10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
914 views
The New Zealand Government is enhancing agricultural land use flexibility to promote innovation, sustainable productivity, and a reduced environmental footprint, supporting over 257,000 workers and contributing $52 billion in exports. It is investing in multi-million-dollar projects to boost beef, sheep, and dairy production with improved environmental outcomes, including reducing nitrogen leaching and increasing pasture utilization and feed efficiency. These initiatives aim to back farmers with regulatory reforms, science, and technology to ensure profitable, sustainable growth that benefits regional economies and rural communities.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
779 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasize that New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, which accounts for over 80% of exports, requires increased productivity through innovation and greater land use flexibility. The Government is investing $143 million in six commercial projects across various sectors, partnering with industry to demonstrate how science, technology, and regulatory reform can drive growth while reducing environmental impact. A report from Lincoln University and ASB Bank projects that adopting these innovations and flexible land use could boost the economy by $10 billion within five to seven years.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
922 views
The Government and industry have jointly launched the AgriZeroNZ Early Adoption Accelerator, contributing up to $51 million each to support the rollout of innovative farm technologies that enhance New Zealand farmers' competitiveness and emissions efficiency. This co-funded program focuses on practical, scalable solutions, building on prior investments in emissions-reducing research, with tools like EcoPond already available and more technologies expected soon. AgriZeroNZ invites companies and industry groups to participate in projects over the next three years, aiming to provide farmers with diverse technology choices tailored to their operations.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
844 views
The Government has launched three initiatives totaling $260,000 to enhance the preparedness and resilience of rural communities through strengthening Rural Advisory Groups, supporting Taskforce Kiwi volunteers, and developing rural leadership skills. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson emphasized the importance of proactive investment in capacity-building to help rural areas effectively respond to and recover from adverse events. These efforts aim to support farmers, protect food supplies, and foster stronger, well-prepared rural communities before crises occur.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
867 views
The Government has introduced the Minister of Agriculture Future Leaders Scholarship to support emerging leaders in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry by providing three $10,000 grants annually for study and capability building. The program aims to develop governance skills and practical experience in rural primary sector leadership, addressing capability gaps through collaboration with sector leaders. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasizes the scholarship's role in nurturing leadership and sustaining the sector's long-term success.
29 May 2026
4 months ago
1031 views
Budget 2026 allocates $4.77 billion over four years to support New Zealand's primary sector, focusing on boosting productivity, improving land management, and enhancing resilience. Key investments include funding to combat wilding pines, reduce agricultural emissions, and support farmer-led initiatives, aiming to sustain the food and fibre sector, the country's largest export earner. The government emphasizes efficient resource use, regulatory reform, market expansion, and environmental partnerships to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth and economic contribution.
29 May 2026
4 months ago
926 views
The Government is supporting Hawke’s Bay growers in exploring a farmer-led purchase of McCain Foods’ vegetable processing site in Hastings by committing $50,000 for a feasibility study. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has engaged with local stakeholders and directed officials from the Ministry for Primary Industries to gather information and provide ongoing support. The Government aims to assist the more than 100 affected growers and their communities during this challenging time.
28 May 2026
4 months ago
924 views
The Government is investing $48 million over four years to support Māori broadcasting, helping media organizations adapt digitally, commission new te reo Māori content, and develop talent. Additionally, $10 million is allocated to Te Māori Tū to promote Māori culture, creativity, and storytelling internationally, creating opportunities for Māori artists and businesses. These initiatives, alongside support for Māori medium teaching, aim to strengthen te reo Māori, cultural confidence, and economic growth by fostering Māori language and creative industries.
19 May 2026
5 months ago
1024 views
The Ministry for Primary Industries has released the terms of reference for a mandatory review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA) to evaluate whether its competition provisions regulating Fonterra remain necessary and effective. The review will consider if these provisions should be retained, repealed, or amended, with findings due to Parliament by June 1, 2027, and will include two rounds of stakeholder consultation. DIRA was originally established to support Fonterra’s creation and regulate its market activities beyond general competition laws to ensure efficient dairy market operations in New Zealand.
15 May 2026
5 months ago
925 views
The New Zealand Government is strengthening the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 to better protect investments in high-value horticulture, support growers, and boost export returns, particularly for kiwifruit and apples. Key changes include extending the PVR term by five years and restoring provisional protection to allow breeders immediate legal action against exploitation during the application process. These measures aim to encourage innovation, secure jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness in global markets.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
1032 views
After 15 years of negotiations, the New Zealand Parliament passed the Claims Settlement Bills for three Hauraki iwi—Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui, and Ngāti Hei—formally acknowledging the Crown's historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and providing financial, commercial, and cultural redress. These settlements include Crown apologies, agreed historical accounts, and protocols with government ministries, aiming to support the iwi’s economic, cultural, and environmental aspirations while fostering enduring relationships. The settlements allocate millions in financial redress and property rights specific to each iwi's region, marking a significant milestone in addressing past injustices and strengthening future partnerships.
12 May 2026
5 months ago
1225 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced that Associate Agriculture Minister Mike Butterick will oversee the organics sector, water security and storage, the arable sector, Māori agribusiness, and catchment groups. Butterick, a sheep and beef farmer from Wairarapa, brings practical farming experience and will support efforts to reduce red tape and boost productivity in rural communities. Meanwhile, McClay has taken on responsibility for horticulture matters, strengthening the government’s focus on New Zealand’s primary sector.
06 May 2026
5 months ago
987 views
The Government has updated the National Environmental Standards for Marine Aquaculture to simplify regulations, reduce costs, and support innovation while maintaining environmental protection. These changes aim to ease consenting processes, enable research and trials, and provide clearer national direction, contributing to the sector’s growth toward a $3 billion annual revenue goal. The updates, effective from June 4, are part of broader reforms to improve resource management and support sustainable economic development in New Zealand.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1129 views
The New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers more flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, create jobs, and increase returns for taxpayers while maintaining strong environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and provides a pathway for exceptional land use changes, supporting modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.
02 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1181 views
The New Zealand Government will introduce a Bill to amend the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act, allowing high country farmers greater flexibility to diversify activities on Crown pastoral land, including horticulture, hospitality, and renewable energy projects. These changes aim to boost economic productivity, increase returns for taxpayers, support job creation, and strengthen regional economies while maintaining environmental protections and pastoral farming as the primary land use. The Bill also reduces administrative burdens, clarifies permitted activities, and establishes a process for exceptional land use changes, encouraging modern, productive farming businesses in the South Island.