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The latest edition of the Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report shows agricultural exports are a huge earner for New Zealand. P6-7
By Sonita Chandar
If no more Queensland fruit flies are found in the Auckland suburb of Mt Roskill, legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables will be lifted.
Legal controls have been in place in Mt Roskill since the discovery of a single male fruit fly in a surveillance trap on January 7.
Biosecurity New Zealand responded swiftly, laying additional fruit fly lure traps within a 1500-metre area of the original find to determine if other flies were present. A Controlled Area Notice was also put in place, restricting the movement of fruit and vegetables locally.
Since the discovery in early January, no further fruit flies have been detected and Biosecurity NZ’s north commissioner, Mike Inglis, says legal controls will be lifted on February 21
“We’ve had fantastic support from locals and sector groups since our response began, and we’re asking for that to continue a little longer out of an abundance of caution
“No other Queensland fruit flies have been found, which is really encouraging, but over the coming weeks, we’ll keep up our regular checking of fruit fly traps.”
Inglis says the extended timeframe is giving Biosecurity NZ assurance it is not dealing with a breeding population.
“It is based on scientific advice about the life cycle of the Queensland fruit fly.
“We’re grateful for the actions people are taking to comply with the restrictions, which are vital to keeping fruit fly from establishing in New Zealand.”
New Zealand is no stranger to fruit fly incursions – including one found in Auckland’s Papatoetoe suburb in January last year.
“There have been 14 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand, which we have successfully eradicated, so we know what it takes to get the job done,” Inglis says.
In its native home, the Queensland fruit fly costs growers hundreds of millions of dollars a year in damage and pest control Its establishment in New Zealand could have severe economic consequences for the horticulture industry. It would also impact those Kiwis growing fruit and vegetables in their gardens at home.
Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland will concern growers and exporters, but she is hopeful it is an isolated case.
“While the fruit fly poses no risk to human health, its establishment in New Zealand could have significant consequences for growers, exporters and
the wider horticulture sector.
“The fruit fly damages a wide range of fruit and vegetables, including some of our most important export crops, but it also means New Zealand cannot export to some of our key markets if this pest takes hold.”
Scott says HortNZ supports the measures taken by Biosecurity NZ
“Protecting the horticulture sector from biosecurity threats like the fruit fly is critical to the country’s economy and reputation as a producer of high-quality produce.
“We urge everyone to follow the restrictions and co-operate with Biosecurity NZ to ensure this pest does not get established here,” she says.
There is no change to the current movement rules that are in place. This area is divided into two zones, A and B.
Each zone has different restrictions. Signs are in place notifying people of the restrictions and marking the controlled area boundaries.
“The restrictions prohibit the movement of fruit and vegetables out of the specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found. This prevents possible spread of fruit fly or its larvae,” Inglis says.
Zone A is a 200m zone, including 262 properties. If you live in Zone A, no whole fruit and vegetables (other than leafy or soil-free root vegetables and cooked, processed, preserved, dried, frozen and canned fruit) can be moved from the area. This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.
Compost and green waste from gardens also cannot be moved out of this zone.
Residents in Zone A are asked to avoid composting fruit and vegetables and to dispose of this waste in the bins provided by Biosecurity NZ.
If you find eggs or larvae in homegrown produce, tie all the fruit or vegetable material inside a plastic bag and call Biosecurity NZ on 0800 809 966.
Zone B covers a 1500m area, including 8300 properties. If you live in Zone B, no fruit and vegetables grown there can be moved out of the controlled area.
You are free to move commercially purchased fruit and vegetables (such as fruit and vegetables bought at the supermarket) out of this zone. But if in doubt, don’t take it out.
Homegrown produce waste and garden waste need to be disposed of in Biosecurity NZ’s collection bins
The designated bins are being collected and examined by specialist staff in a mobile laboratory.
To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call the Ministry for Primary Industries’ pest and diseases hotline on 0800 809 966.
A map of the controlled area, as well as a full description of the boundaries and rules in place, is available on the Biosecurity NZ website.
NZ
Sonita Chandar 027 446 6221
sonita.chandar@stuff.co.nz
Sonita Chandar EDITOR
The food and fibre sector is still earning the country a tonne of money in export earnings, and this is never likely to change.
Agriculture is what New Zealand is built on, and what we produce is among the best in the world.
Our agricultural products, including meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, seafood, arable crops and forestry logs, are sought after by discerning consumers in overseas markets such as China, which is our largest export market And the figures are there to back it up.
Export revenue in the year to June 30, 2025 hit a record $60.4 billion, up 13% on 2024 And the December 2025 edition of the Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) shows that agriculture will pump a further $2b into the economy by June 30 this year.
It gets even better, as projected exports in 2026-27 will increase to $63.2b and reach $65.7b by 2029. Those figures are mind-boggling.
having to make tough choices. But the New Zealand economy is forecast to experience a moderate recovery in 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) rising 1.8% to 3.1%. Inflation is expected to settle, but it will take time.
Propping up the country to the tune of $60.4b and contributing 15.3% of GDP in 2025 is significant, and highlights how important agriculture is to New Zealand's economy Quite simply, the country would be stuffed without it. I hope the naysayers and those who constantly blame agriculture for everything that’s wrong get the message.
But it’s not an easy task feeding the world, especially with the craziness that is happening on the other side of the world. Our farmers, growers and producers are still facing challenges
According to the SOPI, global headwinds include sluggish economic growth, squeezed discretionary income, interest and exchange rate uncertainty, extreme weather and elevated geopolitical tensions.
now in place, and it is strengthening ties in Southeast Asia. Those deals don’t just happen on their own.
All the while in the background, our producers soldier on. They are the heart of the primary sector.
We have some of the best farmers in the world, and we are world-leading in many aspects, including being at the forefront of science and technology. Research is ongoing in the sector, with scientists and researchers always looking at new things and ways of working so the industry continues to be robust and sustainable.
Our primary producers cop a lot of flak for this and that, but it doesn’t stop them from doing their job, something they do brilliantly. They need our support, and we have more than 60 billion reasons why we should.
Kate
021 279 5361 kate.boreham@stuff.co.nz
What other industry in New Zealand is pumping that much into the economy?
None.
Our farmers, growers, foresters, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery Times are tough, and people are
Credit must go to our Government, which is working to build and maintain trade relations around the world, and negotiating free trade deals.
Since August 2025, 98.5% of our exports to the United Arab Emirates have entered duty-free, and this will rise to 99% by 2027. It has completed a trade agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council, a free trade deal with India is
Parliament’s passing of new rules for raising pigs will improve animal welfare and safeguard the long-term viability of New Zealand’s pork sector, NZPork says.
NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss says the regulations, passed by Parliament in December, give farmers a clear pathway to move from conventional farrowing crates to new pen-based systems, where sows are kept temporarily while caring for their piglets.
“The Government’s changes provide certainty and clarity for New Zealand pig farmers, who will now have the confidence to invest in new systems after five years of being in limbo without a solution on the horizon.
“Phasing out conventional farrowing crates in favour of pen-based systems will give sows more freedom of movement while keeping piglets safe.
“These pen-based systems are validated by scientific research and realworld outcomes, not well-meaning but misconceived ideology, so we’re pleased science has prevailed.”
The regulations include increasing the minimum spacing requirements for grower pigs by 13.3%, reducing the time sows are confined during farrowing and lactation from a maximum of 33 days to seven days, and limiting the use of mating stalls to no more than three hours at a time, down from seven days.
confinement for almost 97% of the time
up from 80% under current rules. Sows will also be provided with manipulable material to support nest-building behaviour. This approach better balances welfare outcomes for sows and piglets
Farrowing systems are the equivalent of maternity wards for sows and piglets, Kleiss says.
International research reviewed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) shows that these pens can improve sow welfare while protecting young piglets by briefly confining sows for a few days around farrowing, when piglets are most at risk of injury or death from their much larger mothers.
“About 70% of piglet deaths occur in
those first few days, with piglet crushing being the most common cause of piglet mortality.
systems will cost hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars. Outdoor farmers will also need to adjust as the new standards extend beyond farrowing systems alone.”
About 66.5% of pork consumed in New Zealand is imported from countries that do not limit confinement in farrowing crates, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The US, Canada and Australia also use gestation stalls, in some cases, to confine sows for the entirety of pregnancy.
“Short-term confinement during that period helps protect piglets until they are stronger and more aware of when the sow is moving. After a few days, the sow has full freedom of movement and can further express natural behaviours while caring for her litter until weaning.”
“The animal welfare improvements are clear, but the practical challenge for farmers is significant,” Kleiss says.
“This is the most far-reaching change our sector has faced in a generation. For many indoor farmers, replacing existing
Gestation stalls were banned in New Zealand in 2015 Practices long considered illegal in New Zealand –including the unlimited use of farrowing crates – are still permitted for products imported here.
“New Zealand farmers care about their pigs and are committed to continuous improvement in animal welfare, but we need a level playing field,” Kleiss says.
“The same standards should apply to imported pork. If we’re raising the bar here, the Government must walk the talk on imports, or we’ll end up selling out our industry and supporting poor welfare via imported products.”
Kantar research shows that more than 70% of consumers feel neutral, quite positive or very positive about the performance of New Zealand pig farms’ animal health and welfare, he says.
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Despite geopolitical turbulence, shifting trade policies and elevated uncertainty, New Zealand’s food and fibre sector continues to make a significant contribution to the country’s economy and is expected to reach $62 billion by June 30, 2026.
The December 2025 edition of the Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI), released by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay, shows farmers growers, foresters, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery. The latest forecasts are for the year to June 30, 2026
“Thanks to their hard work, resilience and innovation, export revenue in the year to June 30, 2025 hit a record $60.4b, up 13% on last year. And we’re not stopping there – exports are expected to build further to $62.0 billion by 30 June 2026, McClay says.
“The projection builds on last year’s record-setting $60.4 billion – from meat and wool to kiwifruit and cherries, our producers are remarkable. The world wants New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable, safe food and fibre.”
Exports are forecast to rise 3% from the previous year, and an impressive 16% higher than two years before Exports are expected to climb to more than $63b in the year to June 30, 2027.
The food and fibre sector accounted for 82.9% of New Zealand’s goods exports in the year to June 30, 2025. Over the last 10 years, food and fibre exports have grown on average by 5.3% per year whereas other goods exports have grown by 2.1%.
The sector is well positioned to capitalise on robust demand and strong prices, supported by good growing conditions and higher production in most areas.
“It’s an outstanding result, especially considering a tough year with challenging global conditions and extreme weather impacting producers,” McClay says.
The Government has an ambitious plan to double exports in 10 years, and in the report, McClay said to support this, it had opened doors for New Zealand exporters by securing new, diversified, and highquality trade agreements, upgrading and enhancing existing agreements, and tackling non-tariff and technical barriers to trade with 17 trade missions completed so far.
“We’re cutting red tape through significant reforms, building trade, driving higher producer returns, delivering tools and technology to tackle agricultural emissions, and investing in the health of rural New Zealand.
“Since August 2025, 98.5% of our exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have entered duty-free, and this will rise to 99% by 2027. The UAE is a key market and gateway to a US$500b economy, with two-way trade already worth $1.44b annually. Our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE is expected to deliver up to $42 million in annual tariff savings for Kiwi exporters and the wider economy.
“We’ve also concluded a high-quality trade agreement with the Gulf Co-operation Council, which delivers on an 18-year-long ambition for New Zealand to secure such an agreement in the Middle East ” When both agreements have been completed, 50.8% of New Zealand’s exports to the region will be tariff-free from the first day, with duty-free access for 99% of exports over 10 years.
The Government recently completed a free trade agreement (FTA) with India and is strengthening ties in Southeast Asia by building strong, effective partnerships across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to create more opportunities for Kiwi businesses.
Also in the report, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith said the results were better than expected.
“In general, global economic growth in 2025 has been stronger than initially expected, but ongoing political tensions between key markets is affecting global business confidence and investment.”
Smith says a weaker New Zealand dollar
The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report shows agricultural exports are booming and continue to reach record levels. By Sonita Chandar.
should support food and fibre exports in this next period.
“Conditions are improving for our farmers and growers. We expect farm profitability to increase in 2025-26, driven by a strong milk price and record production and higher prices for our red meat from tight global production. Input costs are also easing thanks to lower interest rates.
“The popularity of our apples and kiwifruit continues to surge, with good early-season growing conditions driving record production and export revenue.”
Smith says the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is working hard to support export growth, guided by an action plan It is focusing on ensuring the sector has the right settings, tools, technology, and support for success.
He recently travelled to key markets to maintain and strengthen trade relationships highlighted the excellent reputation and premium position held by New Zealand food and fibre products.
“A rise in the global population and wealth will drive future demand. There is also significant and growing demand from global consumers to know how and where their food is produced.
New Zealand is well placed to meet this demand especially with the development of grass-fed administrative standards which will support New Zealand’s premium red meat and dairy products in global markets.
Our 10 largest markets are China at $18.634m, followed by the United States
$6.940m, Australia $4.805m, the European Union, excluding the United Kingdom, $4.439m, Japan $2.948m, South Korea on $1.69m, Taiwan $1.638m, Indonesia $1.635m, United Kingdom $1.455m and Malaysia $1.410m rounds out the group.
Dairy had the highest percentage of exports on 45%, which equated to $27.151m with China, our biggest dairy market. Meat and wool on 20% was $12.36m with the US being the largest market. These were followed by horticulture at 15%, $8.802m, forestry 10%, $6.17m, seafood 4%, $2.224m, processed food on 6%, $3.338m and arable 1% at $338m.
Global headwinds include sluggish economic growth, squeezed discretionary income, interest and exchange rate uncertainty, extreme weather and elevated geopolitical tensions. Global volatility and uncertainty are expected to remain elevated over the outlook period.
Continued shifts in trade policy in major economies, including new import tariffs and greater use of non-tariff barriers, may elevate downside risks to the global economy and New Zealand food and fibre sector exports.
However, despite the dynamic global trading environment and continued uncertainty, food and fibre sector export revenue is forecast to achieve continued growth in 2025-26. Longer term, the outlook for food and fibre exports remains extremely strong.
New Zealand food and fibre exports are well placed to achieve further growth in
the face of uncertainty as demand for food remains a constant Ongoing work to improve trade relationships and market access will continue to support the sector and play a key role in growing New Zealand’s trade outcomes.
Dairy export revenue is forecast to increase 1% to $27.4b in the year to June 30, 2026. Growing global supply is outpacing demand growth, putting downward pressure on prices, although a weaker Kiwi dollar is expected to support exporters in maintaining good returns.
Strong domestic milk production, supported by supplementary feed, is expected to increase export volumes.
Weaker dairy commodity prices than last season are forecast to result in a decrease from last season’s record farmgate milk price to $9.70 per kilogram of milksolids (kgMS). Although lower, the milk price remains strong and well above the expected break-even milk price, supporting farmer confidence.
Meat and wool Meat and wool export revenue is forecast to increase 7% to $13.2b in the year to June 30, 2026, following 9% growth in 2024-25. Growth in 2025-26 is due to rising prices more than offsetting declines in export volumes. Higher prices are being driven by tighter global beef and sheep meat supplies, plus robust demand from Europe and the US. Higher prices are also more than
offsetting lower export volumes of beef, sheep meat, venison, wool, other meat, and animal co-products.
Sheep and beef farm profit is expected to increase in 2025-26, due to higher schedule prices more than offsetting a slight rise in expenditure.
New Zealand forestry export revenue is forecast to rise 2% to $6.3b in the year to June 30, 2026
Revenue growth is forecast to continue but at a slower pace than in 2024-25 due to subdued construction activity overseas and ongoing trade uncertainty Mill closures driven by high operating costs are still a concern, while some industry consolidation continues.
Uncertainty remains due to the instability of global economic recovery, potential trade barriers and continued high input costs.
The SOPI projects strong export growth for the horticulture sector. Horticulture export revenue is forecast to increase 5% to $9.2b in the year to June 30, 2026, with continued strong yields for many crops.
Kiwifruit export revenue is forecast to rise, with another good season increasing yields and continued strong prices.
Apples had favourable growing conditions for the 2025 crop, delivering an early harvest with good fruit size and quality. Wine export revenue is forecast to bounce back, with a large harvest offsetting continued weaker prices globally and a larger share of bulk wine
Avocado harvest volumes are forecast to be slightly down. However, a large cherry harvest is expected to lift cherry export revenue, while vegetable export revenue is projected to rise modestly.
HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott says the forecast export revenue will be welcomed by growers and regional communities. “New Zealand’s worldclass horticulture sector continues to build momentum, which is great news Our growers, exporters and supply chain partners have shown real resilience and dedication in the face of challenges such as flooding at the top of the South Island.
“They can be very proud of their hard work to ensure quality and nutritious New Zealand fruit and vegetables are on tables around the globe.”
Although the export outlook is positive, Scott says stronger export earnings do not
always flow through to the farm gate and growers continue to face significant cost pressures, which can limit the impact of higher returns.
“For the sector to grow and invest with confidence, horticulture businesses need to be profitable. Ensuring growers are able to capture value is essential to the long-term strength and sustainability of the industry.”
Scott says the positive outlook supports the sector’s ambition to double farmgate value by 2035, as set out in the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan.
“It also underlines the importance of policy settings that enable growers to produce nutritious, affordable fruit and vegetables efficiently and sustainably.”
Seafood
Seafood export revenue is forecast to fall 3% to $2.1b in the year to June 30, 2026. The drop is driven by lower export volumes
and softer rock lobster prices. Lower export volumes reflect lower aquaculture production due to lower spat availability and high temperatures impacting salmon harvests.
A rebound in aquaculture production in 2026-27 is expected to lift export revenue by increasing export volumes.
Global demand remains strong, and New Zealand’s diverse seafood portfolio and broad market access help offset shifts in trade and consumer spending.
Arable
It has been a tough season with adverse weather, rising costs and tight margins.
However, arable export revenue is forecast to rebound by 2% to $345m in the year to June 30, 2026 as it recovers from weather-related setbacks to clover seed harvests and reduced ryegrass exports in 2024-25.Vegetable seed continues to lead
export growth, supported by New Zealand’s reputation for purity and quality assurance. Ryegrass seed exports remain subdued due to global oversupply and pricing pressure.
Processed food and other products
Total export revenue from processed food and other products is expected to increase 2% to $3.4b in the year to June 30, 2026, driven largely by increased export revenue from chocolate and cereal products as well as a slight rebound in revenue from live poultry exports.
Marginal export revenue growth is also forecast for innovative processed foods, honey, and soup and condiments.
On the other hand, a further decrease in export revenue from other products is expected due to declining exports of soft drinks to Australia.
Across the food and fibre sector, 360,000 people were employed in the year to March 31, 2024, representing 12.4% of the total workforce. Primary production employment is distributed across the country, but processing and commercialisation activities are concentrated in Auckland and other major population centres.
“One in every seven people work in food and fibre – a successful sector means thriving communities, a growing economy and a prosperous New Zealand,” McClay says. “We are backing the food and fibre sector to thrive. And to do that, we’re making sure farmers, growers, fishers, foresters, processors, and producers have the right settings to maximise returns and build further resilience.
The Government has committed $246m over the next four years through the Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF) to boost productivity and resilience across the food and fibre sector.
They have also invested heavily to deliver tools and technology to farmers and growers to tackle agricultural emissions, with more than $400m to develop and roll out methane-cutting tools, with the first expected on farm by 2026.
“Our work continues to pay off Farmer confidence remains high, farm profitability is on the rise, and New Zealand has turned the corner out of recession,” McClay says.
“This Government will continue to back farmers, growers and other food and fibre producers – because our combined efforts are delivering long-term economic growth, environmental sustainability and prosperity for all New Zealanders.”
With my business coaching hat on, Chrismas holidays are a time for reflection on the year just gone Confucius says reflection is the first part of wisdom.
Questions to reflect on include what worked well? What didn’t? Why? And what can we change going forward?
Farmers or small business owners must have a positive mindset for the new year An open mind, thinking differently and problem solving are key skills to success. Be on top of things, from the big issues to the small ones. A key one for 2026 will be prospective higher interest rates.
The farm expense price index shows a 23% fall in interest expense in the past two years.
Yes, 2025 saw a fall in interest rates. However, the interest rate cycle is now turning – it looks like the lows have been reached – and greater attention will again turn to borrowing costs.
Latest Reserve Bank data shows the farming sector is carrying $62.5 billion of debt, of which the dairy sector holds $36.5b, hence upward changes in interest rates are a sizeable expense.
With the interest rate cycle turning, we can expect to hear lots of noise from banks about higher funding costs and what they pay to source funds they then distribute as loans, which is what we call credit intermediation.
Rising interest rates are a by-product of an improving economy. Good news carries a bad news kicker However, New Zealand longer-term interest rates are also being dragged higher by global ructions.
These ructions include the United States president threatening central bank independence (bad for inflation), potentially buying Greenland, and now some Japanese bond yields have hit new highs as the market loses confidence in the Japanese government’s proposed policy.
When interest rates rise, banks, globally, tend to do better. Their margins expand,
which drives profits. Falling interest tend to squeeze bank margins, though the recent 2025 bank reporting seas in New Zealand didn’t show that. Bank margins expanded during the recent easing cycle. In 2025, net interest margins for the big four ranged from ASB at 2.27% to ANZ at 2.6% net interest margin – all four banks’ New Zealand net interest margins were well above their Australian parents.
We have already seen many interest rates moved up. Last year we heard the standard vitriol from banks including rolling out one of their economists about higher funding costs and this validated borrowing costs moving up.
We have considerable transparency over home loan pricing but farm and business lending is far more opaque, in part because the risk profiles are different. If only one of the rural sector representative bodies could organise a survey across members that gave an idea on pricing!
Yes, we have seen some wholesale interest rates move up. Some borrowing rates have been on the move too. For example the two-year swap rate is now at 3.06% versus 2.50% on October 28, 2025. There is not a one for one correlation between wholesale rates and borrowing rates and you need to understand the funding mix of banks to appreciate the complete story
Banks source a large pool of funding from effectively free money This does not change with the interest rate cycle.
As at November 2025, there was $137b held in transaction accounts for which the banks give you effectively zero.
Add another $120b in savings accounts at very low rates.
Term deposits total $228b, and banks also source approximately another $121 billion from market funding to fully
“
Farmers or small business owners must have a positive mindset for the New Year.
the balance sheet. These are the areas ally pay for money. It always pays to eye on term deposit rates. Are they ving more, in tandem or less than borrowing rates?
Overnight funding totalled $257b. This is linked to central bank policy rates. The RBNZ has not shifted the Official Cash Rate from 2.25% yet, nor have we seen any lift by major international central bank. This means a large portion of bank funding is very short-term but still relatively “sticky” as people do not change their transaction accounts between banks often. Because banks give you nothing or effectively nothing on lots of sourced money from transactional and savings accounts, falling interest rates tend to challenge bank margins. is because there is effectively a zero on some of their sourced money. versely, when interest rates move easier to expand bank margins. Wholesale rates are often cited. Banks managed to expand margins during the recent easing cycle. With loan volume growth still subdued, profit expansion by banks (which is factored into priceearnings estimates) will require margin expansion.
So, remember, money in transaction accounts, and savings accounts does not move with the Official Cash Rate which dilutes the movement in overall funding costs. So, if wholesale interest rates move up by 20 basis points, it does not follow one for one that bank funding costs have risen 20 basis points. More like half that.
Wearing my Chaperon hat on where we help businesses and farmers navigate banking, floating-rate mortgages, loans, overdrafts and revolving credit facilities products are highly profitable for the big banks as even wholesale market 90-day funding currently costs about 2.52% as at January 21.
Soil scientist Doug Edmeades presented at the Grasslands conference late last year and shares his thoughts.
Grassland covers about 50% of New Zealand’s land area and grassland farming is the largest single industry in New Zealand. It earns about $38 billion annually. Every year those involved – scientists, agronomists, plant breeders, farm consultants and farmers –get together for their annual conference, which is normally held in early November. The strapline of the parent organisation – the Grasslands Association – is: Fuelled by Science, Tempered by Experience, reflecting the desire to marry good science with sound on-farm management.
From my perspective, one of the more interesting papers last year was presented by Benjamin Marmont from DairyNZ. He summarised 60 years of data published in the annual Economic Surveys of the Dairy Industry. You get a feel for the data by considering the changes in the physical characteristics in the industry.
In the 1960s, the average farm consisted of 59 hectares, milking 92 cows and producing 230kg MS per cow (375kg MS per ha). By the 2020s, the average farm was
143ha, milking 411 cows at 417kg MS per cow (1200kg MS per ha).
Among all this economic data, what caught my eye were some of the changes that have taken place over the past 60 years. In particular, the proportion of expenditure on pasture – noting that this includes supplements and N fertilisers –increased, mirroring an almost identical proportional decrease in the amount spent on fertiliser P, K and S.
These trends are consistent with other data. The fertiliser industry reports that fertiliser expenditure, using superphosphate as a proxy for all fertilisers,
has decreased by about 40% to 50% in recent years, from a peak of about 2m tonnes in the period 2003-05.
Chapman and co-authors concluded from a comprehensive review paper that “almost all of the increase in ‘dairy pasture eaten’ since 1990 can be explained by increases in N fertiliser coupled with an increase in stocking rate.”
All of this information seems to tumble to one conclusion. Spending on pastures (note again that this includes supplements and fertiliser N) has been substituted for expenditure on fertiliser P, K and S. This is understandable but only to the extent that supplements contain some, but not all the nutrients, contained in typical fertiliser inputs.
Certainly, nitrogen fertiliser use has increased dramatically from about 50,000 tonnes in the early 1990s to more than 400,000 tonnes today. In other words, farmers have used fertiliser N to enhance pasture production rather than relying on the well-proven technology of applying fertiliser P, K and S and trace elements to boost clover growth and hence the inputs of clover N into the soil
This is a double whammy because increasing fertiliser N inputs results in a decrease in clover production, which must be compensated by the inputs of N fertiliser if the soil N status is to be maintained. And now for a bit of “back-of-theenvelope” economics. The marginal cost to grow a kilogram of clover-based pasture,
supported by fertiliser P, K and S, is about 4 to 5 cents. In comparison, a kilogram of nitrogen-fed ryegrass costs about 10 to 12 cents and most home-grown crops are in the range 15 to 20 cents per kg DM Supplements, like maize or palm kernel, brought onto the farm cost in excess of 30 cents for a kilogram DM
At this basic agronomic level, it is not surprising that since about 1990 the gap between income and expenditure, as reported by Marmont, has widened –production is increasing but this is coming at an increasing cost.
Several reasons for this can be suggested. Perhaps farmers have simply lost sight of the important features of the clover-based pastures; clover is not only a better feed for ruminants – more MS per kg clover DM consumed – it also adds about $1.7b worth of free nitrogen to our pastoral system.
Another explanation is that the fertility of our pastoral soils is below optimal for growing clover-based pasture. There is strong evidence to support this. Clover has a higher requirement for all nutrients and hence it is the first component of the pasture to disappear if the fertility is not optimal. In the absence of clover, pastures look “hungry” and in desperation farmers are advised to apply fertiliser N and/or introduce new cultivars. Both options add cost for no long-term gain in productivity. And so, my New Year message: More profit or more production? Your choice.
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OtherkeyadjuvantsareLi-1000® andUnison®surfactant,penetrant,anddriftretardant,allinone. Pietersaysthenon-ionic,lowfoam,surfactants enhancetheactivityandpenetrationofherbicides andothercropprotectionproducts.“EitherLi-1000 orUnisonistheperfectpartner,particularlyfor spray-out,knockdownherbicidessuchasglyphosate, enhancingactivityandpenetration.Glyphosate remainsanimportantpartofpasturalfarming practice,especiallywhenfastturnaroundforanew crop,orre-grassingisneeded.Andthat’squite often!”
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Talktoyourlocaltechnicalrepresentativetolearn moreaboutgoodagriculturalpracticesorcontact PieterVanDerWesthuizen,UPLNZAdjuvantLead andRegionalManagerUpperNorthIslandat021392 740.
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Politics
Luke Malpass
New Zealand has concluded a free trade deal with India which, when complete, will mean tariff abolition or reductions on about 95% of New Zealand exports to India.
The deal was finalised on December 21 last year, and was officially announced by Trade Minister Todd McClay and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the evening of December 22.
The agreement will either eliminate or reduce tariffs on 95% of New Zealand’s exports, with almost 57% being duty-free from day one, increasing to 82% when fully implemented. The remaining 13% will also be subject to tariff cuts.
While ACT trade spokesperson Parmjeet Parmar welcomed the agreement, saying it was a “massive moment” for the country, NZ First’s Winston Peters said the deal was “neither free nor fair”, arguing it gave too much away on immigration and won too little for exporters.
The deal, which was agreed on December 12 but had to go to a special cabinet meeting called by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, puts New Zealand exporters on an equal or better footing to competitors across a range of sectors, and opens the door to India’s rapidly expanding middle class, according to Trade Minister Todd McClay
“This once-in-a-generation agreement creates opportunities New Zealand exporters have never had in India. This deal is in New Zealand’s best interest and will deliver thousands of jobs and billions in additional exports,” McClay says
“The Indian economy is forecast to grow to NZ$12 trillion by 2030. The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement unleashes huge potential for our world-class exporters to the world’s largest country and will significantly accelerate progress towards New Zealand’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports over 10 years.”
The deal will see India immediately abolish tariffs on sheep meat, wool, coal and most forestry and wood products when it comes into force. It is expected to be signed in the first half of 2026. Typically, such deals come into force six to eight months later, once they have been ratified by the Parliament of each administration.
The kiwifruit quota will be set at four times current export volumes and all quota will be tariff free, while out-of-quota export will be taxed at 50%.
Wine, which currently attracts a 150% tariff, will be slashed to 25% or 50% depending on the price of the wine.
What about dairy?
Dairy, which has been considered a crunch point in negotiations, has been liberalised, but the liberalisation is mostly limited to high-end value-added products and ingredients for export products.
In particular, any dairy and food ingredients exported to India to go into India-made products and then re-exported from India will be tariff-free from day one Bulk infant formula, high-value preparations, will be duty-free after seven years. Milk albumins will get a 50% tariff cut, with a quota set at current export levels.
General milk powder and commodity milk products have not had tariff cuts. The deal also covers services, which is likely to be an area of significant growth in coming decades.
“The FTA has broad services coverage and builds significantly on India’s WTO commitments with a focus on financial services, e-payments and FinTech, and includes an MFN (most-favoured-nation) clause to future-proof our services trade,”
McClay said
“To protect specialist and iconic New Zealand product names in each other’s markets, we have agreed to establish Geographical Indication rules comparable to those we have with the EU.”
Visas and immigration
Another key touchpoint for the negotiations – and one that could have caused domestic problems – was an expansion of Indian work visas and migration.
In the end, New Zealand will allow 1667 Indians here on three-year, skilled visas per year. Currently, about 10,000 come in annually via this route, so the new commitment is much smaller than the current reality.
“Sectors will be drawn from the New Zealand skills shortage ‘Green List’ with all immigration screening and qualification/ experience requirements remaining unaltered. We have retained the ability to change the Green List to match skills shortages in the economy,” McClay said.
Highly skilled graduates will also be allowed to stay in New Zealand and work longer.
The working holiday scheme has been aligned with Australia’s free trade deal, which allows 100 such visas to be issued per year.
The deal comes less than nine months after the governments of New Zealand and India announced they would be resuming negotiations after a 10-year hiatus.
‘Landmark’ deal for New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the conclusion of the negotiations was a “landmark moment” for New Zealand.
“I am delighted that, just nine months after Prime Minister Modi and I launched negotiations on this deal during my visit to India, Trade Minister Todd McClay and his counterpart Piyush Goyal have delivered.
“We made a campaign commitment to New Zealanders to secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and our countries have pursued this with determination
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for New Zealand exporters, with tariffs immediately removed on more than half of New Zealand’s current exports to India from day one The gains are wide-ranging and significant.
“India is the world’s most populous country and is the fastest-growing big economy – and that creates opportunities
Last March, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon flew to New Delhi to meet with Indian leader Narendra Modi. The free trade deal with India is the result of multiple trade visits by New Zealand politicians and trade delegates since the last election.
for jobs for Kiwis, exports and growth.”
Since the election, McClay had visited India seven times and Foreign Minister Winston Peters had visited India twice.
Earlier this year, Luxon led a trade delegation to India, and New Zealand had hosted India’s president and two ministerial visits.
“The result is a high-quality trade agreement with a trusted partner that will deliver deep and lasting benefits for New Zealand.
“I have just spoken to Prime Minister Modi, who shares our excitement to further cement the strong relationship between New Zealand and India.”
Luxon promised during the 2023 election campaign to get a free trade deal with India in his first term of government, something considered highly unlikely at the time.
India has a population of 1.4 billion people and a rapidly growing middle class. Greater access to Indian markets for goods and service exporters – as well as imports – over time could provide a bedrock for New Zealand’s next growth phase, policy-makers think.
NZ First
In a statement, NZ First leader Winston Peters said the party opposed the FTA, arguing that it gave away too much on immigration while securing too little for exporters, especially dairy.
Peters said National rushed a low-quality deal without majority support and opened New Zealand’s market while India kept high dairy tariffs, excluding key products worth billions. He also criticised new migration and student work concessions, saying they risked jobs and constrained future governments.
Peters stressed NZ First’s commitment to strong India-New Zealand relations, but said this agreement failed to deliver a good deal.
ACT
ACT trade spokesperson Parmjeet Parmar welcomed the agreement, saying it was a “massive moment” for the country and calling it long-overdue progress with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
The deal had the potential to significantly expand the current $3b in two-way trade by reducing barriers and making it easier for businesses to sell and invest.
Parmar said improved access to Indian markets would give exporters greater certainty and deliver more choice for consumers.
Industry welcomes ‘strategically significant’ deal The red meat sector has welcomed the
deal, which will eliminate the 30% tariff on New Zealand sheepmeat when it comes into force.
“This is a strategically significant milestone for New Zealand’s red meat sector,” said Nathan Guy, independent chairperson of the Meat Industry Association.
“In a global environment marked by rising protectionism, uncertainty and volatility, this agreement provides a foundation for the sector to realise opportunities in a market that has great prospects in the future.”
Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairperson Kate Acland said the deal put New Zealand on a level playing field with Australia, which concluded an FTA with India several years ago.
“Although the impact on farm-gate returns may not be significant in the short term, this is an important step for future resilience and profitability in the sector.”
ExportNZ executive director Joshua Tan said the agreement would help exporters navigate global trade uncertainty by reducing friction at the border and improving their ability to compete fairly.
“The problem is that prohibitive tariff barriers, often 30% to 60%, and up to 150% for wine, have limited what businesses can realistically do in India,” Tan said.
“This new agreement begins to bring those barriers down, gives exporters more certainty and more options.”
John McWhirter, chief executive of Wools of New Zealand, said the deal would strengthen relationships with Indian manufacturers and help make wool products more cost-effective.
“A Free Trade Agreement will pave the way for India to play a greater role as a key manufacturing and value-adding partner for New Zealand wool,” he added.
The key points
■ Tariff elimination or reduction on 95% of our exports.
■ Duty-free access on almost 57% of New Zealand’s exports from day one, increasing to 82% when fully implemented, with the remaining 13% being subject to sharp tariff cuts.
■ Immediate tariff elimination on sheep meat, wool, coal, and more than 95% of forestry and wood exports.
■ Duty-free access on most seafood exports, including mussels and salmon, over seven years.
■ Duty-free access on most iron, steel and scrap aluminium, over 10 years or less.
■ Duty-free access for most industrial products, over five to 10 years.
■ 50% tariff cut for large quota of apples –nearly double recent average exports.
■ Duty-free access for kiwifruit within a quota almost four times our recent average exports, and tariff halved for exports outside of quota.
■ Duty-free access for cherries, avocados, persimmons and blueberries, over 10 years.
■ Tariffs on wine reduced from 150% to either 25 or 50% (depending on the value of the wine) over 10 years, plus Most Favoured Nations (MFN) commitment.
■ Tariffs on mānuka honey cut from 66% to 16.5% over five years.
■ MFN status and liberalisation across services exports.
■ Duty-free access for dairy and other food ingredients for re-export from day one.
■ Duty-free access for bulk infant formula and other high-value dairy preparations over seven years.
■ 50% tariff cut for high-value milk albumins within a New Zealand-specific quota equal to current export volumes.
Two-day event in North Canterbury will explore the future of regenerative and organic food production
As New Zealand farmers face hotter summers and added stress on soil, plants and livestock, interest is increasing in how trees can add value to farm systems without taking land out of production.
This will be front and centre at Underground Festival 2026, where the possibilities for trees on working pastoral farms will be explored in depth
Running from February 18-19 in North Canterbury, Underground Festival is a celebration of soil, food and farming, blending big-picture thinking with on-farm walks, demonstrations and practical knowhow.
Attracting producers seeking real-world tools and solutions, as well as the science, the two-day event brings together farmers, growers and agricultural educators from Aotearoa and overseas to explore the future of regenerative and organic food production.
One of the most anticipated strands of this year’s programme focuses on ‘agroforestry’ as an intentional and productive element of a farming enterprise Central to this discussion are sessions with Gavin Fisher, a third-generation organic dairy farmer from Te Aroha, and Australian regenerative systems expert Darren J Doherty, founder of the Regrarians Platform. For well over 30 years, Fisher has been planting and managing trees on his farm, long before the term “regenerative
agriculture” became commonplace. “Every tree planted on our farm has had to tick as many boxes as possible: shade, shelter, habitat, nutrient cycling, produce, dietary and health benefits for the cows to name just a few,” he’s said of his approach.
Fisher’s philosophy is grounded in a belief that trees should be integrated into farm systems in ways that deliver multiple functions at once. On his farm – where dairy sits alongside deer, beef cattle, free-range chooks, bees and hundreds of fruit and nut trees – he treats the property as “a whole living ecosystem” in which soil life, plants and animals are interconnected.
Underpinning his efforts is a recognition that trees do much more than provide shade. Deep-rooted species access nutrients beyond the reach of shallow pasture roots, cycling minerals back into the system through leaf litter and root turnover. This process can improve soil structure, water infiltration and pasture growth – benefits that are increasinglyvaluable as farmers contend with hotter, more variable seasons.
“If you want diverse plants to grow you have to have diverse conditions. Trees really help you out there with changes in moisture, shade and heat conditions.”
At Underground Festival, Fisher will share those long-held insights, helping farmers see how trees can be more than ornamentation or shelter, but partners in performance and production
Following his session, festival attendees will have the chance to hear from Darren
With each eweearning you$180-$300fromsheep meat,and wool earningyou anet $5 per ewe(?), howare yougoing to breed your future flock?
What do Wairere Nudies offeryou?After three yearsoftransplanting 1,600 Easycare embryosand usingaround 3,000 semen straws from fiveflocksinthe UK andIreland, Wairere has 800 purebredand Brazilian(3/4Nudie) ramlambs availablefor purchase this year
CommentsfromWairere Nudieclients
“TheNudiecross lambshave abettersurvivalrate. We scanned246% out of Coopworth ewes, docked 212%.Lambs weaned at 30kg versus27kgout of themainflock.
“Bearings areararity.Ewe survival is high.” Nudiecross lambsgrowfaster. Hybridvigour helps, it’sa free lunch. “Weare averaging 19-20kgonour workslambs from aconsistent 160% lambingoverthe pastthree years.’”
“Out of 5,000 lambsatweaning we daggedonly20-30.”
“78%ofthe Brazilianewe hoggets didn’t need shearing. Transition to no shear sheep is fast.”
Greater tolerance to internalparasiteshas been measuredbyFEC comparison andthe Carla test.
J Doherty, whose work in whole-farm planning bridges soil, water, trees, infrastructure and enterprise design.
Underground Festival organiser Fran Bailey says: “Darren’s sessions are designed to cover the keystone principles when planning agroforestry on your farm and then get stuck into the ‘how’, giving farmers frameworks and practical tools to integrate trees into their landscapes in ways that complement grazing, water management and overall farm resilience.”
Doherty’s approach emphasises intentional placement and purpose: where trees go, what functions they serve, and how their presence interacts with grazing patterns, microclimate and farm logistics.
“For many farmers interested in agroforestry, the leap from curiosity to implementation can be daunting and questions around lost grazing area, costs and management complexity often stall progress. Darren’s approach helps farmers
into his pasture grazing and browsing feeding system. He’ll be speaking on the topic at the Underground Festival later this month.
navigate those trade-offs thoughtfully and strategically. By using local scenarios as examples and working in groups, the hope is that farmers will gain the confidence to get started when they go home.”
The focus on trees at Underground Festival 2026 reflects a broader shift in farming conversations as producers grapple with more frequent weather extremes. Shade for stock during heat stress is no longer a niche concern, it’s a practical welfare issue that affects milk yields, reproduction and animal comfort.
And it’s a profit-driver when well designed and managed – research shows that trees on farms can reduce wind and heat stress, leading to better outcomes for livestock productivity and resilience.
Complementing this focus, the festival will also take an in-depth look at ecosystem services and the opportunities for farmers to capitalise on biodiversity credits, finance for restoration projects and planting.
“Nudiestructure is good. We culled only 6out of 800two toothewes.”
“In acomparison of ramlambs we measured Streakers (half Nudie) against Wairere Romney ramlambs from weaning in December to slaughterfrom January to March.”
TomBull, largest primelambram breeder in Australia: “In 34 years I’ve never seen sucha moveinAustraliaawayfromsheep,and into cattleand cropping.And there is abig movehere to non shearing sheep.” The world supplyofsheep meat is reducing fast.
‘Very
Lucy Cooper
Canterbury dairy farmer
Harry Meijer is excited about the creation of a storage pond for the Waimakariri Irrigation scheme.
Canterbury
Tony Benny
Canterbury dairy farmer Harry Meijer says he’s fizzing at the news that work will start soon on a long-awaited storage pond to “hugely improve” the reliability of the Waimakariri Irrigation scheme he relies on.
The scheme draws water from the Waimakariri River to irrigate 24,749 hectares of North Canterbury farmland, but under its consent when the river falls too low or is in flood, it has to be turned off, which has meant some farmers have lost tens of thousands of dollars in production.
To accommodate that unreliability, Meijer always has plenty of supplementary feed on hand, but he says that’s an expensive option.
“What we’ve put into feeding cows as a summer mitigation factor
conservatively would be $50,000 per average summer and has been as high as almost $100,000.”
Waimakariri Irrigation Ltd (WIL) bought a 120ha property near Burnt Hill in 2007 with the intention of constructing an 8.2 million-cubic metre storage pond to improve the scheme’s reliability, but it’s been a long process to get final approval.
In 2015 a residents group appealed to the Environment Court against the consent that had been granted, and although the court in August 2020 ruled in WIL’s favour, some shareholders had given up waiting by then and had their own storage ponds constructed.
When WIL shareholders were finally asked to vote on the proposal, about 72% said yes, just shy of the 75% needed.
A new proposal under which only farmers who will actually want the stored water will pay for it has since been agreed via the purchase of shares in a new entity called Burnt Hill Storage Limited (BHSL)
hile steady all-day rain may not be a holiday-maker’s summer weather of choice, many Wairarapa farmers are welcoming the mid-January downpour.
From wheat growers to cattle farmers, several of the region’s primary producers told Wairarapa Times-Age that the recent dose of the wet stuff had come just at the right time.
Mick Williams said the rainfall he’d recorded at his 800-hectare Ahiaruhe Farm, near Carterton, was helping to plump up his wheat, barley and maize grains, boosting yields.
Sheep and dairy farmer Mike McCreary is also grateful for the recent weather His farm, Te Hopai, had benefited earlier in the season from “picking up bits and pieces of rain” that bypassed the rest of the region
because of its South Wairarapa location, but still “this rain is very timely”, he said.
“It’s keeping everything going, particularly on irrigated ground – which is already nice and green – and helping with keeping the evapotranspiration down.”
Looking ahead, McCreary said he was hoping for a bit of everything in moderation.
“More timely rain, and hopefully not too much in the way of these extreme temperatures – particularly wind, as that’s not ideal, because it dries everything out,” he said. “But at the same time, like every other New Zealander, we want to see some summer as well.”
Regenerative farmer Claire Wells is excited – on behalf of her small herd of slow-grown beef cattle in Carterton – that this wet spell will mean something other than “crispy grass” in February.
“That will be a real treat,” she said.
“Our poor dry ground is soaking up this downpour, and bits of green are poking
through here and there from the last deluge.”
Ōpaki blueberry grower Kieron Caveney is a little more cautious
He estimated that he was about halfway through his pick-your-own (PYO) season at Tūrutu Orchard, and while he “needed the rain”, if there was too much too quickly, his little blue crop could take a hit.
“What can happen with blueberries is when they are pretty much nearly ripe, they can’t absorb too much moisture. The moisture has got to go somewhere, so they end up splitting and becoming ruined.”
However, Caveney has his fingers crossed that the recent hot and dry weather will balance out the impacts of the current downpour, and that he’ll remain open to the public for PYO.
The forecast and figures MetService January rainfall figures for
“ Our poor dry ground is soaking up this downpour, and bits of green are poking through here and there from the last deluge. ”
Claire Wells
and now construction is scheduled to begin in May this year.
For farmers like Meijer, that means coming up with 30% of the construction costs before work begins. His share will be just over $600,000 plus annual charges of $170/ha.
Meijer reckons that’s good value for money, reasoning that the money he’s spent during 20 years on supplementary feed could have gone a long way toward paying for storage. “Hell’s bells, stuff that the cows can eat for themselves, as opposed to starting the tractor and feeding it out, has got to be better, doesn’t it?”
The recommended storage for each farm was equivalent to 65 millimetres of irrigation, but Meijer opted for 100mm to give reliability well above 90%.
“The potential therefore is phenomenal, as far as I’m concerned.
Managing green grass for cows is always easier than managing supplementary
Wairarapa provide more evidence that the recent wet weather is rightly appreciated.
Meteorologist Lewis Ferris said that up until the middle of the month, most of Wairarapa was below 50% of average rainfall for the time of the month, and some parts were below 20%
However, the 40.8mm recorded at the Masterton weather station in the 13 hours to 2pm on January 15 was “quite a bit when you consider their average January sees around 60mm”.
“They were at 25% of normal for the month before [then] now they’re at 165%,” he said at the time February would see a return to “a more traditional La Niña”, and potentially wetter weather than normal. But it depended on how tropical weather systems and lows in the Tasman developed
“It could very easily flop to drier than average if these don’t eventuate because the high pressure to our south was too strong.”
feed and simplicity around that and costs associated with that.”
Meijer farms in an equity partnership with Graham Bain, who put centre pivots on his 450ha farm when the Waimakariri scheme started in 1999. The property now supports two dairy farms, including Meijer’s operation.
When Meijer took over, he first had to build a cowshed. “We started from scratch and it was great for a young fellow with a bit of fizz, loving to be being able to paint his canvas to suit.”
Buying in feed has always been essential to keeping that production up, even though it has been expensive, so Meijer is excited that in the 2029-2030 season there will be reliable irrigation water available
“For various reasons, it’s taken longer than anticipated but I’m absolutely excited about the opportunities involved with for sure. It’s happening and by Christ, I can’t wait.”
“Hell’s bells, stuff that cows can eat for themselves, as opposed to starting the tractor and feeding it out, has got to be better, doesn’t it?”
Harry Meijer
High levels of oxalates in feed and bedding are believed to have caused 70 Southland calves to die from kidney failure.
Louisa Steyl
Biosecurity New Zealand says contaminated feed, rather than antifreeze, likely caused 70 Southland calves to die from kidney disease.
The agency’s latest biosecurity surveillance report, covering the period from July to September 2025, detailed how 70 of the 150 calves, aged 3 to 4 weeks, died over a twoto three-week period.
Initial investigations pointed to antifreeze as a likely cause of crystals in the calves’ kidneys, but Biosecurity NZ animal health incursion investigations team manager Kelly Buckle said the same kidney damage could be seen in animals poisoned with plants containing high levels of oxalates.
Testing of hay and bedding since the cases were first reported had shown high levels of these toxins.
It was believed the farmer had bought the hay.
The calves displayed symptoms such as teeth grinding, swollen stomachs, lethargy and a lack of appetite, and post-mortem examinations showed calcium oxalate crystals in their renal tubes.
While ethylene glycol (primarily used as antifreeze) was considered, Buckle said the compound was not found on the farm.
There were no tests available to check for the compound in milk, hay or blood she said.
“In New Zealand, cases of oxalate poisoning are known to occur following ingestion of sorrel, fathen, oxalis species or pigweed.”
Buckle said it was likely the animals ate toxic plants found in their hay.
“It is important to note that oxalates are present in many plants and are tolerated at various levels in livestock, so it is not clear whether the levels detected in the hay were high enough to cause the very high rate of deaths in this case,” she said.
Young animals were more sensitive to poisoning, particularly if they ate oxalate-containing plants repeatedly over a period of time, Buckle said.
While ethylene glycol toxicity in cattle had been reported overseas, none had been confirmed here.
Eve Hyslop
In one of his first jobs out of high school, Dr Dave Leathwick fell into science and knew he was cut out to be a scientist. He was widely recognised, both nationally and internationally, as a leading parasitologist and a passionate leader within the agricultural community, before his death on December 27.
Leathwick leaves behind a threedecade legacy of parasitology research, having been known for his commitment to turning high-quality science into evidence-based, practical recommendations for farmers, according to a tribute by the New Zealand Society of Animal Production (NZSAP).
For his “unwavering commitment to the rural sector”, Leathwick was awarded the NZSAP McMeeken Award in 2010, and in 2023, he was named Primary Industries Champion at the Primary Industries New Zealand Awards.
More recently, Leathwick was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Science New Zealand Awards.
In a video interview with AgResearch (now the Bioeconomy Science Institute) about his nomination, Leathwick said as someone who was always interested in the outdoors, he started a job out of high school with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
From there, he was introduced to science and said he was “never going to be anything else” than a scientist
His work was of particular benefit to the pastoral sector due to his expertise in managing livestock parasites and drench resistance. For many years, he researched nematode parasites affecting grazing livestock, with a particular emphasis on their biology, control and the management of anthelmintic resistance Colleague and the leader of the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s parasitology team, Dr Christian Sauermann, recognised Leathwick for his
dedication to the sector
“Fundamentally, Dave’s work was always focused on New Zealand farmers and the long-term sustainability of the pastoral sector.” Sauermann said.
In his video interview with AgResearch, Leathwick said: “The other highlight for me is working directly with farmers and vets, going onto real farms, dealing with
“
One thing he would often remind us was ‘Science is a team sport, don’t let your ego get in the way of your success’.”
Dr Christian Sauermann
real-world issues and having an impact,” Leathwick said in the video interview with the Bioeconomy Science Institute.
On the international stage, Leathwick contributed to expert workshops and regulatory discussions, sharing his expertise on anthelmintic resistance.
His loss was not only a professional one, but personal for many, Sauermann said.
“Dave was my PhD supervisor, later my colleague, and although I eventually became his manager, he remained a mentor and friend throughout.
“To many of us, Dave was an exceptional mentor who always made time for people, backed his students and colleagues, and took genuine pride in helping others succeed.”
Leathwick’s selfless approach to science was particularly remembered by his colleagues. “One thing he would often remind us was ‘Science is a team sport, don’t let your ego get in the way of your success’,” Sauermann said.
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Massey University
Professor Paul Kenyon explains how sheep farmers can breed ewe hoggets successfully in today’s high lamb price environment.
With lamb prices at record highs, many farmers are considering breeding their ewe hoggets for the first time While this can increase the total number of lambs weaned and boost farm revenue, it doesn’t automatically mean greater profitability. Success depends on careful planning and management.
If you’re thinking about breeding hoggets, now is the time to have a well-developed plan to maximise the chance of pregnancy and healthy lambs. Key considerations for successful hogget breeding:
■ Target weight and condition: Hoggets should be close to 70% of their expected mature weight before mating, or at minimum 65%. You can use the four-tooth ewe weight as a proxy for mature weight. Body condition scores of 2.5 or above are also recommended. Monitoring liveweights and adjusting feed levels now can make a significant difference.
■ Animal health: Work with your local veterinarian to ensure a robust animal health plan, including vaccinations, is in place.
■ Encouraging cycling: Encourage cycling by introducing vasectomised “teaser” rams 17 days before breeding. Well-grown hoggets may benefit from an even earlier teaser exposure – for example, 34 or 51 days before mating. It is advised to use a teaser-to-hogget ratio of 1:100.
■ Ram introduction: Use mature rams in smaller paddocks, at a ratio of 1:50, since hoggets are shy breeders Avoid ram genotypes that produce very large lambs, as hoggets have an increased risk of birthing difficulties. The most common challenge with
There are a number of factors for farmers to consider before breeding their ewe hoggets. KELLY HODEL/WAIKATO TIMES
hogget breeding is ensuring sufficient feed. Hoggets need to continue growing during pregnancy, gaining at least 130 grams per day to maximise lamb survival and maintain their suitability for rebreeding as two-tooths
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University modelling shows that, in many cases, farmers can adjust mature ewe numbers to maintain feed availability and still improve profitability by breeding hoggets.
However, research also indicates that if mature ewe weaning percentages are below 150%, it may be better to focus on improving mature ewe performance before introducing hogget breeding.
Our research at Massey underscores
the importance of evidence-based decision-making in agriculture.
“
The most common challenge with hogget breeding is ensuring sufficient feed.
Professor Paul Kenyon, Massey University
While high lamb prices are tempting, breeding ewe hoggets can be a profitable way to increase farm productivity, but only if done carefully, with proper feed, animal health and overall farm management
Catherine Groenestein
Opunake farmer Andy Whitehead’s cows don’t use brooms (yet), but he’s not surprised to find out that scientists in Austria have discovered the animals’ intelligence has been under-rated.
A new study published in the Cell Press journal Current Biology last month is the first to describe tool use in a pet cow.
Veronika, a brown Swiss cow, belongs to Witgar Wiegele, an Austrian organic farmer and baker who noticed his animal would occasionally pick up sticks and use them to scratch herself.
The behaviour first came to scientific attention when it was recorded on video and shared with Alice Auersperg, a cognitive biologist at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna
The Austrian researchers travelled to see Veronika and gave her a broom.
She used the brush to scratch areas like her back with forceful movements, and used the stick end more carefully for sensitive areas like her udder.
The study authors said this was the first experimentally verified use of tools
by a cow, but this capacity may be more widespread – though unlike Veronika, cows in “impoverished” farm environments may not get the opportunity to show it.
“The findings highlight how assumptions about livestock intelligence may reflect gaps in observation, rather than genuine cognitive limits,” Auersperg said.
“When I saw the footage, it was
immediately clear that this was not accidental,” she recalled.
“This was a meaningful example of tool use in a species that is rarely considered from a cognitive perspective.”
Tool use is defined as the manipulation of an external object to achieve a goal through mechanical means. Researchers found that Veronika’s behaviour met this definition and went a step further, describing it as flexible, multi-purpose tool use – something extraordinarily rare that, outside of humans, has previously only been documented convincingly in chimpanzees
Back in Taranaki, highland bull McGillie, who was famous in the 2000s as the Taranaki rugby team’s real-life mascot, didn’t use a broom to scratch himself, but he enjoyed being bathed and brushed before a game, said owner Gail Simons, of Inglewood.
“McGillie loved it when he was going out.”
While the bull always handled all the noise and excitement with aplomb, he refused to drink New Plymouth’s tap water.
“Our water is pure, from the roof. After he’d been out with the team, he’d be thirsty, but if the water was from New Plymouth he would wait until he got home.If we took some from home with us for him, he’d empty the bucket.”
Stratford farmer Dave Hunger, whose pet cow Baby is a favourite with children visiting an adventure park he runs on his farm, was surprised by the research.
“If it hadn’t been photographed, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Baby’s main talent was being extremely placid, he said.
Whitehead, whose dairy herd includes a brown Swiss cow, said cattle could quickly work out if an electric fence was not turned on, and some could open gates and let themselves (and their herd-mates) out.
He has witnessed one clever cow carefully push her head low down on an electric fence standard, avoiding the live wire, and shoving it until the wire lay down enough for her to step over.
“We look at cows as just an animal, but they’re way more complex than that –how they connect with people, they know people and react differently to strangers,” he said.
The brown Swiss cow in his herd is invariably in the first spot in the second row in his herringbone shed at every milking.
Whitehead hasn’t seen her pick up a broom yet, but is interested in the idea.
“We scrub down the walls of the shed every day – I might train the brown Swiss cow to do it for us,” he quipped.
Steve Macmillan
After 60 years dedicated to promoting the scientific and pastoral practices in New Zealand’s agriculture sector, a Northland man has no intention of stopping work.
At 81, Bob Cathcart is something of an icon in the farming landscape, having worked extensively in land and resource management. He’s developed a deep knowledge of Northland and Auckland soils, and advises on land use capability assessment as a tool to assist economically and environmentally sustainable production.
Although he’s now less likely to be spotted in a paddock armed with a spade digging up soil samples, Cathcart is never far from his main tool of trade – these days, his laptop – working on any number of projects.
Cathcart uses long-gathered knowledge to assist landowners to consider land use options by matching land use to soil types.
This can also involve identifying potential horticultural land that, if irrigation water is made available, could be developed for orcharding and market gardens.
Then he can quickly switch to advising on measures to control difficult erosion problems by selecting ‘tools’ from an erosion control toolkit gathered over a lifetime of working with practical farmers, foresters and contractors.
“I guess a lot of what I do is putting people in touch with people who I know have a sound, practical experience in various primary industry fields. I am lucky to have a long list of people who have learnt from experience and who are prepared to share their knowledge,” Cathcart says.
In recent years, he has also spent
recent years, plenty of time helping landowners, consultants, developers and councils understand and make decisions on the use of “highly productive land”.
He believes the pasture grazing models developed in Northland to optimise kikuyu-dominant pastures will assist farmers across the rest of the country to respond to climate change, the wider swings between wet and dry seasons, and the new pasture species needed to cope with these extremes
The Northland kikuyu management regime, developed by a farmer-led team of farmers, scientists and extension officers, not only changed a weed grass into a resilient and manageable pasture species, but also showed what teamwork could do, and confirmed that farmers watch and learn best from other farmers.
“Work is being accelerated in this area, with the Resilient Pastures Project now underway to identify, introduce and develop means of successful establishment and, most importantly, how to optimise management of our
to optimise pastures of the future.
change. And while it is called a ‘resilient pastures’ project, the effect of climate change and different stock management systems on the soil are an integral part of regime development
“The longer grazing rotations developed by beef farmers, while having heavier stocking rates than historically carried, also have longer spells between grazings – the soil has longer to recover and restore its structure before being grazed again.
“Development of optimum rotation length, and its effect on both the
“Again, this is a farmer-led project, drawing on our experience to date with kikuyu grass and assisting farmers across the whole country to navigate on grasses and legumes in new pastures, must be considered hand-in-hand with the effects of soil compaction on the soil biota, the fungi, bacteria and other critters on which plants depend to extract nutrients from the soil and transfer them into the plant roots.”
Cathcart had a good grounding on the land as a child growing up on a 43-hectare dairy and sheep farm at Pukekawa, and that ultimately set him up for his career in understanding and
getting the best out of the land – work that has seen him help hundreds of farmers to achieve success.
“My parents moved onto the farm in 1939 and developed it from a rundown fern and mānuka block to a successful family farm, eventually milking 65 cows and carrying 200 ewes, with lambs being sent off fat, but the ewes also being used to control weeds particularly ragwort.”
In a throwback to the past, they had a four-bail walk-through cowshed and sent cream to the Franklin Dairy Company factory at Tuakau.
Company at
“As children, my sister and I were involved in all farm activities and, while at high school, I would often do the evening milking when Dad was late home. I bought my first horse, a stock pony foal, from my grandfather at age 3, handing over a penny I happened to have in my pocket, as payment.
“After attending Onewhero District High School, I would have had to go to boarding school for the seventh form but, fortunately, my enrolment at in a
Bachelor of Agricultural Science course at Massey Agricultural College was successful so, as a 16-year-old, I began my studies there in 1961
“The degree required the student to complete 48 weeks working on approved farms during the four-year course. I was fortunate to work on a large sheep and beef station south of Port Waikato, an intensive cropping and stud-sheep property at Ashburton, and got credits for my work on the home farm. I also spent one summer working in the freezing works at Westfield, Auckland, an essential part of any rural professional’s basic training.”
Cathcart completed his degree at the end of 1964 – majoring in soil science, soil and water management, and farm management – and began work as an assistant soil conservator with the Northland Catchment Commission in January 1965.
He says the move north was not a complete step into the unknown because, while his father’s family settled in the Pukekohe area in 1865, his mother’s family was from the North.
“My maternal grandmother’s family were ‘Albertlanders’, settling in Wharehine, also in 1865. The old family Bible records my grandmother’s place of birth as the ‘Flax Mill, Dargaville’, her father being the engineer building the Dargaville-Donnelly’s Crossing railway. My grandmother taught school
at Kaihu before moving to teach at Maungakaramea, where she married into the Gillingham family. One of her older sisters married a Trounson in Dargaville and another a Crawford in Whangārei.”
Distilling his career into a snapshot is a hard task, but he points to a handful of highlights as he mulls over his work.
Having worked his way from a raw graduate starting at the Northland Catchment Commission in 1965, Cathcart became chief executive of Northland Regional Council, where he also assumed a training role as land management specialist in the early 2000s.
“I held that land management role until my retirement from the regional council in December 2013, after 49 years in regional government
“I was then invited to work as a land and environmental management consultant with AgFirst, starting in January 2014, and I now work under the umbrella of AgFirst Northland, a Northland agricultural consultancy that is part of the wider AgFirst New Zealand team and the largest rural professional consultancy in New Zealand.
“My first contract was to Northland Regional Council, drafting their Soils Fact Sheet series, now available on the council website and accessed by a property map database. You can just click on your property and it will tell you what soil types and the area of each
Climatechangeisahugeandcomplicatedtopic,butitsrelevanceissimple–ourlives dependonhowwerespond.TomeetNewZealand’s(NZ)netzerotargetofallgreenhouse gasemissionsby2050,plantationforests playacriticalrolebecauseofhowquickly radiatapinegrowsandabsorbscarbon dioxide(CO2). They’llmakeameasurabledifferenceinthe 25yearswehavelefttomeetourtarget Greenhousegasesareagroupofgasesthat trapheatintheearth’satmosphere,whichis causingglobalwarming.
CO2isthemostcommonproducedby humanactivity
Thescienceisstraightforward-CO2 absorptionislinkeddirectlytogrowthrates. Nativeforestsgrowslowly,makingthemlesseffectiveforrapidCO2reduction.Plantation forestsgrowfast,makingthemthemostefficienttoolforlarge-scaleCO2removal Globally,urgencyisclear.TheParisAgreementof2015setthebenchmark-by2100, theworldmustlimitwarmingofthesurfacetemperaturetonomorethan1.5°Cabove pre-industriallevelstoavoidcatastrophicimpactsonecosystems,societies,andeconomies This1.5°Cfigurehasbecometheblueprintforasustainablefuture.NZactedearlier, introducingtheEmissionsTradingScheme(ETS)in2008undertheClimateChangeResponse Act
TheETSisNZ’sprimarytooltomeetourinternationalobligations.It’suniquebecauseit includesforestrybygivinglandownerscreditsforplantingnewforests,whichabsorbCO2. However,theymustpayiftheydeforest,whichreleasesCO2. Despitethesemeasures,NZ’soverallemissionshavecontinuedtorisesince1990,withonly abriefdipduringtheCovid-19lockdowns.TheriseisbecauseNZ’splantationforestareahas declinedsince2008mainlyduetodairyconversions.TheETSincentiveshaveonlyseennew plantingsfrom2017,andatratesstillfarbelowthemid-1990s In2019,aboutaquarterofNZcouncilsdeclaredaclimateemergency,followedbythe governmentin2020.Whilelargelysymbolic,thesedeclarationssignalthatclimatechange mustbetakenseriously.However,somecouncils’aresimultaneouslyreducinglandavailable forplantationforests.Thisrisksunderminingbothdomesticandinternationalcommitments byloweringCO2removalsandincreasingemissions.
AlongsidetheETS,thegovernmenthasintroducedadditionalincentivessuchastheOne BillionTreesprogrammeandtheAfforestationGrantScheme.Together,theseinitiatives aimtoexpandforestcover,deliveringnotonlyclimatebenefitsbutalsoeconomic, environmental,andsocialgainsforallNewZealanders Plantationforestryisnotthewholesolution,butwithoutit,ourpathtonetzerobecomesfar steeper.
you have on your property. Subject to having regard to the scale of the soil map data and some errors in the maps, this is a very valuable database for catchment and larger farm management that I
encourage people to take advantage of.”
His next major and very rewarding contract was helping Ngāti Hine Forest Trust develop a management plan for the 5000ha they manage – a mix of production pine forest, regenerating indigenous forest and recovering mānuka scrubland and wetlands.
“The trust and other forest companies across Northland should be congratulated for their management of their land and water resources.
“The forest industry has worked very closely with Northland Regional Council, and more recently with the district councils and Department of Conservation, to develop forest management practices – ‘forest operations guidelines’ – that are superior to anywhere else in New Zealand.
“The Northland Environmental Forestry Working Group meets four or more times a year, and develops and promotes improved management practices.
“A huge amount of work went into finding solutions for a sustainable and profitable future,” he says, “and key to that success was tapping into the knowledge of the people on the ground doing the work over the years and finding out from them just what did and didn’t work over time.
“You simply can’t underestimate the value of learning and knowledge in sound land management.”
Thereisacommonbutinaccuratebeliefthatplantationforestryharmsbiodiversity. Inreality,forestersareconservationistsatheart
They’vechosenthiscareerbecausetheylovetheoutdoors,andcaringfortheenvironmentis notanoptionalextrabutcentraltotheirjob.
Fromtheirearliesttraining,forestersaretaughttobeecologicallyconscious,andforestry ownersactivelyempowertheirstafftoupholdthesevalues.
Forestbiologicaldiversityreferstothefullrangeoflifeformsfoundwithinforestedareasand theecologicalrolestheyperform.
Thisincludesnotonlytrees(bothnativeandexotic)butalsothemultitudeofplants, animals,nativebirdsandmicro-organismsthatinhabitforestecosystems.Nativecorridors canalsobepartofplantationforests–thesearestripsorpatchesofindigenousvegetation deliberatelyleft,orrestored,thatcanactasgreenpathwaystoconnectthehabitatsof wildlife.ThesefurthersupportNewZealand’secologicalresilience
Becauseofthismanythreatenedandendangeredspeciesnowcallplantationforests home.Theythrivenotonlybecausetheseforestsprovidesuitablehabitat,butbecause forestownersandmanagersarecommittedtosafeguardingthemforcurrentandfuture generations.
Becausepestcontrolisacorepartofforestrymanagement,thesenativebirdscanflourish. Waterqualityisalsoregularlymonitored toensuredownstreamecosystemsremain healthy.Thisprovidesenvironmentsfor lampreyandseveralendangeredgalaxiid speciestolivein.
Aturningpointcamein1991withthe signingoftheNewZealandForestAccord Thislandmarkagreementshiftedpublic perceptionthatplantationforestrywasno longerseenasathreattonativehabitats butaspartofasustainablesolution.
TheAccordpledgednofurtherconversion ofnativeforestsandrecognisedplantation forestry’sroleinprovidingsustainabletimber,employment,andregionaldevelopment. Today,asforestrydebatescontinue,theAccordremindsusthatcollaboration,notconflict,is thepathforward
Forestsalsocontributetocommunitywellbeing-weallknowthehealingeffectsofnature. TherearequiteafewforestsaroundNewZealandthatopentheirgatesforrecreation, offeringafter-hoursaccessformountainbiking,walking,dog-exercising,horseriding,fishing, andhuntingpermitstoassistwithpestcontrol.
Protectingbiodiversityandsupportingcommunitiesarenotcompetinggoalsbut complementaryones.
● February 3 to April 21: Rural Support Trust
MoneyMatters workshops: Rural Women Taking Charge,Bayof Plenty
Empowering, relatable, and practical –every woman, especially those in rural communities, deserves the confidence to make informed financial decisions
Info at beeflambnz.com/events
● February 9, 24 and 15: Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Ballance Agri-Nutrients
Making YourFertiliserCount workshop,Otago and Northland
Gain a better understanding of soil fertility and how to build a fertiliser plan that will improve your returns. Prioritise fertiliser use and be able to identify key nutrient focus areas for your property
Info at beeflambnz.com/events
● February 10: Ministry for Primary Industries
Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Project field day,Otago
A project exploring nitrogen management options in a dryland setting with a range of forage brassica species. Info at mpi.govt.nz
● February 10: Agricom Facing Drought Together, Agricom Taranaki trial site open day
A rare opportunity to access local data and industry leaders for your farming, contracting or consultancy business. Info at dairyevents.co.nz
● February 11, B+LNZ and Gallagher
Making The Most of Tech and Data On Farm field day,
Waikato/BOP/King Country
Discover how technology, both new and existing, can help you make smarter decisions and improve farm performance.
Info at beeflambnz.com/events
● February 11: DairyNZ
Improving WaterQualityand Levy update,lowerNorth Island
Healthy waterways, thriving farms –learn how practical actions can make the difference and get an update on the DairyNZ strategy and levy investment Info at dairyevents.co.nz
● February 12-13 and 16-17:
No8 HR
8 Steps To Leadership (and Increasing YourProductivity)
Waikato and Canterbury
No8HR’s 8 Steps to Increasing Your Team’s Productivity is a programme devised by industry professionals to meet the specific needs of people management and leadership in the primary sectors.
Info at no8hr.co.nz
● February 12:
Dairy Women’s Network
Beyond the PI – Understanding BVD live webinar
Join LIC for its live webinar ‘Beyond the Persistently Infected – Understanding Bovine Viral Diarrhoea’ to learn about BVD, the importance of on-farm management in managing BVD, and how LIC can help.
Info at dwn.co.nz/events
● February 12: Miraka
Miraka Suppliers’Golf Day2026, Tokoroa
Miraka suppliers are invited to register for the social event of the year. Sign up as an individual or as a team. Info at miraka.co.nz
● February 12: SMASH
Building YourFuture Farm field day,Pātea
Visit Thomas and Courtney Werder’s 110-hectare farm where they milk 280 cows in a simple system focusing on pasture, homegrown feed and infrastructure that meets their business and personal goals. Info at smallerherds.co.nz
● February 12: Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Project field day,Canterbury Explore nitrogen management options in a dryland setting with a range of forage brassica species. Info at mpi.govt.nz
● February 13: B+LNZ
National Lamb DayBBQ,Tararua Honouring farmers, celebrating our lamb. Info at beeflambnz.com/events
● February 17: SMASH
Building YourFuture Farm field day, West Coast
Visit Ron and Jackie Monk’s 100ha (85 eff) farm where they milk 198 registered Jersey cows in a simple system focusing on pasture and homegrown feed.
Info at smallerherds.co.nz
● February 18: DairyNZ
Diverse Pasture field day,Taranaki
See how a diverse pasture can be integrated into your farm system, plus an update on the DairyNZ strategy and levy
investment. Info at dairyevents.co.nz
● February 18-19: East Coast Farming Expo
If you are an East Coast/Hawke’s Bay farmer looking for the answers to keep your business moving forward, or an agricultural innovator wanting to spread your message, this event is a must. Info at eastcoastexpo.co.nz
● February 28: Rural Riders
Looking to connect with fellow riders and enjoy some epic trails? Beef + Lamb New Zealand is proudly sponsoring a series of regional mountain-bike meetups across Aotearoa – from Alexandra to Dargaville, Rotorua to Southland. Info at beeflambnz.com/events
● Dairy Training
Anumberof different courses, various dates and locations
Info at dairytraining.co.nz/courses
● DeLaval - Robotic Milking Roadshow
South Island Robotic Milking roadshow,various dates and locations
Experience the future of dairy farming with DeLaval VMS robotic milking technology. Come along to one of the roadshow’s stops for live demonstrations and expert insights regarding both batch and voluntary milking options. Info at dairyevents.co.nz
Registration is essential for many events. Check out the various websites for more events
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As the weather heats up over summer, confidence in the carbon market is at the other end of the temperature gauge. By
Scott Downs, director of sales and marketing
at PF Olsen.
While New Zealand experiences another summer tipped to deliver record temperatures, the carbon market is telling a very different story.
Secondary market sentiment around New Zealand Units (NZUs) has turned decidedly icy, with prices currently trading below $35. For many rural and forestry participants, the contrast between climate reality and market behaviour is stark
The weakness in NZU prices reflects a perfect storm of shaken confidence in the Government’s long-term commitment to climate action, combined with buyer expectations of a large wave of forestry NZUs hitting the market in the first half of this year.
That anticipated surge is linked to 2026 marking the first year of a new Mandatory Emissions Return Period (MERP).
In the first year of each MERP, all forestry ETS participants are legally required to file emissions returns covering the entire previous period. In practice, many participants only file in these
mandatory years, and those returns are often net positive.
The result is a substantial issuance of forestry NZUs over and above the volumes seen in optional reporting years.
From a supply perspective, however, what really matters is how many NZUs actually reach the market At today’s depressed price levels, many forestry participants are likely to be reluctant sellers unless they are compelled to
transact. There is little incentive to crystallise value at current prices.
It is also important to note that forestry NZU supply from this year’s mandatory returns will largely dry up midway through the year, with the next mandatory return year not occurring until 2031.
Recent history shows that in periods of uncertainty the NZU spot price is shaped more by sentiment and short-term expectations than by long-term structural
fundamentals. Economic logic suggests those fundamentals eventually reassert themselves, but timing is everything. This helps explain why the majority of NZU brokerage clients have been content to sit on the sidelines since last November’s sharp price decline, waiting for clearer policy signals and improved confidence.
Against this backdrop, the Government is signalling further changes aimed at reducing costs within the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Since taking office in October 2023, the coalition Government’s proposed reforms would cut ETS costs by about 66%.
The latest proposal would reduce annual ETS Registry fees for post-1989 forest land from $14.90 to $10.25 per hectare, marking the second major adjustment in just over a year.
Key changes under consultation include lowering the annual charge for post-1989 forest land to $10.25 per hectare, updating service fees with a reduced hourly rate and revised time estimates, and introducing eight new targeted service fees for activities that provide specific private benefits to participants.
The Government is also seeking feedback on an alternative reduced annual charge for forests that no longer need to report carbon stock changes for a limited period.
Lower compliance costs will be welcomed by many in the rural sector. However, the bigger question remains whether cost-cutting alone can restore confidence. In a market driven as much by policy credibility as by supply and demand, stability and long-term direction will likely ultimately matter more than fee reductions.
The Infant Nutrition Council wrote to ministers in November saying the country’s reputation was being undermined and investment was under threat; it appears to have got the reassurance it was seeking. By Tom Pullar-Strecker
The Infant Nutrition Council is hopeful the Government will put in place a new infant formula standard in time to head off concerns it raised with ministers late last year that a lack of progress was threatening the multibilliondollar export industry.
The association, whose members include Danone, Synlait and Fonterra, wrote to Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in November, urging the Government to spell out a pathway for a new standard by the end of 2025 and to put that in place by the first half of this year.
It said it has since been informed the Government intends to have a new regime in place by August Danone took a lead role in 2024 in persuading the Government to opt out of a new standard for infant formula developed by trans-Tasman regulator Food Safety Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ). This was out of concern that new, tougher controls on product labelling would hinder its ability to sell formula it produces here for the Chinese market.
However, the accolades from the industry gradually turned into growing alarm as nearly a year and a half passed without the Government setting out how it would produce its own alternative
“
It is also
starting to undermine the reputation of New Zealand’s ability to remain innovative and competitive.
Jonathan Chew
standard that did not include those labelling rules.
New Zealand’s annual exports of infant formula are believed to be worth about $2 billion, and the standards delay has effectively frozen past rules, leaving manufacturers with no means to gain approval for any changes to how they produce formula locally, including incorporating new ingredients.
Infant Nutrition Council chief executive Jonathan Chew warned in the letter to ministers that the absence of an announced decision or detailed implementation timeline for a new standard was having “material
and escalating consequences for manufacturers”.
“Worryingly, it is also starting to undermine the reputation of New Zealand’s ability to remain innovative and competitive, as FSANZ’s processing of applications for new ingredients relating to infant formula is completed only for Australia, with no system in place to make these risk assessments for New Zealand manufactured products,” he wrote.
“Some overseas suppliers have already indicated an intention to deprioritise New Zealand manufacturers for new and innovative ingredients that can improve health outcomes for infants, because of the regulatory uncertainty.”
The council urged the Government to
announce a decision on the regulatory pathway before the end of last year, “ideally confirming development of a New Zealand domestic infant formula standard aligned with Australia, with the exception of the necessary labelling changes”. It also called on the Government to commit to implementing the new standard “within the first half of 2026”.
Chew said that days before Christmas, the council heard from Hoggard that a decision had been made – subject to Cabinet approval – to move ahead with a domestic standard empowered by the Food Act, with the goal of having it in place by August.
“If that timeline is adhered to, I think the industry will be able to manage, in terms of the time for transition,” he said.
“I’m mildly optimistic. Obviously, we’ve got a couple of questions around detail, but at least we’ve seen a timeline with the outline of what they are going to do.”
Hoggard was contacted for comment.
The Post reported in September, after successfully appealing to the Ombudsman for the relevant documents, that Cabinet had over-ruled Hoggard’s advice when it elected to opt-out of the FSANZ standard in 2024 – although Hoggard made clear that his recommendation had been a line call and that he accepted his colleagues’ decision.
Dita De Boni
Afall in China’s 2025 birth rate that was significantly worse than expected saw millions wiped off NZX-listed A2 Milk market capitalisation.
A2 sold $1.3 billion worth of infant formula into China last year and holds about an 8% share of the overall market, with its point of difference touted as its A2 protein being gentler on a baby’s digestion.
However, the number of babies ingesting either A2 or indeed any infant formula continues to fall. Chinese Government data, released last month, showed there were 5.63 live births per 1000 people last year – the country’s lowest reading since 1939 and the fourth straight year of declines.
The decline in births also accelerated between 2024 and 2025, with the total population falling by 3.39 million to 1.4 billion in total.
Deaths, meanwhile, were at the highest since 1968 at 8.04 per 1000 people.
Shares in dual-listed A2 Milk copped it the worst in Australasia as a result.
Listed on both the ASX and the NZX, A2 stock dropped in value by almost 12% in Australia, prompting a trading halt and a “please explain” from the exchange. In New Zealand, shares dropped almost
A2 infant formula is highly regarded in China, but there are fewer and fewer new-baby families to buy the products
a dollar each. By January 20, they had dropped almost 2% more in New Zealand and were trading at $9.61 before rising $9.75 on Tuesday last week.
The decline in A2 stock was particularly acute because shares in the company had been trading at 12-monthly highs just days before.
They’d been buoyed by upgraded revenue guidance at the end of last year after the company reported strongerthan-expected trading in infant formula and other of its products.
The company’s price-to-earnings (or “P/E”) ratio just four weeks ago was 36.3x, which is very elevated, suggesting investors were willingly paying a premium on strong expectations of
future profit growth. An elevated P/E ratio can also mean the stock is overvalued.
The latter explanation seems to be the one favoured by analysts Matt Montgomerie and Ben Crozier at Forsyth Barr
The pair said in a note to stockholders on January 20 that the sudden slump rendered A2 Milk shares “merely expensive” as opposed to “very expensive”, and the news out of China reduced the probability of earnings hikes beyond this year, given there was a lag between a drop in new births and infant formula sales. The lag meant next year would be most impacted by weakness.
Despite the softened prospects and the share slump, the analysts said the market continued to price A2 shares optimistically, as if they will capture as much as a 15% market share of the China infant milk market in the long term, despite the company’s estimate that it had about a 7% market share in the 2026 financial year.
“On balance, the risk–reward remains negatively skewed”, they added, retaining an “underperform” on the stock –meaning they advised holding a small amount, or selling a moderate amount.
Prospects
A2 has aggressively moved to access more of China’s $23b infant formula
market. In August last year, it bought Yashili New Zealand’s plant at Pōkeno to further expand this trade.
Other dairy concerns also sell infant formula. Fonterra manufactures some formula locally, while most of its milk powder is processed offshore; its shares dropped 0.5% on January 19 Synlait, which makes infant formula for China for other well-known brands, including Bright Dairy, saw its shares fall 0.8%.
Overall, New Zealand is selling about $1.44b worth of the product into China, a trade it has embraced, even while acknowledging the No 1 risk to it is the quickly deflating number of Chinese births.
Crozier and Montgomerie had one slight silver lining about demographic change in China in their note. They said their births estimate for 2026 was slightly higher than 2025’s, given recent marriage data is up as much as 9% in the year to date.
“Marriage data has historically been a good proxy for births in the year ahead (with births lagged one year to marriages),” they said.
However, they warned that marriage data may decouple from birth rates given more than 50% of all births in China are now second-born children or later, and the strict system of registering a marriage in China has loosened, which may also impact data gathering.
Five of our top young cattle breeders were in Kansas to represent New Zealand at the World Hereford Conference Young Breeders Competition.
By Eve Hyslop
Kansas. Home to The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy and the Sunflower State.
But to the New Zealand Hereford Youth team, its beef production scene represents a career pathway with real implications for the future of New Zealand beef.
In October last year, five of New Zealand’s best young cattle breeders jetted off to Kansas to represent NZ Hereford at the World Hereford Conference Young Breeders Competition.
Straight off the plane and onto Midwestern soil, Georgia Moody, Niamh Barnett, Joel Steele, Ella McWilliam, Laura Curtis and team manager Hannah Gibb began by familiarising themselves with the landscape and production systems of Kansas through visits to studs and feedlots.
With the majority of New Zealand’s herds grazed on pasture, the sheer scale of the feedlots was particularly foreign to the team, Moody said.
“They use a lot of it just to get scale of production up, especially in areas where their grazing and feed intensity isn’t as high ”
The young team’s next port of call was to wrap their heads around the American cattle
Those pressures were not unfamiliar to farmers and breeders back in New Zealand, Moody said, though the promise and passion amongst their group was reassuring for the future of New Zealand beef.
At the Young Breeders Mixer, hands were shaken and hellos were exchanged with the American, Canadian, United Kingdom, Irish, Danish and Australian teams.
The range of skills among their competition was extensive. An American veterinary student, an Australian farm manager, a British renewables expert and others.
While it was clear the team had their work cut out for them, one thing united all the competitors, Moody says. “Everyone shared the same authentic enthusiasm and raw passion for the Hereford breed.
“By the end, we were leaving as friends and with networks for life,” Moody said.
She said by that stage of the competition, the team had found its rhythm. “We were working really well as a team and no-one was stressed. We were just having fun.”
The sheer scale of American agriculture was never far from view, but one moment made it unmistakably clear.
“You walk into the show facilities and look around and think, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s so many cattle here’. Then the Americans say, ‘This is only the first floor’,” Moody said.
While New Zealand cannot compete on scale, she believes that is not where its strength lies.
“We can’t compete with them on scale, but we can compete on quality. We’re 100% grass-fed, and not many people are doing that and doing it well. Commercially, that’s where New Zealand is strongest.”
Moody also pointed to New Zealand’s strong uptake of genetics technology as a key differentiator.
breeding environment ahead of competing. That included studying the American equivalent to New Zealand’s Estimated Breeding Values, known as Expected Progeny Differences, feedlot terminology and rations.
The team were welcomed in with open arms by their American hosts, which Moody said was particularly appreciated considering the current challenges faced by Kansas farmers. “It’s been a challenging year for farmers Beef prices have been volatile and sentiment wasn’t super high, especially with smaller farmers.
“On average, the American cow herd is a fraction of what it used to be, so it’s constantly still rebuilding.”
The competition got underway at Kansas State University, which housed state-of-the-art facilities like a beef stocker unit, a meat laboratory and a commercialsized football stadium.
The team’s agricultural and breeding knowledge was put to the test with livestock judging and evaluations, presentations, carcass and meat cut judging, buzzer-round quizzes and practical modules.
One of the most memorable moments for the New Zealand team came during the fitting competition at the Kansas City Royal Show, a discipline unfamiliar on home soils.
“None of us had ever painted an animal before,” Moody said. “Coming out of that with a heifer that didn’t look half-bad and actually fitted into the show ring compared to the others was something we were really proud of.”
“Thirty-seven per cent of registered New Zealand Herefords born in the last five years have been genotyped. The USA sits at around 24% and Canada around 7%.”
The Youth Hereford scheme in the US is underpinned by significant financial support. According to the Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s 2024 annual report, around US$200,000 (NZ$335,000) is invested into youth programmes annually, with scholarship funding surpassing US$2 million since the foundation’s inception in 1989
“In New Zealand, we have the same support, but we don’t have access to the same scale of breeders and therefore capital.”
The next event for Hereford Youth to get involved in will be the NZ Hereford Youth Development Forum, held in Gore from April 17-19.
WEDNESDAY18th &THURSDAY19th FEBRUARY 2026
International consumers are showing greater interest for natural products, which could benefit New Zealand’s strong wool growers. By Tony Benny.
Increasing demand by international consumers for natural products could signal improved returns for New Zealand strong wool growers, says the New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) – now a significant player in the export of all types of wool from New Zealand.
“The language around naturals versus synthetic is absolutely changing and brands have to have a natural offering and the momentum is building around the world,” says NZM global supply manager Matt Hand.
“Previously, they haven’t had to have a natural offering necessarily, so you see carpet brands, for example, that are 100% synthetic. But now, if they want to remain relevant in the market to all of their consumers or potential customers, they have to have a natural offering and that’s absolutely a big driver.”
NZM was formed as a vehicle to improve the fortunes of fine wool producers by setting up direct contracts between growers and manufacturers, but it has since expanded to include medium micron and strong fibre as well
“It started out because there was a lack of investment in building demand and creating market opportunities and a premium price for some of the best wool in the world. There’s no doubt that NZM has succeeded in its marketing strategies for merino and mid micron wool and we are using the same blueprint for strong wool as well.”
Contracts are proving popular with coarse wool producers and this financial year NZM sold 93.6% of the wool it handles by direct partnerships, up from 73.1% the previous year. Hand says by connecting growers directly with brands, they get greater certainty and are rewarded for quality and sustainability.
Suppliers to NZM have to sign up to its ZQ or ZQRX programmes which set benchmarks for animal welfare, environmental sustainability and social responsibility. But Hand says most New Zealand farmers are already well on the
way to meeting those standards.
“I’ve seen a lot of growers enter the programme who probably felt that it was challenging, but found that it was actually really well aligned to what they were already doing and that made it an easy process for them.”
In the past 20 years, world wool production has declined sharply; in the early 1990s, Australia produced a billion kilograms of wool a year, but that’s now down to 250 million kilos.
“We’ve seen similar decline in New Zealand and in South Africa. What we’re dealing with now is a unique, specialist fibre and we can’t treat it like a commodity. In reality, it hasn’t been a commodity for a couple of decades – it’s just taken time for parts of the industry to catch up.”
The key to reversing that decline is making wool profitable ain and Hand believes the way the blueprint est Alongside the direct commitment by standards and sur
wool again and Hand the way to do that is by following established for fine wool. the contracts is a by growers to high quality standards and surety of supply.
“When a brand higher price, they will get well-grown up by our integrit certification models. know there will be supply when they and volumes of product
“When a brand commits to a need to know they will wool backed up by our integrity systems and They need to know there will be a continuity of plan new ranges and volumes of product.”
While he’s opt for natural fibres won’t happen ov says. “One thing to accept is that af identify the opport the potential for it takes a long, long before it actually
While he’s optimistic demand will increase, it won’t overnight, Hand says. thing we all have to accept is that after we identify the opportunity, potential change, it takes a time before actually changes. has to at the end to justify a or a product to a new fibre and so it just takes
“It has to change consumer end to a brand or a product shifting to a new and so it just takes time.”
Terry O’Connell began his working life at Alliance on the slaughterboard floor, and 50 years later, he’s involved in planning the meat company’s market direction
O’Connell, Alliance’s ovine director, marked his 50-year anniversary with the company in December.
His initial years working the summer seasons as a teenager at the Lorneville plant, near Invercargill, included tying lamb-grading tickets to carcasses and sweeping the floors, before progressing to supervisory and quality assurance work.
This was followed by more than 30 years travelling the globe as part of Alliance’s sales team.
He has been at the table of major deals with suppliers in new markets – the company’s global sales director James McWilliam said O’Connell had managed more than $30 billion in global business.
O’Connell said his career has spanned significant change across the red meat sector.
Terry O’Connell has
company Alliance.
When he started in 1975, the majority of New Zealand meat was still exported as frozen carcasses, with Britain still the largest market for sheep meat and the United States for beef.
And it won’t happen by itself, Hand adds. “Myself and many of our team have spent, I was going to say hundreds of hours, but literally years of our lives, in factories overseas, working through the opportunities and problems with mills to create a range or a fabric and connect them with the right supply chain.”
“We need to follow through with more volume to keep these brands engaged and the only way we’re going to get volume is if we put a profitable proposition to our growers.
“The whole point is to try to stop the reduction in strong wool production in New Zealand to try to reverse that trend somewhat and to return those growers to profit. We absolutely have turned that around for a lot of our growers in the last couple of years.”
By 1980, when Alliance transitioned from a company to a farmer co-operative, O’Connell progressed to a supervisor’s role during a period of change for the company as New Zealand responded to global market changes.
This included the ramifications of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community (now the European Union) and advances in meat-processing and packaging technologies that included the development of chilled meat.
Joining the sales team as a co-ordinator in 1990, he initially dealt with traders around the Pacific before getting into the European side of the business.
He was at the helm of Alliance’s growing trading relationships into China and wider Asia in the early 1990s and 2000s, and has since seen the evolution of the Chinese market and growth in the UK retail market, North America and Asia.
He was also involved early in the connections with the company’s in-market partners Grand Farm and Gold Kiwi Asia in Singapore, a trading company that Alliance ended up buying. “In 2015, we established an exclusive
relationship with Grand Farm, supplying sheep meat into China. That was a step change for Alliance.”
In the past decade, sheep numbers have fallen dramatically, due in part to the dairying boom and conversion of sheep and beef farms into carbon farms, O’Connell said.
The company was processing about eight million sheep and lamb in the 1970s and 1980s, with limited global demand. But with improved genetics and farming practices, it is now processing 3.8 million with a similar tonnage output going to all its key markets.
As the company’s ovine director for the past two years, his focus is on planning market direction and channels, and future price trends and returns, using a model that he was involved in developing.
O’Connell, a family man, said he believed Alliance was in a great position together with its new partner Dawn Meats.
“They’re strong on beef and we’re strong on lamb, mutton and venison.”
He has met lots of interesting people, had fun and was not planning to retire, he said. “You have good and bad times, but it’s exciting, and I have never not wanted to get out of bed and go to work.”
Chris Tobin
High prices and the second year of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom have seen significant growth for New Zealand’s primary exports to this market.
In its latest update, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that during the second year of the agreement, the value of primary industry exports to the UK grew by 25% from $1.06 billion to $1.33b. Most market growth occurred in lamb, beef and dairy.
Increased prices were being driven by lower domestic and European Union production, along with rising global prices and downward shifts in the New Zealand dollar.
Meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapee the Ministry for Primary Industries predicted last month that high prices for red meat globally would continue for at least the next two years.
“This is expected to continue in the UK as well,” Karapeeva said.
“This is great news for rural and regional communities and the national economy.
“The red meat sector country’s second-largest goods exporter, accounts for almost 5% of the country’s employment and contributes $4.6b in household income, around $3300 per household.”
Outside of the FTA, lamb exports to Britain over the past 10 years had been flat or declining.
However, last year the value of sheep meat exports to the UK increased by 37% from $360 million to $492m – the highest since 2016, making sheep meat New Zealand’s largest export to the UK.
New Zealand currently accounts for 60% of British lamb imports by volume
Beef exports have also grown significantly
Prior to the FTA, UK market for New Zealand beef was constrained by a quota that challenged commercial viability and high out-of-quota tariffs
Since the FTA, the value of New Zealand beef exports to Britain has increased from less than $15m (year ended June 2023) to $120m (year ended June 2025; an 800% increase), including growing 152% from $48m since the year ending 2024
The food service sector, including restaurants and catering, was driving demand, but retail sales were gaining momentum, with growth evident across major British supermarkets.
Karapeeva said the UK was consistently
one of New Zealand’s top 10 markets in terms of volume and value.
“While both fluctuate year-on-year, the last 12 months have seen a significant increase in prices in sheepmeat products
“The NZ-UK FTA has had a positive impact for the New Zealand red meat sector and has contributed to the increase in export value. New Zealand is a complementary trading partner for the UK and our natural pasture-based farming systems help ensure a steady, year-round availability of lamb in the UK.”
Access into Britain for sheep meat, beef and dairy was steadily being liberalised with cheese and butter tariffs to be fully eliminated by January 1, 2028.
Under the FTA, the value of New Zealand’s dairy exports to the UK – mainly cheese, butter and small volumes of milk powder – has grown from a modest base of
$2m to $157m (year ended June 2025).
Fonterra’s country manager for the UK, Alex Hume, said the company had made strenuous efforts in Britain since the middle of 2022. “We’ve been working hard to make the most of this unique opportunity to re-enter a mature dairy market.
“Our growth has exceeded expectations, where we are seeing strong demand for our cheese and butter sold under our ingredients brand (NZMP).
“We’re receiving a warm welcome from UK dairy buyers, who are enjoying access to a complementary source of our grass-fed, pasture-raised dairy ingredients.”
In other primary exports to the UK, honey export value increased by 50% from $38m to $57m and apple export value grew by 69% from $32m to $54m.
The wine sector experienced lower returns due to higher excise taxes.
Nina Hindmarsh
Forty years after he first stood on his 3-hectare block of Golden Bay land and asked himself how could possibly make a from it, Peter Butler is still surp where that question has led.
The Nelson businessman’s first venture on the “barely accessible” land near Collingwood was a failure.
He tried growing organic kiwifruit only to discover there was no way to differentiate them from non-organic fruit, which meant he made a loss every year.
“So I thought, ‘well, that’s that. Chop them out. What can I grow on a small acreage that’s high value?’”
The experience forced him to confront the realities of his land. Golden Bay’s high rainfall and humidity, Butler realised, were far better suited to growing leaf than fruit.
With only a small area of fertile river flat suitable for horticulture, he needed a crop that could thrive in forest clearings. Butler leaned heavily on research. With a publishing background, he began digging into scientific literature and quickly became fascinated by how few commercially grown herbs come from the southern hemisphere
“What stood out was that nearly all commercially grown herbs originate from the northern hemisphere,” he says. “This struck me as an anomaly, rather than a trick of nature.”
His farm was surrounded by hundreds of native species, some of which had been traditionally used by Māori, but many more that had no record of any human use or serious examination
One paper from the University of Canterbury caught his eye: an extract of horopito outperforming a major anti-fungal drug, amphotericin B, against Candida albicans, micro-organisms that can cause infections.
Horopito is a native New Zealand shrub, sometimes called pepperwood, known for its distinctive red-flecked leaves and sharp, peppery taste.
It contains a compound called polygodial, which has natural anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, the reason it has been historically used in rongoā Māori.
He repeated the experiment himself, commissioned toxicity tests and began making rudimentary capsules. He
posted samples to naturopaths with questionnaires – but the results gave him confidence. “It was crude, but it worked.”
Small commercial shoots had already appeared before the company Forest Herbs formally began.
Butler had dried reject kiwifruit at a Marlborough garlic factory, milled it, packaged it with kawakawa tea in “Nuclear Free New Zealand” branding and sold it to tourist shops.
He also had an informal advantage: Linley, his then-wife, had started HealthPost which is now run by their two children. “So I became aware of what was selling and what wasn’t,” he says.
But growing horopito with no guidebook was “all trial and errors”.
He recalls one mishap when a Golden Bay contractor “barefoot with a chainsaw” took out every second row of trees, leaving gaps Butler initially thought were ruinous.
“I was furious,” he says. “But the plants in that area actually did really well.”
Removing too much shelter proved just as problematic. “So then I had to go backwards again. You learn the hard way.”
Horopito also demanded patience. “It takes about eight years before it’s big enough to harvest It’s incredibly slow.”
Alongside growing trials, Butler worked with the Cawthron Institute in Nelson to develop topical preparations.
For years, he contracted a University of Canterbury laboratory to grow Petri dishes of Candida albicans, testing creams by measuring their “zone of inhibition” – the area where the fungus no longer grew.
That work led to the development of Kolorex Intimate Care Cream. The brand name itself was a practical compromise. “Kolorex is a bastardisation of Pseudowintera colorata [the scientific name for horopito],” Butler said.
“With hindsight, I should have chosen
“
It would be so annoying if I sold it and someone else took all the glory after I did the groundwork.”
Peter Butler
something more natural-sounding, but it’s now trademarked around the world.”
Kolorex has recently celebrated its 40th birthday. Today, it exports to the United States, Australia, Vietnam, Canada and beyond. The range spans gut, vaginal and skincare – from candida-targeted capsules to intimate washes and creams, and topical products for irritated skin, lips and feet
The company is run from a modest office on Collingwood St, but manufactures off-site, while a handful of part-time staff tend to the plantation in Golden Bay.
Butler, now 68, is also a published author and chairs HealthPost Nature Trust He remains involved in Forest and Herbs, but the day-to-day management is now in the hands of Nicola Hawes.
The general manager joined in January 2023, bringing decades of marketing and health-communications experience.
What drew her in, she says, was the “global nature” of the business. “You’re talking to distributors around the world. The US is our biggest client. Vietnam is growing hugely. Europe. Australia. That diversity has helped steer us through the last few years.”
Hawes has led a major shift to Kolorex’s first direct-to-consumer website, launched in October 2023 to coincide with a Country Calendar feature.
“We scrambled to get the site live on the Friday night,” she says. “The show aired Sunday, and on Monday, we had 200 orders. And they just kept coming.”
Since then, the brand has expanded into Canada and is preparing to enter the United Kingdom. Hawes describes the online potential as “limitless”.
“It’s not like having a shop with fixed shelves. You’ve got the internet –everywhere.”
She is also pushing beyond a narrow anti-fungal niche. “It’s easy making products. It’s hard finding a big market for them long term,” she says. “That’s where the opportunity is.”
For Butler, that future prompts reflection.
“I do ask myself if I’m the handbrake,” he says. “But it would be so annoying if I sold it and someone else took all the glory after I did the groundwork.”
After years of uncertainty, the latest reforms to New Zealand’s vocational education and training system risk alienating employers further and letting down both the horticulture industry and learners. A new strategy by food and fibre chief executives calls for a shift in mindset.
On January 1, work-based horticulture learning currently overseen by Te Pūkenga transitioned temporarily to a new Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board
It’s the final chapter in the long saga of the consolidation of Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), the creation and subsequent disestablishment of Te Pūkenga, and the reprioritisation of provider-led delivery.
The transition includes Primary ITO, which has 1500 work-based enrolments in horticulture programmes across the country – including all horticulture production and services.
The Government’s reforms envisage work-based learning shifting from Primary ITO to regional polytechnics and other private training providers by 2028. The Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board will then focus solely on standards setting and programme endorsement.
Primary ITO operations lead Ginny Vincent says the new organisation will continue to deliver work-based learning in a holding pattern until the end of next year.
However, it’s not at all clear that regional polytechnics and private training providers will take over and offer work-based learning that adequately meets the needs of the primary sector.
Vincent says the industry and Government need to move quickly to ensure certainty for learners, employers and providers alike.
“By June 2027, we won’t be able to take on new enrolments, so the runway is fairly short. By the end of 2026, the industry really needs a solid understanding of where we’re heading.”
Industry concerns
Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds introduced the Industry Skills Boards in July last year, saying they would give industry a strong voice in work-based learning and ensure the system delivers the right skills, in the right places.
However, recent government proposals have only deepened the industry’s concerns. These include a 10% cut in funding rates for work-based learning, rejecting industry-recommended members for governance roles including the new Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board, a lack of legislative clarity in the Education and Training Amendment Bill, and cancelling funding for the Food & Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence. Heavy cuts in funding for workforce analysis and planning will make it difficult to forecast industry requirements
Industry leaders are worried that providers – including polytechnics, wānanga, and private training establishments – will make commercial decisions about the kinds of work-based learning they offer.
Without a clear strategy, there is a risk
Primary ITO says the new organisation will continue to deliver work-based learning until the end of 2027.
they will cherry-pick the most profitable offerings, undermining access to training in lower-volume enrolments that have high value to industry.
Work-based learning works
Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott believes that the most effective learning in horticulture happens in authentic environments – “out in the paddock, in the lab, on the orchard, or in the packhouse” – where learners are mentored by experienced professionals. Yet current government policy appears to prioritise classroom-based, campuscentric learning models, a shift that risks marginalising the environments where horticultural expertise is best cultivated, Scott says.
“The horticulture sector already faces significant workforce challenges, including skill shortages and an ageing workforce. Undermining work-based learning will only exacerbate these issues and threaten the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
Exodus from formal training
Nevertheless, since 2021, employers have steadily withdrawn from formal training programmes. In the fruit and vegetable sector alone, work-based learning collapsed by nearly 63%, dropping from 2000 learners in 2021 to just 745 in 2024
The total number of learners in both work-based and classroom-based learning is also declining, although polytechnics do not break down enrolment data specific to fruit and vegetable production qualifications.
As providers watch these falling enrolment numbers, there is little incentive to offer potentially loss-making qualifications.
This downward spiral has been exacerbated by a tough economic environment, which has forced employers to focus on immediate concerns.
However, Scott says this isn’t a story of employers abandoning work-based learning. Rather, it’s the tale of an education system that has progressively set up work-based learning to fail. Current options available to industry have consistently failed to deliver the outcomes needed.
“Employers continue to train informally but often find it too hard to engage with a compliance-heavy system that doesn’t serve their needs,” Scott warns. “The message from employers is unequivocal –the current system doesn’t work.”
Sector reset
In response, Scott has joined with other sector chief executives, working alongside Muka Tangata (the Workforce Development Council for the food and fibre sector), to launch the Food and Fibre Workforce Capability Strategy.
The strategy is backed by major industry bodies including Horticulture New Zealand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ and Federated Farmers
The strategy’s central thesis is clear: “We need a shift in mindset – from chasing volume to generation value.”
For too long, the sector argues, workforce development has been “driven by enrolment numbers and learner-led demand, rather than targeted investment in high-impact skills”.
Targeted training in strategic areas is “not just good for business; it is essential to achieving New Zealand’s broader economic and trade ambitions”.
12 decisive actions
The strategy outlines 12 specific actions needed to rebuild the system, organised around three themes: changing how government invests, what it invests in, and how that investment is used.
Key proposals include establishing a “low-volume, high-value” training fund of $10 million to $20m to support critical skill areas “with high impact on industry output, productivity and profitability”, but which aren’t commercially viable under current enrolment-driven funding models.
Other actions address the need for flexible, sector-wide qualifications that recognise significant mobility within the industry, as well as modernised assessment approaches.
Notably, the strategy calls for returning eligibility for workplace training to workers with work visas, recognising that migrant workers make up a vital part of the food and fibre workforce.
Concrete solutions
Vincent says she agrees with the strategy, but there is work that needs to take place in the interim so that work-based learning has a clear direction.
“Work-based learning is the way to go to keep your staff growing and adapting. There’s value to it, with skills and knowledge being taught on the job and the learning being accessible for everyone. But we need to refresh the models to meet the environment we’re in.”
She says one innovative example is Primary ITO’s Horticulture Cadetship Programme. The pilot ran in Pukekohe in 2024-25 and expanded to the Bay of Plenty. There are plans to expand to other growing regions with industry support.
Local growers saw an opportunity to bring together a cohort of learners from local businesses, each enrolled in a Primary ITO apprenticeship, specialising in fruit or vegetable growing (indoor or outdoor), or nursery production.
In contrast to the traditional Primary ITO apprenticeship, cadetship learners benefit from peer support through shared study sessions and site visits, creating strong industry networks.
In addition, a dedicated adviser works alongside employers to oversee training requirements and progress – tasks normally undertaken by employers, saving them substantial time.
“The Pukekohe cadetship was a really successful pilot,” Vincent says. “We’d like to continue rolling it out, but we need industry support.
“The industry voice of what’s needed and their clear support of work-based learning are so important right now.”
and technological advancements in the
For most, it is a must-do in the rural calendar, year after year. For newbies, Central Districts Field Days will be a mind-blowing extravaganza of deals, wheels and feels.
Tickets are now on sale for New Zealand’s largest regional field days event. Central Districts Field Days showcases the latest developments in rural innovation and lifestyle trends, cutting-edge machinery and equipment, along with top-notch regional food, local brews and entertainment.
It’s the place to score exclusive event deals and have the chance to yarn with sellers and rural connections, plus there’s fun and freebies for the whole family. Held at Manfeild in Feilding, Manawatū, from March 19-21, Central Districts Field Days has a three-decade pedigree of being an annual drawcard for farmers and foodies, tech-heads and townies –promising something for everyone. Last year alone, it generated $55 million in economic impact.
The event sprawls across more than 33 hectares at Manfeild, boasting more than 500 exhibitors with a range of agri and tech companies showcasing new products and the all-important deals It is also an opportunity for families to have a day off the farm, with an impressive array of lifestyle products and hospitality sites.
More than 25,000 people are expected to flock to the heart of the North Island. This event is more than a field day, it’s an opportunity to discover, connect and experience the future of New Zealand’s primary industries, says Jonathan Paul, Central Districts Field Days’ event manager
From cutting-edge machinery and rural innovation to thrilling competitions, Central Districts Field Days caters to a diverse audience, bolstered by a range of spectator events, trade competitions and money-saving deals.
“We are proud to showcase a wide range of products and services, from the latest automotive and heavy equipment to innovative homes, lifestyle products and an incredible selection of gourmet foods,” Paul adds.
“We are also the chosen location for a range of industry competitions –always great events for spectators and competitors alike.
“AI continues to be a key theme, and
there will be ample opportunities to try out virtual reality tools too.”
This year, Central Districts Field Days will host:
■ CCNZ Cable Price National Excavator Operator Competition;
■ Central Districts Doubles Power Fencing Competition; ■ Southern North Island Wood Council Golden Loader Championship.
Known for special deals, the first bargain on offer is online tickets, which are cheaper than gate sales, allowing visitors to bypass the entry queues and head straight to the express lane.
VIP parking is also available for $15 per day, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Some of the action at last year’s Central Districts Field Days.
To pre-purchase online tickets, go to cdfielddays.co.nz.
■ Adults – $20
■ Seniors (65+ years) – $15
■ Children (5-15 years) – $15
■ Children (under 5) – free
■ Family passes (2 adults, 2 children) – $50
■ VIP parking (first come, first served) –$15
Aside-by-side rolling into a gully is the subject of the latest safety alert by Safer Farms.
A contractor and a passenger were in a side-by-side on a ridge that appeared flat, though it had several gullies
While reversing to turn around and avoid people and trees nearby, the vehicle’s right rear tyre dropped into a gully hidden by long grass. It rolled one and a half times and came to rest on its side. The pair exited through the windscreen safely, shaken, but fortunately with no injuries
Both the driver and passenger were using the right gear – helmets, seatbelts, door nets –and that’s what kept them safe in the roll. Even with a reversing camera and mirrors, the long grass and slope meant the driver couldn’t see where the edge dropped away.
Experienced drivers can still get caught out The farm’s contractor processes were solid, and they had already made sure the contractor knew how to handle a side-by-side.
Safer Farms is a membership organisation that recognises the whole sector benefits from improved health and safety. It brings together farmers and senior leaders from agribusiness, agricultural industry groups and government.
Its regular safety alerts document real-life incidents, distilling key lessons from farmers into concise, one-page handouts for managers to use in safety discussions with their teams.
What do you need to do?
Helmets and seatbelts made all the difference this time. Anyone in a side-by-side needs to gear up properly before heading out.
Can’t see well? Get out and have a proper look Check for dodgy spots like gullies and holes or get someone nearby to guide you.
Door nets keep your arms safe if the side-byside rolls. They take seconds to secure, so lock them in before you move and save yourself a broken arm.
If you do roll, shut the engine off, check everyone is okay, give first aid if needed, and call for help.
Reporting scrapes and near-misses could mean no-one else has to go through the same thing, so make sure you let your team know.
Taking out a quad or side-by-side?
Ask yourself these questions:
■ How are the conditions?
■ Have you planned out your route?
■ Is the vehicle good to go?
■ Are you good to go?
■ Have you shared this alert with your team?
Safety alerts are a great way to learn from incidents that have happened on other farms.
Ask yourself:
■ Could this happen on my farm?
■ What do I have in place to prevent this from happening?
■ How can I implement these lessons?
To view the safety alerts, visit farmwithoutharm.org.nz/safety-alerts. Alerts can be printed out for use in training and discussions, and there is an option to be emailed when new topics are added.
The team at Peninsula takes a look at trial employment periods and why they are worth considering when a new worker starts on farm
Hiring staff in the farming sector brings unique challenges, particularly when the job includes living on the property.
A farm is not just a workplace
it’s a home, a community and often a family environment. Because of this, finding the right employee is not only about skills but also about trust, compatibility and shared expectations.
When someone moves on-farm, both parties are committing to much more than a role.
That’s why a structured approach –including the use of trial periods – can help ensure the arrangement works in practice, not just in theory.
How trial periods provide protection
For many farm employers, trial periods offer valuable protection during the early stages of employment.
Under New Zealand law, valid trial periods that comply with the Employment Relations Act 2000 enable an employer to dismiss the employee up to 90 days into the employment relationship and prohibit the employee from then raising a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal. This is particularly important when accommodation is provided, as a mismatch
can affect farm operations, family routines and safety
Trial periods give employers confidence when bringing someone into both their workplace and home, while giving employees the chance to settle into farm life and decide whether the environment suits them.
Recent cases have shown how easily a trial period can be invalidated when employment appears to have started informally – even through casual messages or assumptions. This highlights the importance of following the correct process from the outset.
Why process matters more than ever
With 90-day trials now reinstated for all businesses, farm employers have more flexibility – but also more responsibility to get it right.
Compliance remains strict:
■ The employee must be genuinely a new employee of the farm and may not be
employed under an accredited employer work visa.
■ The employee must have a reasonable amount of time to seek advice and review the agreement prior to signing.
■ The agreement must be signed before any work begins.
■ The trial period clause must clearly state the exact number of days it will run. Many challenged trial period clauses
fail simply because one of these steps was missed. In a farming environment where professional and personal boundaries overlap, procedural accuracy protects both parties.
Avalid trial period also reduces disruption if things don’t work out, especially when accommodation is part of the role.
Employers can end the relationship without the risk of a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal – provided the process has been correctly followed. However, good-faith obligations still apply, and employees can still raise grievances on other grounds, such as unfair discrimination or disadvantage
Putting trial periods into practice
Trial periods remain an effective tool for ensuring good on-farm working relationships – but only when used properly.
To make them work for your farm:
■ Ensure the employment agreement is fully signed before the employee starts work or moves onto the property.
■ Keep clear, written documentation of all discussions and agreements.
■ Maintain open communication throughout the trial period.
■ If termination under the trial period is required, ensure that notice is given within the 90-day period.
When implemented correctly, trial periods provide clarity, minimise disruption and support stable, positive working and living arrangements on a farm.
Avani Purohit is a growth communications specialist at peninsulagrouplimited.com.au.
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Created for women living rurally, The Shepherdess Muster offers three days of connection, creativity and celebration. This year, it will be held from March 6-8 at Tokanui Rugby Club in Southland – its first time in the South Island. More than a conference and more than a weekend away, The Shepherdess Muster is built around the simple idea of giving women time that isn’t shaped by work, family or responsibilities. By
Felicity Connell
Emma-Kate Rabbidge farms near Tokanui with her husband while raising four children and running a shearing gang and she’s also on the local volunteer committee organising this year’s Shepherdess Muster
“We don’t often get big events coming to Tokanui, and I’m really looking forward to it,”
Emma-Kate says. “It’s a chance to showcase local talent, bring new experiences to town, and for women here to feel part of something special.”
Especially after the storm event in spring last year, she realised how important it was for women to take time out for themselves.
designed to give women a chance to take a pause from the everyday demands of family, home and work, and to focus on themselves for a weekend,” says Kristy McGregor, festival director and publisher of Shepherdess magazine. “Not you in your roles as a mother, partner or at work – just you. Rural life can be isolating.
“The Muster gives women living in provincial Aotearoa the chance to come together for three days with no obligations.”
For Emma-Kate, part of the appeal of The Muster is not having to organise anything –especially meals. “I’m a foodie and I love good food,” she says. “For me, it’s a novelty to get out with a girlfriend and go for a beautiful meal. The Muster tickets include all the meals for the weekend – breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning tea, afternoon tea and supper.
“It’s not just bangers and mash – it’s gourmet catering, really – so I’m hugely excited about that, and also about the bands at night-time. I love a good boogie.”
The Muster is based on an event Kristy founded with Michelle Reay, her boss when she was working on a cattle station in the Channel Country, in far western Queensland.
“I was working as a governess, teaching Michelle’s four boys through School of the Air. The cattle station was 2.2 million acres, and the nearest town of 30 people – on a good day according to the local publican –was 220 kilometres away, a decent amount of that on dirt. While it was very social – if you were prepared to drive six hours one way for a weekend race meet, rodeo or campdraft – it was also incredibly demanding, especially for women raising children away from support.”
In 2012, Kristy and Michelle organised a weekend gathering for women, held in an aircraft hangar on the station. About 100 women attended, camping beside a creek and coming together for talks, workshops, dancing, music and health checks.
“When times are tough, women, especially rural women, we always put ourselves last –the farm comes first, your family comes first, the work comes first.”
That reality sits at the heart of the Shepherdess Muster. “The event is
“We thought it would be a bit of fun,” she says. “But it quickly became clear it was much more than that. Women were coming up to me in tears, saying the weekend had made them stop and think about their lives. We realised it couldn’t just be a one-off.”
Below: Dancing to start the morning at The Muster at Mōtū – one of three morning fitness options for attendees.
Now known as the Channel Country Ladies Day, that event continues in outback Queensland, run by a volunteer committee.
she says. “There’s such a diverse selection of things you can attend. There’s dinners provided, no work, no other people to worry about. You’re fully present, and it gives your nervous system a proper reset.”
One of the defining features of The Muster is that everyone stays on site together, bringing along horse floats or tents, or booking tented accommodation
“That was something women told us they found really powerful,” Kristy says. “Staying together created space for unexpected but genuine connections. We’re still hearing about the ripple effects – new friendships, collaborations and support that continues well beyond the weekend.”
The Shepherdess Muster has the spirit of a retreat with the energy of a festival. The programme works like a menu, with more than 30 workshops, panels and creative sessions to choose from, alongside shared meals each day.
disciplinary artist Rosalie Koko (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Olosega), who will lead sessions in elei fabric printing, applique and embroidery, fetū weaving and ribbon lei making; to pottery with Kāi Tahu artist Tui Johnson, taonga pūoro making with Rangihuatake Sharne Parkinson, and western Southland artists Mary Napper and Andrea Sexton in the Artsbreak Area.
There are also practical workshops on funding and business with Anna Guenther, of PledgeMe, and director of Wakatū Incorporation, Miriana Stephens (Ngāti Rārua, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngā Potiki), talking about intergenerational planning, as well as honest conversations about intimacy, parenting and relationships led by therapist Jo Robertson.
“The aim is for festival-goers to leave feeling refreshed and energised, with practical tools they can take back to their lives, communities and work,” Kristy says.
Kristy moved to New Zealand after meeting her partner, who was from a dairy farm in Horowhenua. She moved to his family farm, where he had gone back to take the reins. They’ve now been back there for 12 years, and have three children, aged 7, 5 and 1, with another baby on the way.
She looks back on those early days on the farm “The first year was pretty rough He was working so hard – he’d come home, eat dinner and fall asleep on the lounge. And repeat the next day; day in day out. I didn’t really understand, at that point, the relentlessness of a dairy farm. The work just does not stop.”
It took a few years – and starting Shepherdess magazine, when she realised she was not the only one struggling with isolation – to see that the concept from the hangar in rural Queensland also could have a place in rural New Zealand.
Encouraged by farming women in Tairāwhiti, Kristy began working towards creating an event for women in New Zealand in 2020. After delays caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, the inaugural event finally went ahead in February 2024
Jenny Sandford was one of the loc women who attended.
kets cover all meals and activities, morning fitness sessions and hands-on workshops to speakers, entertainment and the Artsbreak creative space.
The 2026 entertainment lineup includes comedian Michèle A’Court and Gold Guitar winner Keily Smith. Programme highlights include textile and making multi-
She’s grateful for all the support behind the scenes – from the local volunteer committee to the Tokanui Rugby Club, which is hosting The Muster.
one local and near are three young and she works on farm.
A sheep and beef farmer living near Matawai, Jenny and her husband are raising three young children, and she works part-time on the farm
As she said committing to three
As she said recently, committing to three days away was not an easy decision. “I definitely had some hesitations. You think, ‘can I be away for three days, can I put time money into myself?’ was nervous – but I also really intrigued.”
definitely had some hesitations You ‘can I be for three can I time and into I – I was also was the and
What drew her in was the setting and the breadth of the programme
“I’m not sure the rugby club will have seen anything like it before – but The Shepherdess Muster and the rugby club aren’t such an unlikely duo when you think about it. The Muster is a community event, all about the wellbeing of rural and rural-atheart women. Rural rugby clubs have always than just places to play sport. They’re gathering spaces – where stories are shared, friendships formed communities strengthened.
include textile and workshops with been more than places to sport. spaces – where stories are shared, friendships formed and communities Muster on same spirit of bringing women a inspiration and care. a it couldn’t without the support around she says.
“It’s rural, it’s run by women, and it’s all women there,”
“It’s run
“The Muster builds on that same of connection, bringing women together for a weekend that’s all about wellbeing, inspiration and care.
“The Muster is a not-for-profit, and genuinely couldn’t happen without support around it,” she says. organise it through the team at Shepherdess magazine, alongside a committee, and we’re incredibly grateful to our principal partner ANZCO Foods, platinum sponsor AGMARDT, and to the rugby club, the businesses, funders and volunteers who’ve helped make the ent happen.”
“We it the team at magazine, a local to our partner ANZCO Foods, platinum sponsor and to the who’ve make the event
The Shepherdess Muster will held at the Tokanui Rugby Club, Murihiku Southland, from March 6-8. To buy tickets or for more information, visit shepherdessmuster.co.nz or follow @theshepherdessmuster on Instagram and Facebook.
The be at To tickets more
The New Zealand Land Safety Code provides a simple five-point checklist to help you explore safely:
1. Choose the right trip for you –learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
2. Understand the weather – it can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
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5. Take care of yourself and each other – eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together
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Whananaki Coastal Walkway, Northland
There’s a summer hike for every type of tramper, writes Tsewang Nuru Sherpa.
Enjoy stunning coastal views on this charming 5.8-kilometre track from the seaside village of Whananaki to Sandy Bay, along the picturesque Tūtūkākā Coast Stroll across the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere (395 metres), visit a monument honouring the Capitaine Bougainville shipping tragedy, and take in the vistas of the Poor Knights Islands and rolling farmland.
Rangitoto Summit Track, Auckland
This 7km summit walk begins at Rangitoto Wharf, a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, and takes you to the island’s peak at 259m. The track traverses ancient lava fields that now host the world’s largest pōhutukawa forest. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding Hauraki Gulf islands. On the way back, take a detour to explore the volcano’s lava caves and tunnels (bring a torch)
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Taupō
The 20.2km walk traverses marshy lava beds, steam vents, smoking mountainsides, sulphur lakes, vivid lakes and lush forests, offering a full day of uphill, downhill, flat and scrambling sections. The hike begins at 1120m on a boardwalk through Mangatepōpō Valley to 1886m at Red Crater, the highest point. From the summit, enjoy views of the Emerald Lakes, Blue Lake, Oturere Valley, Kaimanawa Ranges and distant Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu
Track alert: Track open; maintenance work ongoing with contractors, and helicopter flights operate on some days
Tarawera Trail, Bay of Plenty
The 15km trail along Lake Tarawera passes historic sites and trout-filled streams, and is shaded by rātā and pōhutukawa The track ends at Hot Water Beach campsite, near Te Rātā Bay, surrounded by natural geothermal springs. Use caution because localised patches of sand are hot and can burn. Stay overnight at the campsite ($15 adults) or take a water taxi back.
Cooks Cove Walkway, Gisborne
This scenic 5.8km coastal walk features one of New Zealand’s longest wharves at 660m. Starting at Tolaga Bay, hike
across farmland and regenerating forest to Cooks Cove, where Captain Cook stopped in 1769 during his circumnavigation. Highlights include the coastline, forest and the hole-inthe-wall memorial with informational panels and a swimming cove.
Pūponga Hilltop Walk, Nelson/Tasman
This 8km track starts at Triangle Flat car park amid Farewell Spit’s dunes, climbing steadily to the historic lighthouse through native bush with panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, rugged cliffs and golden sands. Watch for dolphins and seals. From the lighthouse, cross farmland and undulating pastures to Cape Farewell and observe the quartz sandstone cliff dropping into the sea. The track then joins Wharariki Beach and continues to the end of Wharariki Rd.
Track Alert: Track closed between Triangle Flat and Pillar Point Lighthouse due to machinery for a predator-proof fence; lighthouse to Wharariki Rd open.
Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track, Christchurch
This 9.3km coastal track is a short drive from the city centre, starting at the far end of Taylor’s Mistake beach
This dramatic headland sits above 120m-high cliffs, offering outstanding views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps. It’s a three-hour loop that takes you around the historic World War II-era Godley Head coastal defence battery and Scott’s Cabin.
Sealy Tarns Track, Aoraki Mt Cook
The track is about a 6km return trip with more than 2200 steps and a 600m
elevation gain, starting at White Horse Hill car park. The track begins gently and zigzags steeply up to the freshwater lakes of Sealy Tarns. The walk offers spectacular views of Hooker Valley, Mueller Lake and the area’s peaks, including Aoraki Mt Cook and village. Track update: Car parking fees apply at White Horse Hill.
Blue Pools Track, Otago
After two years of closure, this beautiful track reopened last year. This 3km round-trip walk through native beech and podocarp trees leads to two charming swingbridges that offer views of the turquoise pools, the result of glacier melt. The icy water is ideal for a hot-day dip. From the bridges, spot the large trout and hear yellowhead/mohua birds in the canopy
Lake Matheson/Te Ara
Kairaumati Walk, West Coast Lake Matheson is renowned for its mirror reflections of Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. There are two routes: a 2.4km wheelchair-friendly route from the car park to the jetty viewpoint, which crosses the Clearwater Suspension Bridge, and a longer 4.4km circuit around the lake, passing Reflection Island and the lake’s top end for mountain views. Watch for long-finned eels in the water.
Foveaux Walkway, Southland
This 7.8km one-way track to the lookout point hugs the coastline, offering views across Foveaux Strait, including Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura. Interpretation panels along the way share the area’s rich history and offer interesting details about the diverse plants, the island and the strait itself.
•Haveyou ever wanted to feed lots of grassand make supplement over summer? If yes, then this farm could be foryou.
•Situated in theBulls district of the Rangitikei is this flat to gently undulating 216 Ha dairy farm.
•Currently runasa level2 operation with no feed padormixer wagon.
•Thispropertygrows lots of grassand milks600 cows that enjoy eating it
•Witharound200 Ha underirrigation, good dairy andhouse, alongwith excellent layout this is an easy to manageoperation.
•Wouldbea greatinvestment or first farm with some scale
•Our Vendorhas their next projectin mind,soifthissoundslikeyou then call Les.
Tenders Close1pm 20thFebruary 2026 (unlesssoldprior).
Call Lestoinspect anddiscuss your options on 0274 420582
Photos takenJanuary2026
•Thispropertyconsists of 44 ha of flat Te Arakurasiltloamsoils that fronts Rangitikei Line and OrouaRoad, Newbury, Manawatu.
•Verywellsubdividedand fullydeer fenced with excellent lanewaysystem
•Stock waterissuppliedfroma bore locatednear theold dairy supplying watertoall paddocks
•Facilitiesinclude acentrallylocated hay shed, machineryshed,disused cowshed that has been convertedto cattle handling facilities along with a largetruck turn around area
•Currently thepropertyisleasedtothe neighbouringdeerfarmerand is availablefor purchase, settlement being spring 2027.
Tenders close1pm on the 4th of March, 2026
Call Lestoinspect anddiscuss your options on 0274 420582.
Photos takenJanuary2026
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