are seeing neighbours helping neighbours, rural professionals stepping up and organisations working together to get support where it is needed," he said.

"Southland and Otago farmers are resilient, but resilience does not mean managing everything on your own. Support is available, and we encourage farmers to make use of it."

Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper described the legislation as a major milestone not just for farmers, but for New Zealand more broadly.

"We've been pushing hard for RMA reform because the status quo has simply not been good enough," Hooper says.

He says the RMA, in place for more than 30 years, had made it increasingly difficult and expensive for productive New Zealanders to grow the economy. Farmers, he says, had spent too much time and money navigating a system that was unnecessarily complex and uncertain, even for basic activities such as building a shed or water storage.

Hooper says councils and communities had also been left managing layers of bureaucratic planning rules and processes under the current system.

"This marks the end of that era and the beginning of an opportunity to do things differently," he says.

Legislation Passed Before Election, as Federated Farmers Urged

Federated Farmers had repeatedly called on the Government to pass RMA reform before the November general election.

"We've been clear that getting this legislation passed before the election was important, and the Government has delivered on that," Hooper says.

He says the country now had "a clean slate" and the opportunity to build a planning system that is simpler, more predictable, and focused on outcomes rather than red tape.

"These two new laws mark a fundamental shift in the way New Zealand manages its natural resources," Hooper says. "Finally, we can restore some commonsense to the whole system and make it easier for farmers – and all New Zealanders – to get things done."

Certainty Needed for Long-Term Investment

Hooper says a better resource management system was critical to New Zealand's ability to grow and invest. He says farmers need to be able to make long-term business decisions without uncertainty over future planning rules, consent requirements or council processes.

He says that certainty matters when farmers are deciding whether to invest in infrastructure, improve environmental outcomes, expand production, develop irrigation, or make other long-term investments in their farms.

More broadly, Hooper says New Zealand needs to build houses, infrastructure and businesses, generate energy and grow its productive economy — and a planning system that adds unnecessary delay, cost and uncertainty makes that harder than it needs to be.

Focus Now Shifts to Implementation

While calling the legislation's passage a major step in the right direction, Hooper says the focus must now turn to ensuring the new system works as intended in practice.

"We'll be watching that closely and continuing to advocate for a system that delivers certainty for farmers while achieving the environmental outcomes New Zealand needs," he says.

Hooper says there was still some way to go before the new system is fully operational, but says there were steps the Government could take to speed up the benefits of the reform. He pointed to Federated Farmers' request for 10 new national standards that would make basic farming activities permitted activities.

The debate has been organised jointly by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, and will be moderated by radio host and columnist Heather du Plessis-Allan.

The panel will feature:

• Todd McClay — National
• Jo Luxton — Labour
• Andrew Hoggard — ACT
• Mark Patterson — New Zealand First
• Steve Abel — Green Party

Organisers say the event will be one of the few opportunities to hear directly from all major parties on their vision and plans for rural New Zealand ahead of the general election on 7 November.

B+LNZ: Farmers Need Certainty, Not Policy Swings

B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says the debate provides an opportunity to shine a light on the issues affecting rural New Zealanders.

"We need predictability and certainty to help navigate the turbulent environment that we operate in, not policy swings," Acland says. She says B+LNZ was pleased with progress on reforming the Resource Management Act and on climate change policy, and looked forward to continuing that work with the incoming Government.

Acland says that alongside the priorities outlined in B+LNZ's 2026 Election Manifesto, the organisation wants the next Government to focus on safeguarding and improving market access, and managing supply chain disruptions, to support sheep and beef farmers and red meat exporters through global volatility.

Federated Farmers: "Farmers Don't Need More Promises"

Federated Farmers national president Colin Hurst says farmers need certainty about what the next Government will actually do, rather than further promises.

"This debate is a great chance for politicians to front up to rural New Zealand and explain how their policies will affect the people who feed the country and drive a big part of our economy," Hurst says.

He says farmers would be listening closely to what each party has to say, and expressed hope that politicians would arrive with real detail on what their parties will do, what it will cost, and how it will affect rural businesses.

DairyNZ: Farmers Need Confidence to Invest

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown says the agricultural sector is a major contributor to the economy and rural communities, and that farmers need confidence to invest for the future.

"When farming succeeds, rural communities thrive and New Zealand benefits through stronger exports, jobs and economic growth," Brown says.

Brown says DairyNZ's election priorities call for practical regulation, a strong focus on science and innovation, and policies that enable productivity growth while continuing environmental progress. She says the debate gives farmers a chance to hear how each party would support those outcomes if elected.

With the general election set for 7 November, the Rural Issues Debate is shaping up as a key moment for rural voters to compare the parties' positions on resource management reform, climate policy, market access, regulation and rural investment — all directly ahead of election day.

However, they caution that the real test will lie in detailed rules that are yet to be written.

A Step Forward From the RMA

Kate Acland, B+LNZ chair, says the current Resource Management Act has become too complex and expensive for farmers, communities and councils to navigate.

The new legislation, she says, creates a room for a simpler, faster and more practical approach to decision-making.

"This replacement legislation is an improvement and creates an opportunity for simpler, faster and more practical decision-making," Acland says.

B+LNZ was directly involved in the Government's reform process, pushing for a workable alternative to the RMA throughout.

One change singled out as a win for the sector is the stronger recognition given to food and fibre production within the new framework — a shift Acland describes as a positive change for sheep and beef farmers specifically.

The Real Work Starts After the Election

Passing the two Bills is only the first stage of reform. According to B+LNZ, the practical, on-farm impact will hinge on a raft of secondary instruments yet to be developed: national direction, National Standards, regulations and regional plans.

That work won't begin until after the general election, and it's this next phase that will determine:

• What farmers can do as a permitted activity
• What triggers a resource consent
• What compliance obligations apply on-farm

B+LNZ says it will keep engaging with the Government and officials as these secondary instruments are developed, to help shape how the new system actually functions in practice.

Concerns Remain Over Freshwater Farm Plans

Despite the broadly positive response, B+LNZ has flagged ongoing concern about how Freshwater Farm Plans will be implemented for low-risk properties.

Acland points out that most extensive sheep and beef farms fall into the low-risk category, and argues the rules need to reflect that reality through proportionate requirements — rather than imposing costs or compliance work that doesn't match the actual environmental risk.

"Farmers need a system that rewards practical environmental improvements, rather than creating unnecessary duplication, cost or compliance burdens," she says.

B+LNZ has set out a clear benchmark for judging the reform's success. For sheep and beef farmers, that means:

• Clear, nationally consistent rules wherever possible
• Fewer unnecessary resource consents
• Lower compliance costs
• Recognition of the practical realities of running a farming business
• Continued, measurable environmental improvement

The sector, valued at $1.2 billion, plays a significant role in New Zealand's food and farming sector, with export earnings growing at over twice the rate of the wider food and fibre industry.

The Organic Scorecard, live on the OANZ website, will be updated during the election campaign as parties announce policies.

OANZ says the scorecard reflects political parties' responses to seven questions the organisation put to them.

Brendan Hoare, OANZ advisor, says the organisation is serious about the opportunity organics presents New Zealand and wants to know where political parties stand with respect to policies supporting the sector.

"The scorecard will help the estimated 120,000 organic voters make a decision in our up-and-coming election on 7 November 2026," Hoare says.

“Beyond those voters connected to the sector, we know a great many more Kiwis want a strong organic sector and to support policies that enable the benefits of organics to grow and flourish,” says Hoare. “This scorecard is designed to help inform their decision.”

The organic sector is poised to evolve and expand. It has its own Organic Act, an agreed sector-wide growth strategy, a world-first Associate Minister of Organic, and 9% growth across multiple food categories in both domestic and export markets.

“There is absolutely no reason for political parties not to get behind and support us,” says Hoare.

"We now need political and policy support to realise our ambition. The good news is that through our enquiry, we see areas where political parties are supportive, and areas where they can do better. This is great news, and by sharing our scorecard, the public can vote for an organic future.”

The acquisition lifts Egmont Honey's combined hive count to more than 22,000 across its Taranaki and Taihape operations heading into the 2026/27 season — a scale that likely makes it the largest beekeeping operation in the country.

The deal lands at a pivotal moment for the industry. Registered hive numbers across New Zealand have fallen sharply, from a peak of 918,000 in 2019 to under 490,000 now — a decline of close to half. At the same time, raw Manuka honey prices have started climbing again after a prolonged downturn.

Egmont Honey CEO and founder James Annabell says the timing of the acquisition reflects a broader shift in the market.

"Timing is everything," Annabell says. "Supply is tightening across the industry at exactly the point demand for genuine New Zealand Manuka is recovering. This is a key strategic acquisition that lets us supply our global retail partners sustainably and at scale, well into the future."

Tweeddale's has operated in the central North Island since 1945, and is well known in the industry for its distinctive green hives. The business was placed into receivership in March 2026. As part of the acquisition, Egmont Honey has retained Tweeddale's field beekeeping team, along with three members of

the Tweeddale family.

Annabell was clear that the acquisition won't alter how Egmont Honey works with its existing network of beekeeper suppliers.

"Our beekeeper suppliers are the backbone of this business," he says. "Tweeddale's hives cover only a portion of what we need each season, and they were already our largest supplier. This is about securing supply we already depended on, not replacing the people who built this company with us."

Annabell also paid tribute to the family behind the business.

"Don has built an extraordinary legacy over a lifetime in the industry, and that knowledge is not something you can buy or replace," he says. "Long may the Tweeddale legacy in the Central North Island continue, now under Egmont Honey's leadership and backed by our global network."

Egmont Honey exports Manuka honey to retailers across Asia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America, giving the enlarged beekeeping operation a substantial international customer base to supply from its expanded hive network.

Earlier this month, Westpac's Economics team published detailed research into the likely impacts of El Niño across northern and eastern parts of New Zealand.

Based on past severe drought events, the research points to a potential 1% hit to GDP if conditions play out similarly this time.

Don't Assume The Worst - But Plan Now

Westpac NZ Head of Agribusiness Richard Anderson says farmers and growers shouldn't assume the worst outcome is guaranteed, but should use the time now to build flexibility into their operations.

"Every farming and growing operation is different, so now is the time to think about what El Niño could mean for your business and what steps you can take to manage the risks," Anderson says.

Anderson stresses that good financial planning deserves the same attention as operational planning. That means updating budgets, monitoring forecasts regularly, and being ready to adjust as conditions change.

He notes that while some farms may face higher costs from additional feed purchases or irrigation expenses, others could choose to sell stock earlier than planned to bring forward revenue and ease financial pressure.

Learning From Past El Niño Events

Anderson recommends farmers use their own history with the land as a guide.

Long-term property owners should reflect on what worked and what didn't during previous El Niño events, while newer owners are encouraged to talk to previous owners where possible.

"That local knowledge can be invaluable when preparing for dry conditions," he says.

Practical Steps For Farmers and Growers

Westpac has outlined a set of practical considerations for the season ahead:

• Livestock farmers should prioritise a reliable water supply and secure feed availability.
• Farmers should assess the condition and capacity of dams, troughs and reticulation systems, and review supplementary feed supplies such as baleage, silage and hay.
• Some may want to secure additional feed supplies or lock in contracts and prices before demand rises.
• Farmers with trade livestock could set trigger points for selling stock earlier if feed supplies come under pressure.
• Growers of fruit, grain and horticultural crops may benefit from warmer conditions, but should check irrigation systems for leaks, repair valves or pumps, and maintain storage tanks.
• Farmers and growers should also factor in any potential water restrictions in their area.

Farmers Are In Strong Financial Shape

Despite the drought risk, Anderson says most farmers and growers are well placed financially to cope with a dry summer.

"Arguably the industry is in the best position it's ever been to face into El Niño, thanks to generally low debt levels and high commodity prices," he says. However, he flags rising on-farm inflation — driven by higher fuel and fertiliser costs — as a concern for many customers Westpac has spoken with.

"This is where keeping a close eye on your budget and cash forecasts is key. Make sure you have enough cash on hand, keep an eye on markets for demand and price trends, and be prepared to change your approach as weather forecasts change."

Talk To Your Bank Early

Anderson's closing advice is straightforward: farmers concerned about how El Niño could affect their business should talk to their bank early.

"The sooner we understand your plans and challenges, the better positioned we are to support you," he says, adding that Westpac's agri bankers are embedded in rural communities and ready to work alongside farmers as they prepare.

That’s what Beef+Lamb NZ is predicting in its new season outlook and all due it seems to the rising NZ dollar, higher input costs and the risk of what the El Nino weather system will bring.

Farm Profit Before Tax is forecast to average $267,200, down 20% on the provisional record season average of $335,500 in 2025-26, but still well above the five-year average.

But it’s not all bad news. B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says that even with forecast decreases the new season returns promise to be very good.

“They are still well above the 2024-25 season and above the five-year average,” she says.

Acland says recent prices provided a much-needed turnaround and stronger cashflow through 2025‑26 have allowed many farm businesses to repay debt, catch up on fertiliser programmes, complete deferred repairs and maintenance, and reinvest in the farm business after several low‑profit years.

Looking ahead, she says global red meat supply remains tight and demand from key markets continues to support strong prices. But she adds that slower global economic growth, cost-of-living pressures and a stronger NZ dollar are expected to limit further price increases in the coming season.

Acland notes that events in international markets could negatively impact NZ, such as the US investigation into lamb imports and volatility in global beef export flows caused by China’s beef safeguard.

“The conflict in the Middle East is leading to higher fuel and fertiliser costs and farmers also need to consider the risk that the forecast dry El Niño conditions could inhibit pasture growth, leading to lower liveweight gains, lighter carcass weights and less production,” she says.

Acland says these factors will all impact farm margins and farmers need to focus on building financial resilience, improving productivity, and planning for both climate‑related shocks and market downturns.

Colin Bond, the chief executive of NZKGI, the organisation that represents kiwifruit growers, says his members are reading in the press about what’s happening in the Northern Hemisphere this year and are starting to get a bit apprehensive about the dry spell that could be coming our way.

He says he’s noticed that the frequency of that conversation is happening more in the last few weeks.

“But our message to growers is to use this time now to prepare, regardless of whether we get a long dry spell or not,” Bond told Rural News.

“It makes sense to ensure that they have tested their irrigation system and are managing their orchards well. Also, making sure that they have good drainage systems in place in case we get very wet weather, but above all, have a plan,” he says.

Bond says they are reminding their growers that all might not be bad with El Niño because a dry summer can be very good for fruit quality. He says with kiwifruit, the timing of weather conditions is everything. Bud break has taken place with red fruit, gold is about to happen and green is still a few weeks away.

Bond says the fruit needs rain from now until about Christmas, which is its main growing.

“But rainfall becomes less of an issue post-Christmas, and a dry summer can lead to high sugar content and better tasting fruit. And when it comes to the post-harvest period, dry conditions can lead to high-quality storing fruit as well,” he says.

Bond says NZKGI doesn’t send out specific weather information to growers because they have their own access to various sources of information and says any information they send out is more along the lines of a general conversation.

He says as orchardists get through bud break, they will be taking a very active interest about how their fruit is sizing and what the moisture horizon looks like.

“We just want to make sure they have tested all their equipment and is ready to go when it’s time to turn the irrigation taps on,” he says.

Another Record Crop

While the selling season for the 2025/26 crop still has some time to go, the predictions are for another record crop – even topping the previous seasons sale of 225 million trays.

Bond says this is good news for his members and may provide something of a potential buffer if El Niño causes problems.

He says rising costs remain a threat to profitability and notes that with things like fuel, growers are price takers. He says the best they can do is manage their operations as efficiently as possible.

“But you can’t simply cut out things like irrigation completely because it’s a necessity if there’s a dry summer – that is why we encourage people to have good moisture sensors in place. When it comes to fertiliser, it’s about applying just what the plant needs at the right time so you can be effective as possible with your costs and maximise every dollar spent,” he says.

Recently, Earth Science NZ put out a paper suggesting what El Niño might bring in the coming season and they say that its impacts are already starting to be felt. They say peak El Niño conditions are most likely to occur either in late spring or early summer, with the potential for this event to have significant impacts. They add it’s likely to peak as one of the strongest in recent history and say the event is already comparable to that experienced in 1997.

That’s according to initial results from trials done on a few pilot farms near Tokoroa, South Waikato.

While it’s early days, independent milk processor Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) is hopeful that almond hulls and shells repurposed into feed for dairy cows in New Zealand have the potential to help reduce both methane emissions and input costs on farms.

Ofi has been operating a milk plant at Tokoroa since 2023 and pilot supplier farms have been trialling almond hulls and shells for two seasons.

Ofi’s chief operating officer dairy Naval Sabri says they have been working with agencies to analyse methane reduction on these farms.

“The initial results have been very positive,” he told Rural News.

Ofi, one of two operating divisions of Singapore-based conglomerate Olam Group, owns almond orchards and processing plants in Victoria, Australia. In a recent earnings call with analysts, Olam stated that “a significant part of the future is going to be on ofi”.

Australian dairy farmers successfully used almond hulls as a source of fibre in a pasture-based system.

This gives ofi confidence that the model could work in New Zealand. The feed will be supplemented with Agolin Ruminant, which has the potential benefit of reducing methane emissions and increasing the feed conversion rate, which in turn will support milk yields.

The trials are also looking at ways to efficiently and effectively package and transport the feed, reducing input costs.

Sabri points out that it’s a practical example of how they have been able to use an existing ofi business and supply chain.

“And being then able to, in a way, provide support to New Zealand farmers. The almond hulls do replace some feed supplements which have the higher carbon footprint.

“So, they are more sustainable. But they also provide an alternate feed option for a farmer when pasture growth is under pressure.”

He cautions that almond hulls may not be a silver bullet for NZ farmers when it comes to reducing emissions.

“I’ve been asked every time whether it’s scalable, because we still consume a lot of feed.

“So, in terms of scalability, I’ll say that it’s not a universal solution for the entire New Zealand system.

“I keep using this phrase – that it’s just one tool in a toolbox.”

The almond hulls trial and initial results have also been well received by ofi’s global customers, who themselves trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

Sabri says using almond hulls as an alternative feed is a good example of “a practical intervention which solves a few things”.

“It obviously provides an alternate feed to a farmer.”

Palm kernel expeller (PKE) is a big part of the dairy feed regime in New Zealand but is a favourite target of environment lobbyists like Greenpeace.

Sabri says almond hulls provide an alternate feed source for cows.

“It’s more sustainable and initial results from agencies show that they do reduce carbon footprint. This is where I see the real value – our customers also value it.

“Most of our customers, when we share the story with them, they really see value for it. They obviously need proof, which is where we are currently trying to work with our agencies to provide that proof.”

Sabri doesn’t expect all NZ farmers to embrace almond hulls as a feed source for their cows and scalability of almond hulls would depend on farmer uptake.

He accepts there can’t be “a one size fits all approach”.

“Every farmer has a different feed system. Every farmer has a different farm economics.

“Every farmer has a different comfort with changing the feed they use. We are not here to force our farmers to use a feed which we believe is more sustainable or which we believe is good for them.

“We want those decisions to be taken by the farmers themselves.

“They know better than us. They have been running that system, a particular system on their farm. So, the scalability would be a function of how farmers want us to scale, how much they want us to scale.”

Hunt for More Milk

A new second dryer has been commissioned by Olam Food International (ofi) at its Tokoroa plant.

The new dryer has doubled milk processing capacity at the site, operating since 2023.

It adds another 23 million kgMS processing capacity per annum, taking the plant capacity to over 45m kgMS.

Ofi’s chief operating officer dairy Naval Sabri says the investment reflects the confidence of the company board in NZ dairy and its farmer suppliers.

The second dryer gives ofi a more flexible ingredient platform.

“The new capability will allow us to also process skim milk powder, cream and more importantly milkprotein concentrate,” Sabri told Dairy News.

“This means we will retain the flexibility to produce whole milk powder and have the capability to produce other products.”

Sabri says ofi’s strategic direction is clear: they want to create more value from the milk stream by participating in high value ingredients and nutrition applications.

“But in the same balance, we still want to maintain flexibility to respond to market conditions.”

The new dryer means ofi is looking for more raw milk.

“Because when you’re putting up a new asset, you always want to be mindful that you don’t overstress the asset in the first season itself.’

Ofi’s organic growth of milk supply remains on track, and the company is also on the hunt for new suppliers.

“We are confident that within the next season, we will be able to attract enough milk through our farmers and with new farmers to be able to fill the capacity.

“And we are very happy that we are able to support that organic growth.”

At the same time, Sabri agrees that they won’t be able to fill the milk supply gap from within their current supply base.

“We are working to attract new farmers in our cohort.

“And we have got very good positive response from them. Which is basically giving us the confidence that we will be able to secure enough milk for this asset.”

That’s the challenge NZ Food Safety Authority head Vincent Arbuckle faces on an almost daily basis.

The authority is part of MPI and has an important role in ensuring that food exports meet the NZ standards and comply with the regulations in countries where a product is being exported to, as well as making sure that any food imports comply with our rules and regulations.

Arbuckle says understandably there is a lot of pressure on companies to get product to market faster and there is pressure therefore on regulators such as his to do their job as quickly and efficiently as possible. Today he says they are far more alert to that pressure and are working hard to speed up the process.

“But we can’t throw the baby out with the bath water and cut corners,” he told Rural News.

“Our bottom line is protecting NZ food production and that products going to export markets are safe and compliant with the rules of the importing country. Our focus has to be on the real, not the imagined risk,” he says.

In the past year the Ministry of Regulation looked at the operation of the Food Safety Authority and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and recommended that they work more closely together, and this is now happening. The goal is that while the two regulators have different roles, they must appear as seamless to the industry because products often go through approval processes in both organisations.

Arbuckle says a strong relationship has now been established between the two regulators with both parties keeping each other informed about the progress of applications through their respective systems.

He says his organisation is well aligned with the primary sector and understands their need to get products to market as quickly as possible, but he says they need to be clear about the risks of any products they use to produce the food.

“We look at it from a trade and sector perspective. For example, the dairy and red meat sectors are very dependent on us to make sure we are not exposing ourselves to serious risks. If there was a major problem in markets such as China, the US or the EU it could be catastrophic for us,” he says.

Building Trust

Arbuckle says a big part of his group's role is to give assurance to trading partners and to build up an understanding of each other's farming system and what chemical or product may or may not be acceptable.

For example, he says a product acceptably used in a feedlot system will possibly be unacceptable in our pasture-based system.

He says there is a need to be aware of any differences in withholding periods.

Arbuckle says customers such as China come to NZ on a regular basis to get proof of what we are doing. He says they will inspect premises and conduct tests on products and if they find something there that is wrong it can become a problem.

"The aim in all of this is to get the trust of our trading partners," he says.

He told Rural News that being honoured by one’s peers is probably the highest accolade that any person can receive. The honour recognises his dedicated work across rural consultancy, agribusiness and industry leadership over 30 years.

The citation for his award says that throughout his career, Allen has combined practical farm advisory work with a commitment to lifelong learning and thought leadership.

He initially gained a Bachelor of Commerce in Agriculture at Lincoln University and later completed a Master of Agribusiness. In recent years he was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship, during which he researched artificial intelligence and the future of agricultural advisory services. 

The citation goes on to say that he’s undertaken international study and research, led major extension and mentoring programmes, and developed expertise in farm systems, nutrient management, governance and business transition.

“His work has taken him from South Waikato to Uruguay; Ireland to Rwanda; and Chile to Vanuatu; bringing global insights back to benefit New Zealand farmers and rural businesses. Service has been a constant theme. Allen served as National President of New Zealand Young Farmers, President of NZIPIM, President of the National Fieldays Society, and Associate Director of AGMARDT,” says the citation.

Finally, the citation says Allen has also been a passionate advocate for professional standards through his long-standing involvement with certification and advisory programmes. It adds that he’s has never been short on ideas, projects, committees or air miles, but throughout it all he has remained grounded, practical and deeply committed to people.

Farming's More Complex

In his 30 years as a rural professional, Allen says some things have changed enormously, while some fundamentals have not changed.

The technical tasks that rural professionals do are becoming more complicated.

"Originally it was, how do you feed an animal, grow it better, grow more grass, but now you have to do all that plus do it in an environmentally friendly and socially sustainable way, plus look after your staff and grow the business. So, you have governance, environmental and social parameters," he says.

Farming has become a lot more complex and Allen says therefore rural professionals have had to adapt and grow their skill set and collaborate more with industry.

He says the technology role is changing more dramatically over the next five years as AI comes into play.

"As rural professionals, we do have to be right up to date and technology is moving very quickly. A classic example is wearables... as a rural professional, we have to understand them and what works for what farm and the technology behind them. We have got to be right up to date with technology but equally recognise that some of the leading farmers are pushing boundaries as well," he says.

On the morning of Sunday, September 6, just as New Zealanders were getting over the All Blacks’ defeat at the hands of the Springboks, the television programme Q&A with Jack Tame as the moderator ran an hour long special, which all party spokespeople on agriculture (except Te Pati Māori) turned up for.

It was wisely pre-recorded at a Hamilton sports club with an audience made up of locals of all political hues.

Those taking part were Todd McClay (National), Jo Luxton (Labour), Mark Patterson (NZ First), Andrew Hoggard (Act), Steve Able (Greens) and Daniel Eb (Opportunity).

Issues canvassed included biosecurity, the dairy industry and its effects on the environment, the Paris Agreement, free trade agreements, deregulation, rural health and the land tax. In essence, each representative trotted out their party line and it was difficult for those who follow rural politics to be any the wiser because of the event. Perhaps a rather startling revelation was Luxton saying that Labour has yet to announce its agricultural policy.

McClay defended his party’s stance on the FTAs while Hoggard was in jovial form, making a few quips at his opponents and promoting deregulation.

Patterson made some good points but looked a trifle nervous when it was pointed out that he was the first MP to visit India just after the FTA with that country was signed.

Able strictly followed the party line about the need to reduce cow numbers and claiming that this may not necessarily affect total milk production.

Eb defended his party’s controversial land tax policy which came under attack from others on the panel.

One of those at the event was regional councillor and former local Federated Farmers president Keith Holmes. He described the event as being well run and said Tame did a really good job in getting the politicians to state their point of view.

He says his impression was that there was quite a bit of intellectual horsepower on the panel, but noted that many of the answers to question were in the form of platitudes.

“What worries me is whether the rank-and-file voter actually understands the critical components that farming needs and the implications of some parties’ policies to re-engineer the economy,” Holmes told Rural News.

“I worry that people will vote on the basis of the platitudes and not the hard facts. To me, a move away from the present coalition would be a retrograde step,” he says.

He says the implications of the land tax were well exposed in the debate, but while he may have disagreed with speakers from the left wing, he noted they came across convincingly. He says, on reflection, the debate was more entertainment than being of any political significance.

The appointment follows the passing of the previous Chair, Alan Livingston, in April this year.

What QEII National Trust Does

QEII works in partnership with landowners to protect and enhance special areas of biodiversity and cultural heritage on private land through covenants.

The Trust has built strong connections across the farming, rural, and conservation sectors, and holds a strong operating record with the Department of Conservation and tangata whenua.

Who Is Susan O'Regan?

A Waikato dairy farmer with experience working alongside iwi, Susan O'Regan also brings governance experience, including a term as Mayor of Waipa District Council.

She currently serves as a Crown appointee on the Waikato River Authority — putting her in a strong position to lead the QEII Board and engage with stakeholders across the sector.

Susan O'Regan's Reaction to the Appointment

O'Regan says she is delighted with the appointment and is looking forward to getting started in the role, including meeting the landowners protecting and enhancing biodiversity across the country.

"I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of the QEII National Trust and grateful to Minister Potaka for his confidence in me," she says. "QEII does extraordinary work — quietly, consistently, and in genuine partnership with landowners — and I am humbled to take on the responsibility of leading it at such an important time."

O'Regan says the Trust's mission to protect and enhance open space and biodiversity on private land has never been more relevant.

"Some of the rare plants and animals protected by QEII covenants are only found on private land, so it's really impactful work and only possible because of the strong relationships and reputation QEII has in the community. I look forward to working alongside the Board, the team, and QEII's passionate community of covenantors to strengthen that work and ensure it endures for future generations."

She says her connection to the role goes beyond governance experience.

"As a Waikato farmer myself, with land I care deeply about, I bring to this role not just governance experience but a personal connection to what QEII represents — the belief that those of us who are privileged to be kaitiaki of our land have a responsibility to protect what is precious on it."

O'Regan also paid tribute to her predecessor.

"I also acknowledge the passing of QEII Chair Alan Livingston in April — his connections, considerable commitment and passion have been invaluable for QEII, and he leaves big shoes to fill."

O'Regan is considered to hold significant mana and trust within her communities, positioning her to set the organisation's vision and collaborate effectively toward the Trust's objectives.

QEII Chief Executive's Response

QEII Chief Executive Dan Coup has welcomed the appointment, saying he's looking forward to getting to know O'Regan and working collaboratively on the opportunities and challenges facing the Trust.

"Susan has a good understanding of the Trust's work already, and we look forward to her leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead of us," Coup says.

The QEII National Trust Board comprises six members — four appointed by the Minister of Conservation and two elected by QEII National Trust members.

The three other Minister-appointed board members are Philip Hulme, Richard McDowell, and Debbie Hyland. The two member-elected board members, elected in 2025, are Graham Mourie and Marie Taylor.

Beef+Lamb New Zealand says Labour’s climate policy announcement points to an emerging political consensus that agriculture and climate policy must be practical, internationally aligned and fair to farmers.

Labour is also reconsidering the role of forestry, developing new rules to prevent whole-farm conversions, pausing new forestry registrations while the work is completed, and ensuring the ETS supports New Zealand’s Paris targets.

B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says those signals are welcome.

“It is encouraging to see broad recognition that pricing agricultural emissions is not the right tool, and that the ETS should not keep incentivising the loss of productive sheep and beef farmland into carbon forestry.

“Farmers will also be seeking reassurances that agricultural emissions pricing will not be revived through coalition negotiations or future policy reviews.

“Labour’s potential coalition partners support agricultural emissions pricing, so Labour needs to make it clear that keeping agriculture out of emissions pricing would be a bottom line in any negotiations, if it is elected.”

Announcing its policy last week, Labour leader Chris Hipkins and climate change spokeswoman Deborah Russell said the party would urgently review the scheme and move quickly to implement any changes.

Hipkins also confirmed Labour would not campaign on pricing agricultural emissions, ending nearly two decades of Labour campaigning on some form of emissions pricing for agriculture.

Labour is concerned at the rampant tree planting that has depressed the ETS price without encouraging emissions reductions. A low ETS price encourages polluting firms to buy offsets instead of investing in processes that actually reduce their emissions.

Acland says red meat farmers agree that there is no need to price agricultural emissions.

“Sheep and beef farmers are already cutting emissions, and New Zealand should be backing them with practical tools and incentives, not loading them with costs our overseas competitors do not face.

“Labour’s announcement is in line with our international partners. Updated research released by B+LNZ in May found no country is looking to include agriculture in an emissions trading scheme, and virtually no country is looking to price agricultural emissions.

“Most jurisdictions are instead using incentives, investment, carbon credits and market-led approaches to support farmers to reduce emissions.”

That’s from Colin Bond, the CEO of NZKGI, the organisation that represents kiwifruit growers. His comments come following another report of migrant exploitation. Reports say two migrant workers were forced to work up to 70 hours a week in Bay of Plenty kiwifruit orchards for low or no pay, and one was made to hand back $1500 in cash under the guise of paying tax.

This was the latest in a series of incidents in the past year where migrant workers in the kiwifruit industry have been exploited.

Bond says they have seen such reports over the past years and his organisation has zero tolerance for such behaviour by employers. He says they would encourage anyone who is aware of any exploitation to report it to the authorities, and would in turn expect them to take action. But he admits in the case of immigrant workers, the situation is tricky because those affected may not be aware of NZ laws or are too afraid to report a problem.

According to Bond, the kiwifruit industry has 10,000 permanent employees and 24,000 seasonal workers at the peak of the season.

“Our hope is that every one of those workers gets treated well and gets a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and has a good experience working in the sector,” he says.

Bond says he’s confident that most employers in the sector are good and that staff are well treated.

“That’s not sustainable in anyone’s imagination.”

Lill said that the seed companies believe they could look to other areas such as Southland for seed production if Canterbury farmers turn away from it.

But that might not be as easy as they think.

“The reality is a Southland sheep and beef farmer has a greater net profit per hectare than I do. So they’re not going to want to change to an arable system that’s less profitable than their current system.

“And the dairy farmers aren’t going to let a seed company push them out of their wintering ground. They’ll pay what’s needed to do the job.”

Lill said the companies were a bit naive in their approach, and the idea that they can go without Canterbury will be found wanting.

“And in the meantime, the Canterbury arable farmers will have moved on.”

Lill said the seed industry has wanted to ignore inflation and had not moved contract pricing “in the necessary direction” for a very long time.

Either they had to share the ‘pie’ more appropriately, or make the pie bigger.

“Either way, more money needs to get back within the farm gate for farmers. Otherwise they will go in search of a better option.”

Lill said his own farm, 400ha near Methven, had a traditional ryegrass seed production focus, alongside spring break crops and autumn-grown wheat. But over the last 10 years he has incorporated more and more trading lambs into the system, now finishing about 6000 lambs.

“That’s become a critical part of our business to the point where I now have about 50ha of the farm that doesn’t go through the combine. It’s planted in kale, forage crops,
and there’s an area of potatoes as well.”

With increasing numbers of arable farmers looking to diversify or even abandon arable altogether to go dairying, Clark said it was not true that the companies were unaware of the exodus facing the sector.

“The seed companies have seen that coming, they’re aware of it. And are doing what they can,” she told Rural News.

She said the companies know that profit margins for farmers are under threat, with costs having increased significantly, particularly for fuel, fertiliser, agri-chemicals and replacement machinery.

Unfortunately, a lot of that was caused by things that neither the farmers not the companies had control over – global inflation, geopolitics impacting markets and the cost of fuel and fertiliser, and poor weather over the last two summers leading to yield and quality issues.

Clark said part of the difficulty was that the sector was fragmented, with different pressures on its four broad areas – grain, Nui ryegrass, vegetable seed multiplication, and proprietary New Zealand seed.

Clark said that grain and the New Zealand-bred non-proprietary Nui ryegrass were both commodities with prices set internationally and minimal margins.

“There are a lot of components that the seed companies can’t control.”

Seed multiplication of vegetable seed for overseas companies was one area where returns could be good but the need for strict rotation for purity assurance, pest control and soil health meant farmers had to break it up with poorer-performing grains.

“The seed companies have to provide pure seed back to the company offshore and to do that, they can’t grow the same variety in the same paddock year after year; I think there’s between about 10 and 12 years before you can grow the same species in the same spot.”

Power of Collaboration

The Arable Sector Forum took place in Christchurch last week (September 7).

It brought together government, growers, and industry to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the sector and actions to help drive its future success.

Key discussion included sector priorities, creating value, boosting grower returns, building sector resilience, market insights, and potential opportunities for collaboration.

Seed and Grain New Zealand chief executive Dr Sarah Clark said a big strength of the sector was its power of collaboration.

"Without the arable farmer, there is no seed and grain trade and there are no seed companies. The seed companies absolutely understand that we're in it together."

She said the companies working with overseas seed multiplication had been negotiating hard with their suppliers, and there had been an increase in returns for farmers this year.

NZIF president Adrian Loo was responding to the report “Adrift: What future does the Emissions Trading Scheme have?” in which the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, called for a major rethink of forestry’s role in the ETS.

Loo said the report raised legitimate questions about the balance between reducing gross emissions and removing carbon through forests, but proposals to halt new forestry registrations or progressively remove forestry from the scheme were premature.

“New Zealand needs faster reductions in gross emissions, but this does not diminish the importance of carbon removals. We need both.

“The challenge is to design a system which recognises their different roles and provides credible incentives for each.”

Loo said the report’s modelled scenarios were projections rather than predictions and depended heavily on assumptions about future carbon prices, planting rates and forest owner behaviour.

“A model looking ahead to 2075 can help us understand possible risks, but it cannot tell us with certainty how markets, technology, landowners or governments will behave over the next 50 years. Major policy decisions should not be based on one set of modelled scenarios.”

Loo said the report also overlooked the difference between government auction units and forestry units.

“Government auction units are permissions to emit. Forestry units recognise carbon which forests have actually removed from the atmosphere. Treating both forms of supply as though they have the same climate effect overlooks a fundamental difference.”

Farmers are welcoming Labour leader Chris Hipkins’ statement that his party will not campaign on taxing agricultural emissions.

However, they want Labour to categorically rule out any emissions tax on farmers as part of potential coalition negotiations.

If Labour does form a government after the election, it will need the support of the Greens, a party with a history of targeting farmers.

Federated Farmers is also backing Labour’s plans to tackle the incentives driving productive farmland into forestry, but it has serious questions about wider plans for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

“The Labour Party has campaigned on taxing farm emissions in some form in every election since 2003,” Federated Farmers climate spokesperson Richard Dawkins says.

“Credit where credit is due, they’ve clearly listened to farmers’ views, looked at the evidence, and been open to changing their position. That’s a significant policy shift.

“We now need Labour to go one step further and categorically rule out any emissions tax on farmers as part of potential coalition negotiations.”

Dawkins says the change hasn’t happened by chance.

“For the last three years we’ve hosted an annual two-day meeting with the Labour caucus to build their understanding of these kinds of issues,” he says.

“It should come as no surprise that climate policy, particularly issues around methane and forestry, have been a major focus of these meetings.

“We’ve also worked hard to get Labour leaders out on farm to see the impacts of whole-farm carbon forestry conversions with their own eyes.

“That work has clearly had an impact that’s now flowing through into Labour’s policy.”

Dawkins says Labour is right to recognise the current ETS settings can make planting exotic forests more attractive than producing food.

“It’s really encouraging to see Labour acknowledge the current settings can incentivise the loss of productive farmland to exotic forestry.

“We support Labour’s commitment to pause new forestry registrations, review forestry’s role in the ETS and develop rules to prevent whole-farm carbon forestry conversions.”

Farming leader and mid-Canterbury arable farmer David Clark says these companies do not know what is about to hit them as farmers leave the arable sector.

The former Federated Farmers provincial president said that just about every arable farmer he knew was looking at an exit strategy from the sector and most would be making some decision within the next six months.

“I don’t think that the grain and seed firms have got any concept of the tidal wave of change that is about to hit them,” he told Rural News.

“Just about every arable farmer that I discuss these issues with, everybody is looking at some form of land use change.”

Clark said that fertiliser and machinery prices were now more than double what they were five years ago. Chemical prices had gone up, as had all standing costs like rates, insurance, and power.

“And the firms have got the audacity to be offering us the same price now that they were for crops five years ago. It just doesn’t work.”

Clark, who farms at Valetta, near Mount Somers, says he does not see a sustainable future in arable and is considering all avenues of land use change to ensure he has a viable future.

Among his options were a simplified arable system with a significantly reduced area and number of crops, dropping out of all specialist crops, finishing more beef cattle or lambs, wintering dairy cows, or “going the whole hog” and converting to a fully self-contained dairy operation.

Dairy would be a significant capital-intensive jump but if they do go to dairy, it would 1000 cows, fully self-contained.

“If we decide that’s our future, we’ll embrace it. At the moment, we see that probably the biggest risk for us is not making a decision.”

The costs of growing arable crops had increased significantly but that hasn’t been reflected in the prices received.

Clark said his worst performing crop at the moment was grass seed and the only way for it to be viable was if they finish lambs on it before and after harvest.

“So, if we’re making money out of growing livestock on that grass and losing money growing the seed, well the sooner we stop growing it as a seed crop and just grow it as a pasture, the better.

“Quite simply growing a grass seed and receiving $2.80 a kg for a product that’s sold retail at $15 is just not sustainable for us.”

Clark said that the future of the industry is in the hands of the grain and seed merchants who have the ability to pay a price that reflects the cost of production - otherwise, their own businesses may suffer.

“We as arable farmers have very viable alternative land uses that do not operate as loss making enterprises, so we can change.

“The grain and seed companies, they may find it extremely difficult to place crops in the coming years and we may well see rationalisation amongst the firms and many having to retrench.”

Hooper is a Lepperton dairy farmer and former Taranaki Federated Farmers president.

He was elected to Federated Farmers' national board in 2022 and has been closely involved in national rural policy and advocacy, including environmental and regulatory issues affecting farmers.

He is also a former chair of LIC's Shareholder Reference Group, adding further governance experience to his background in the primary sector.

NZPork Welcomes the Appointment

NZPork chair Paul Bucknell welcomed Hooper's appointment, saying his broad primary sector experience would be valuable to the board.

"Mark brings a strong understanding of farming, policy and rural communities, along with practical governance experience," Bucknell says.

"That perspective will be important as the board continues to support pig farmers through change and works to ensure New Zealanders can continue to enjoy locally farmed, high-quality pork."

Hooper's Outlook for the Job

Hooper says he is optimistic about the future of the New Zealand pork sector and is excited to be joining the NZPork board.

"New Zealand's pork sector is a proud industry with a strong environmental record and some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world," he says.

He points to recent regulatory certainty as a positive development for the industry.

"With greater certainty now around welfare rules, pig farmers have the confidence to invest in their farms, adopt new systems and keep building a resilient future for the sector."

Backing New Zealand-Grown Pork

Hooper says supporting the industry's ability to thrive matters for both farmers and consumers.

"It is important that the industry can thrive and that pig farmers can continue to provide nutritious, high-quality New Zealand born and raised pork, farmed to high welfare standards."

He also highlighted pork's role as an accessible protein option for New Zealand households.

"Pork is also an affordable and versatile protein for Kiwi families, and I know farmers are proud to produce food that is nutritious, accessible and trusted by consumers."

The new, regulated Rural Recycling Scheme will expand recycling and recovery of agrichemical containers, bale wrap and silage sheet, introducing a nationwide take-back system that will replace the current voluntary recycling schemes.

Grigg says the scheme has been designed by industry, with the support of farmers, and will be managed by the not-for-profit Agrecovery Foundation.

"We've listened to feedback from farmers and growers who wanted a simple take-back system that is easy to use and can take all the usual plastic farm products into one recycling [stream]," Grigg says.

The existing voluntary schemes, operated by Agrecovery and Plasback, currently collect under half of the in-scope plastics used by farmers and growers.

According to Grigg, the new national system will significantly increase recycling and recovery rates, while reducing the quantity of farm plastics ending up in landfill, buried, or burnt on-farm.

How the Scheme Will Work

Under the new system, producers will contribute a small fee for products sold, funding a free, nationwide network of take-back sites and collection services for farmers and growers.

The existing regional network of around 240 take-back sites will be expanded to handle the increased volume of rural plastics moving into recycling markets.

"Recycling services will operate in tandem with collection services for agrichemicals, making it easier to safely manage unused end-of-life products," Grigg says.

Who Else Can Use the Scheme

Take-back services won't be limited to farmers and growers. According to Grigg, the scheme will also be available to other users of agrichemicals and farm plastics, including the forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism and sport sectors, as well as local authorities and contractors.

Households will also gain access to a bespoke national service for pest and weed control product disposal.

Existing voluntary recycling schemes will continue operating as normal until the new Rural Recycling Scheme officially starts on 1 March 2027.

Wool from selected New Zealand farms is being used by Auckland-based tech company Lanaco to make filters for air purifiers.

Lanaco has partnered with Unilever-owned Blueair to launch the world's first bio-based wool filter - made from NZ wool and 100% USDA-certified bio-based material.

Wool material from Lanaco has proven effective in the toughest environments, even selected for NASA's Artemis missions to the moon and back, as part of the vehicle's emergency air protection systems.

Lanaco founder and chief executive Nick Davenport says that being selected for the Lunar missions is a tick of confidence for NZ wool.

Davenport believes NZ wool "stands at the base of a large mountain".

"Air is universal and where people breathe, there will be opportunity for NZ wool," he told Rural News.

Davenport says Lanaco is targeting the global filter media market, valued at more than US$8 billion.

The Unilever partnership is the first of several high-volume market opportunities that the company is pursuing, and more announcements around commercialisations are expected in the coming months.

The bio-based, USDA-certified wool filter based on Lanaco's Ecostatic filter that uses biodegradable alternatives while maintaining its high-performance standards.

Designed for the Blue Pure 211i Max air purifier, the new filters offer an 18-month lifetime and effectively capture allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, removing 99.97% of airborne particles.

Davenport says the breakthrough of having the product make it to a global market is significant, both for Lanaco and for New Zealand wool.

"Just as Icebreaker did for wool clothing, Lanaco is bringing its branded New Zealand wool technology to the global filtration market by partnering with one of Europe's greatest consumer goods companies."

Blueair chief executive Andy Lu says Blueair has stayed true to its mission of helping people breathe cleaner, better air for 30 years, and its partnership with Lanaco, which brings the industry's first filter to market, shows what that mission can achieve.

"We have spent the past two years working hand in hand with Lanaco to bring this groundbreaking achievement to the masses. Thirty years in, and we continue to pioneer what air wellness can means for people's everyday lives."

New Zealand remains a small market for the wool filters, with some used in car air filters and DVS home ventilation systems.

By enabling larger controlled releases before a storm arrives, the new outlet allows OWL to build additional flood buffer within Lake Opuha while downstream rivers are still at normal levels — increasing the dam's ability to temporarily store floodwaters and helping reduce peak flood impacts further downstream.

A Historic First for the Dam

The new Low-Level Outlet (LLO) valve was commissioned on 11 and 12 August 2026, marking one of the most significant safety upgrades undertaken since the dam was built.

During testing, it delivered a historic first for Opuha Dam, with total discharge flows through the penstock of approximately 52 cubic metres per second — equivalent to about 187,000 cubic metres of water, or roughly 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools, every hour.

The upgraded outlet features a new 1.8-metre diameter Fixed Cone Discharge (FCD) valve, utilising a branch of the penstock used during the dam's original construction, which had remained buried within the dam structure until now.

How the New Outlet Improves Flood Management

The project has been designed to significantly increase the dam's ability to safely release water before and during major weather events, giving OWL a powerful new flood management tool.

The new outlet can reduce Lake Opuha's water level by up to approximately 6.5% a day ahead of a predicted significant high-rainfall event. Depending on inflow volume, this would equate to 27–32% of the lake's volume released across a five-day period.

As well as reducing reliance on the dam's spillways, advanced dewatering protects downstream stopbanks, with the dam acting as a buffer for floodwaters.

The $8 million project is one component of the wider Opuha Dam and Irrigation Scheme upgrade, supported by a government loan of up to $20.8 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.

"A Landmark Achievement" - OWL Chief Executive

Opuha Water Chief Executive Bjorn Triplow says the achievement represents an important investment in the safety of the dam itself, as well as the long-term safety and resilience of South Canterbury roads, rail, bridges, stopbanks, productive land and local townships.

"This is a landmark achievement for Opuha Water, our farmer shareholders, and the community," Triplow says. "The successful commissioning confirms that the new outlet is performing as intended and provides a significant increase in our ability to safely manage water levels ahead of and during major flood events.

"While Opuha Water's farmer shareholders have funded this investment, the benefits extend well beyond the scheme itself. Increased flood management capability enhances the resilience of critical downstream infrastructure, rural communities, and productive land throughout the catchment."

Testing Confirms Record Discharge Capacity

Commissioning included operation of the FCD valve alongside the hydroelectric generation plant. Together, the two systems achieved total discharge flows of approximately 52 m³/s — the highest controlled-release capacity through the dam's penstock since it was built.

"This project demonstrates the commitment of Opuha Water and its farmer shareholders to invest in infrastructure that not only supports irrigation and renewable energy generation, but also delivers lasting benefits for the wider region. It is an investment in community resilience and the long-term security of one of South Canterbury's most important strategic assets," Triplow says.

Triplow says that while the new valve represents a step forward in flood control, further work is needed to increase spillway capacity — a significantly more expensive undertaking.

"Given that the primary beneficiary of increased spillway capacity would be publicly-owned river infrastructure, OWL is keen to work with the wider community to explore how this could be progressed," he says.