News

Farmers and councils want inquiry into driving costs and funding

Farmers and councils were often at loggerheads over planning and rates issues, but when it came to seeking alternative funding mechanisms for local government they were on the same song sheet.So said Federated Farmers president...

Up to 100 jobs to go as Gisborne Mill struggles against international competitors

Forestry and wood processing company Junken New Zealand has proposed halving cutting the staff at its Matawhero mill from 200 to 100.General manager David Hilliard said it had to restructure because of declining demand in Japan...

$662,800 in fines for Queenstown freedom campers

Breaking the freedom camping rules in the Queenstown Lakes District resulted in campers being fined $662,800 last year.Council regulatory manager Lee Webster said 3314 infringement notices were issued, a 23% increase on 2016 (2691...

Speculation on origin of M.Bovis is harmful

Federated Farmers says speculation around the cattle disease Mycoplasma Bovis and its origins is just adding more stress to worried farmers.The disease was first detected on a South Canterbury farm by the Ministry for Primary Industries...

Emergency services cleaning up hazardous materials at Whangaehu property

Emergency services are trying to identify a hazardous material which has put a man in Whanganui Hospital. Fire and Emergency New Zealand were called to a rural property at Whangaehu near Whanganui at about 12.30pm. "We've got...