Articles tagged with Mark Patterson
Government Declares Medium-Scale Weather Event, Unlocks Support for Farmers
1 week ago | 160 viewsThe Government has classified recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Canterbury as medium-scale adverse events, unlocking additional support for affected farmers and growers. This support includes tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with the Ministry for Primary Industries conducting on-farm assessments to identify those most in need. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson urges farmers and growers to seek help through the Rural Support Trust for ongoing recovery efforts.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Ministry of Social Development Ministry for Primary Industries Rural Support Trust Bay of Plenty Canterbury Enhanced Taskforce Green Agriculture MinisterGovernment Invests $2M in Central Otago’s Falls Dam Replacement Pre-Construction
2 weeks ago | 199 viewsThe Government is providing a $2 million loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support pre-construction work on replacing the aging Falls Dam near St Bathans, vital for irrigating 8,000 hectares of Central Otago farmland. The funding will help Manuherikia River Limited assess regulatory, engineering, and financial aspects to ensure a secure and sustainable water supply for horticulture, viticulture, and farming. This project aims to enhance the region’s economic and climate resilience by delivering reliable irrigation and supporting higher-value land uses, with pre-construction expected to take about two years.
Tags: Mark Patterson Falls Dam Central Otago Manuherikia River Limited Regional Infrastructure Fund irrigation horticulture viticulture sheep farming water infrastructureGovernment $950K Loan Boosts Māori Farmland Productivity and Regional Growth
1 month ago | 287 viewsThe Government is providing a $950,000 loan through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to the Omuturangi 6E & 7A Ahu Whenua Trust to upgrade farmland infrastructure near Hāwera, enabling increased milking capacity and a 25% boost in milk production. This investment aims to create jobs, support regional growth, and help the trust transition from passive leasing to active farm management while training its people in commercial farming. Without the loan, the land would have reverted to less-productive grazing, but the project will benefit both the trust’s owners and the wider local economy, with construction starting soon.
Tags: Mark Patterson Tama Potaka Omuturangi 6E & 7A Ahu Whenua Trust Māori trust Regional Infrastructure Fund Hāwera Māori Development Minister Rural Communities Minister farmland productivity dairy farmingGovernment Boosts $200K Support for Farmers Affected by Severe Weather
1 month ago | 262 viewsThe Government is increasing support for farmers and growers affected by severe weather, providing an additional $200,000 to Rural Support Trusts in impacted regions. Ministry for Primary Industries staff are working with sector groups to identify where aid is most needed, complementing the $2.2 million previously announced for Mayoral Relief Funds and marae welfare reimbursements. Farmers and growers seeking help are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust for assistance.
Tags: Todd McClay Mark Patterson Christopher Luxon Government Rural Support Trust Ministry for Primary Industries farmers growers Northland Bay of PlentySouthland’s $13.6M Industrial Hub Boosts Gore Economy and Creates Jobs
1 month ago | 829 viewsThe Government is providing a $3.1 million loan to support a $13.6 million industrial subdivision near Gore, a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu’s Hokonui Rūnanga and Robertson Transport Limited, addressing the shortage of large industrial lots in the area. The 43-hectare project, located on State Highway 1, will create up to 50 construction jobs and attract various industries while generating sustainable income for Hokonui Rūnanga to fund community services. This development is the first phase of a 90-hectare master plan aimed at diversifying Southland’s economy and includes future plans for marae relocation, housing, and childcare facilities.
Tags: Mark Patterson Hokonui Rūnanga Ngāi Tahu Robertson Transport Limited Southland Gore District Regional Infrastructure Fund Associate Minister for Regional Development New Zealand Eastern SouthlandNew Zealand Launches $75K Training Fund to Boost Animal Welfare in Woolsheds
2 months ago | 453 viewsThe New Zealand Government and industry have established a $75,000 fund to support targeted training initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare and compliance in the shearing industry. This one-year pilot, administered by Wool Impact and delivered by Elite Wool Industry Training, includes workshops, online modules, and practical assessments for shearers and wool handlers. The initiative responds to recent sheep mistreatment allegations and aims to uphold New Zealand’s reputation for high animal welfare standards and protect international wool market access.
Tags: Andrew Hoggard Mark Patterson Ministry for Primary Industries PGG Wrightson New Zealand Merino Company Wool Impact New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association New Zealand Veterinary Association Elite Wool Industry Training The NZ Merino CompanyNew Zealand's Strong Wool Scores First Export Order for Innovative Wool Particles
2 months ago | 348 viewsNew Zealand’s strong wool sector has achieved a major milestone with its first export order for innovative wool particle products, secured by Wool Source for a Japanese personal care company. This success stems from a significant $8.72 million Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) program aimed at developing high-value wool products, including powders and pigments for cosmetics, paints, and inks. The government is actively promoting wool use domestically and internationally to boost returns for sheep farmers and support the sector’s growth.
Tags: Mark Patterson Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand Wool Source Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand WRONZ Kāinga Ora sheep farmers Japanese company Rural Communities Minister$2.31M Upgrade for Jackson Bay Wharf Boosts West Coast Resilience and Fishing
3 months ago | 337 viewsOver $2.31 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund will upgrade Jackson Bay Wharf, enhancing disaster resilience and supporting the local fishing industry by ensuring reliable seafood transport. The $3.3 million project, led by Westland District Council, includes structural improvements and digital surveillance to maintain the wharf’s safety and functionality. This upgrade, part of a $7.81 million investment across West Coast ports, exemplifies strong local and central government collaboration, boosting regional infrastructure, economic growth, and job creation.
Tags: Mark Patterson Jenny Marcroft Jackson Bay Wharf Westland District Council Regional Infrastructure Fund West Coast Westport Greymouth fishing industry disaster resilienceGovernment Announces Further Funding for Storm-Damaged Farmers
3 months ago | 479 viewsThe Government has allocated additional funding to aid farmers and growers in Southland, Clutha, and Hurunui districts in recovering from storm damage. Severe weather caused extensive destruction to powerlines, farm buildings, infrastructure, and affected dairy farms with prolonged power outages. The Rural Support Trusts in North Canterbury, Otago, and Southland are receiving up to $70,000 to assist in coordinating recovery efforts and supporting those in need, in addition to the $250,000 previously allocated for storm-affected communities.
Tags: Government funding farmers growers storm damage Agriculture Minister Todd McClay Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson power outages recovery efforts Rural Support TrustsBoosting Economy and Connectivity: Celebrating Rail Infrastructure Milestones in Otago
5 months ago | 531 viewsPort Otago hosted an event to celebrate the milestone of the new rail siding, with partners Dynes Transport and KiwiRail. Government ministers outlined investments in Otago's economic development and fast-track consenting steps. The rail infrastructure investments aim to boost efficiency, reduce road congestion, and support economic growth in the region.
Tags: Port Otago directors management workers Dynes Transport KiwiRail Jules Radich Shane Jones Mark Patterson Sir Julius Vogel New ZealandMinisters Doocey and Patterson engage with Thames community to enhance rural healthcare access
5 months ago | 545 viewsAssociate Health Minister Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson are visiting Thames to engage with the local community and gather feedback on the implementation of the Rural Health Strategy. The main focus of the roadshows is to address concerns about healthcare access in rural and remote areas, with Budget 2025 allocating $164 million to enhance urgent and after-hours care nationwide, particularly in rural communities. The government is committed to strengthening rural healthcare, expanding the rural health workforce, and improving access to quality care for all New Zealanders, including those in rural communities.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mark Patterson Rural Health Healthcare Rural Communities Budget 2025 New Zealanders Mental Health Roadshows Rural Health StrategyStrengthening Rural Health on the West Coast: Ministers Engage with Greymouth Community
5 months ago | 513 viewsAssociate Health Minister Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson are visiting Greymouth as part of the Rural Health Roadshow to address healthcare challenges in geographically spread-out communities like the West Coast. Budget 2025 allocated $164 million to enhance urgent and after-hours care, aiming to ensure 98% of New Zealanders can reach urgent care within an hour. The Government is dedicated to removing geographic barriers to healthcare access, focusing on strengthening mental health and rural healthcare outcomes for all New Zealanders, especially those in rural communities like Greymouth.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mark Patterson Associate Health Minister Rural Health Minister for Rural Communities Greymouth Roadshow Budget 2025 New Zealanders Mental HealthRural Health Roadshow: Ministers Visit Te Kūiti to Enhance Healthcare Access and Services
5 months ago | 584 viewsAssociate Health Minister Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson are conducting the Rural Health Roadshow in Te Kūiti, the tenth stop on the tour. The roadshow aims to gather feedback from rural communities and healthcare providers to assess the Rural Health Strategy's implementation and identify areas for improvement. Te Kūiti hosts one of six rural urgent care prototypes, part of a national initiative to enhance rural healthcare services, supported by a $164 million investment to strengthen urgent and after-hours care across New Zealand.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mark Patterson Rural Health Te Kūiti Roadshow Rural Communities Healthcare Rural Health Strategy Budget 2025 New ZealandersNew Zealand's First Rural Training Hub Announced in South Taranaki
5 months ago | 541 viewsAssociate Health Minister Matt Doocey and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson announced the establishment of New Zealand's first Rural Training Hub in South Taranaki, aiming to strengthen rural healthcare by linking local services, universities, and training providers. The hub will facilitate the education and training of healthcare workers in rural areas, ensuring timely access to care for all New Zealanders. Four hubs will be established across Health NZ regions, with the South Taranaki Hub involving community input to coordinate placements, training pathways, and pastoral support for healthcare professionals.
Tags: Matt Doocey Mark Patterson Rural Health Rural Communities South Taranaki Health Workforce Rural Training Hub Healthcare Rural Medical Immersion Programme Rural Health StrategySouthland's Space Sector Receives $2.25M Boost from Regional Infrastructure Fund
6 months ago | 747 viewsSouthland's space sector receives a significant boost through a loan of up to $2.25 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for Space Operations New Zealand Limited. The loan will support the expansion of the business at the Awarua Satellite Ground Station near Invercargill, leveraging Southland's strategic location for satellite operations. The project aims to create a regional space hub, accelerating essential works to meet current demand and future growth plans, ultimately enhancing the development of Southland's space industry.
Tags: Southland Space Operations New Zealand Limited Mark Patterson Awarua Satellite Ground Station Greenhills Invercargill Great South Regional Infrastructure Fund satellite ground station Warkworth Space Centre