Articles tagged with Culture
Government Funds $200K Agri Futures Program to Support At-Risk Youth in NZ
4 days ago | 86 viewsThe NZ Rural Games Trust has received $100,000 from the Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund, matched by the Trust for a total of $200,000, to run a ten-week ‘Agri Futures Pathways’ pilot program for at-risk youth aged 12 to 24 in the lower North Island. The program offers hands-on workshops in rural industry skills such as sheep shearing, quadbike safety, and horticulture, and supports participation in the national Clash of the Colleges competition. This initiative aims to engage young people with education and career opportunities in the primary sector, aligning with government goals to fund programs demonstrating successful outcomes.
Tags: James Meager NZ Rural Games Trust Youth Development Partnership Agri Futures Pathways Clash of the Colleges primary industries rural workforce agriculture horticulture Ministry of Youth DevelopmentNew Zealand Modernises RSE Scheme to Simplify and Protect Seasonal Workers
1 week ago | 141 viewsThe Government is modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to simplify its use, enhance worker protections, and maintain opportunities for New Zealanders and Pacific workers. Key reforms include a graduated accreditation system for employers, clearer rules on recoverable costs, improved flexibility for worker movement between employers, and updated accommodation and pastoral care standards. These staged changes, starting in 2027, aim to sustain the scheme’s success in supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture sectors while strengthening partnerships with Pacific communities.
Tags: Erica Stanford Recognised Seasonal Employer RSE scheme New Zealand Pacific workers horticulture viticulture immigration pastoral care accommodation standardsNew Planning and Environment Bills Boost Farming with Practical Freshwater Plans
2 weeks ago | 207 viewsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Minister Andrew Hoggard welcome the Select Committee report on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill as key reforms replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) to support farmers and economic growth. The bills introduce a practical, risk-based freshwater farm plan system, removing audit requirements for non-certified plans and focusing certification and audits only on higher-risk farming activities. These changes aim to reduce costs, delays, and uncertainty for farmers while ensuring environmental protections and compliance in sensitive areas.
Tags: Todd McClay Andrew Hoggard Agriculture Minister Associate Environment Minister Associate Agriculture Minister Select Committee Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill RMA freshwater farm plansGovernment Invests $15.5M in Bay of Plenty Marina and Geothermal Projects
3 weeks ago | 259 viewsThe Government is investing $12.5 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop Ōpōtiki Marina, supporting aquaculture growth and creating up to 87 construction jobs. Additionally, a $3 million grant will fund the Gas to Geoheat – Tauranga Geothermal System Project, exploring geothermal energy potential to support future renewable energy initiatives and create 15-20 jobs. These investments aim to unlock the Bay of Plenty’s natural resource potential, boost regional economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
Tags: Shane Jones Bay of Plenty Ōpōtiki Marina Regional Infrastructure Fund aquaculture GeoExchange NZ Limited Tauranga Geothermal System geothermal energy Te Kaha Mount MaunganuiBay of Plenty Aquaculture Settlement Boosts Growth and Jobs for Te Moana-a-Toi Iwi
3 weeks ago | 255 viewsA major aquaculture settlement between the Crown and Te Moana-a-Toi iwi, involving 5000 hectares of new aquaculture space, aims to drive significant economic growth and workforce development in the Bay of Plenty. The region, known for open ocean mussel farming, has the potential to generate $200 million in annual revenue by 2035, contributing to the Government’s goal of $3 billion in aquaculture revenue nationwide. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones highlighted the settlement as a milestone that supports iwi leadership and strengthens local communities through stable jobs and export opportunities.
Tags: Shane Jones Crown Bay of Plenty Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act Tauranga New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan mussel farming aquaculture settlementGovernment and Federated Farmers Provide $100K Support for Flood-Hit Kaikōura Farmers
1 month ago | 260 viewsThe Government is providing $50,000 to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to aid flood-affected Kaikōura farmers, with Federated Farmers matching the amount through fundraising. The immediate focus is on animal welfare, with efforts underway to relocate around 4,000 animals from flood-damaged areas to safe grazing, while ongoing assessments continue for other regions impacted by severe weather. Farmers are advised to monitor weather forecasts, take precautions, and contact support services like the Rural Support Trust and MPI for assistance.
Tags: Todd McClay Kaikōura Federated Farmers Ministry for Primary Industries Rural Support Trust Farmers Adverse Events Trust Otago Wairarapa Agriculture Minister MetServiceGovernment Supports Wairarapa Farmers Amid Heavy Rain Damage and Erosion
1 month ago | 311 viewsThe Government is collaborating with farmers and rural communities in the Wairarapa to assess damage from recent heavy rain, including harm to roads, bridges, and farmland erosion. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasized ongoing support efforts, coordination with local officials, and urged farmers to prepare for further adverse weather by safeguarding stock and infrastructure. Farmers needing assistance can contact the Rural Support Trust or MPI, with the Government ready to escalate its response as necessary.
Tags: Todd McClay Mike Butterick Ministry for Primary Industries Rural Support Trust Wairarapa Government Agriculture Minister MetService farmers rural communitiesNew Research Projects Boost Efforts to Eradicate Yellow-Legged Hornet in NZ
1 month ago | 364 viewsFour new research projects led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute will support Biosecurity New Zealand's efforts to eradicate the yellow-legged hornet, focusing on risk modeling, impact assessment, targeted communication with Māori communities, and readiness planning for the apiculture sector. Since the hornet's detection in Auckland last year, 77 queens and 132 nests have been removed, with no sightings since early April, but ongoing surveillance and public vigilance remain crucial. Funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, these projects aim to enhance eradication strategies and prepare for potential long-term management.
Tags: Penny Simmonds Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute Auckland Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Maiangi Taiao Māori communities apiculture sectorGovernment Cuts Council PIM Processing Time from 20 to 10 Days to Speed Up Building Projects
1 month ago | 422 viewsThe New Zealand Government is reducing the processing time for Project Information Memorandums (PIMs) from 20 to 10 working days to speed up building projects and reduce costs. This change aims to improve productivity, enhance competition in the building consent market, and support key sectors like housing, agriculture, and infrastructure. Ministers emphasize that efficient council processes are essential for timely development, benefiting homeowners, businesses, and rural communities.
Tags: Chris Penk Simon Watts Project Information Memorandums PIMs New Zealand building consent councils local government agriculture sector building processGovernment Supports NZ Young Farmers with $645,000 Boost for Clubs and Wellbeing
1 month ago | 417 viewsThe Government is supporting NZ Young Farmers by providing $60,000 in one-off grants to 60 clubs and $585,000 through the Rural Wellbeing Fund to enhance physical, mental, and financial wellbeing initiatives. NZ Young Farmers, a non-profit with a century-long history, helps young rural people develop leadership skills, network, and support their communities. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasized the importance of these efforts in sustaining rural communities and the primary industries vital to the economy.
Tags: NZ Young Farmers Todd McClay Government young farmers rural communities Agriculture Minister Rural Wellbeing Fund leadership skills volunteer committees agriculture sectorGovernment and Industry Partner to Boost New Zealand Strong Wool Value with Innovative Products
1 month ago | 426 viewsThe New Zealand Government and industry are partnering to transform strong wool into high-value products like inks, 3D printing materials, and bioplastics through an $8 million contribution to a $20 million project led by Wool Source Manufacturing Limited. The initiative will establish a large-scale manufacturing facility in Christchurch to produce wool-derived particles and powders for global markets worth over $50 billion, promoting sustainable, renewable alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials. This project aims to increase farmgate returns, support rural communities, and redirect up to 20% of the strong wool clip into premium applications, enhancing the sector's resilience and sustainability.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Wool Source Manufacturing Limited New Zealand strong wool Primary Sector Growth Fund Christchurch bioplastics 3D printing Agriculture MinisterGovernment Boosts Funding for Rural Catchment Groups to Support Farmers and Land Management
1 month ago | 451 viewsThe Government is supporting farmers by expanding rural catchment groups and providing $40.5 million in funding over four years to improve land management and water quality across New Zealand. There are currently 51 groups, with 17 regional collectives being funded to enhance coordination and coverage, while efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and modernize resource management continue. Agriculture Ministers Todd McClay and Mike Butterick emphasize the success of these groups in delivering environmental benefits and sustaining high-quality, sustainable food production.
Tags: Todd McClay Mike Butterick rural catchment groups New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries NZ Landcare Trust land management agriculture funding environmental gainsGreater Land Use Flexibility Empowers Māori Farmers for Productivity and Sustainability
2 months ago | 412 viewsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka emphasize that greater land use flexibility enables whenua Māori landowners to enhance productivity and environmental outcomes. The Government is investing $2.6 million in a project with Te Arawa Primary Sector Incorporated to help Māori landowners optimize farm production, increase profitability by 10-30%, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5-25%. This initiative aims to support farmers and growers through regulatory reform, innovation, and data sharing, strengthening New Zealand's primary industries and rural communities.
Tags: Todd McClay Tama Potaka whenua Māori land use flexibility Māori landowners Agriculture Minister Māori Development Minister Te Arawa Primary Sector farming systems New Zealand agricultureGovernment Backs NZ Forestry Innovation with $8M Mass Timber Project Boost
2 months ago | 482 viewsThe New Zealand Government, led by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, is investing $3.2 million in a project to develop prefabricated mass timber modules, aiming to boost forestry sector innovation, onshore processing, and job creation. This initiative supports land use flexibility, sustainable productivity, and shifting supply from export to domestic markets, enhancing value and stability for regional economies. The project will assess technical, economic, and environmental factors to encourage long-term investment and provide data to help farmers and growers innovate and grow their businesses.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Government forestry sector Agriculture Minister VoMo Limited Red Stag Investments mass timber modules sustainable productivity regulatory reformNew Zealand Boosts Horticulture with Land Use Flexibility and Innovation
2 months ago | 461 viewsThe New Zealand Government is enhancing the horticulture sector by providing greater land use flexibility and investing $19.14 million in a five-year project to boost kiwifruit orchard productivity, quality, and environmental sustainability. This initiative, supported by Zespri and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, aims to increase kiwifruit export sales to $7.9 billion by 2035/36 and generate an economic impact of $15.8 billion. By reducing regulatory burdens and leveraging science and technology, the Government seeks to support farmers and growers, strengthen regional economies, and ensure a productive, sustainable primary industry sector.
Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand horticulture kiwifruit Zespri Agriculture Minister New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated farmers growers