NZ Engine

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Source: New Zealand Government

A new agreement between the Government and key livestock industry groups marks a major milestone in New Zealand’s readiness for a potential foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today.
“The Foot and Mouth Disease Operational Agreement confirms how Government and industry will jointly prepare for, and respond to, a possible outbreak – including how costs will be shared,” Mr Hoggard said.
Six industry organisations – DairyNZ, the Dairy Companies Association, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, NZPork, Deer Industry New Zealand, and the Meat Industry Association – have signed the agreement with MPI, which takes effect from 1 July 2025 for five years.
“An outbreak could cost up to $3 billion to eradicate, but doing nothing would be far worse – potentially slashing export values by $14.3 billion per year until it’s controlled,” said Mr Hoggard.
“Through this agreement, we’re locking in a truly collaborative approach. Industry will contribute 40% of readiness costs and 15% of response costs – capped at $450 million – and in return, they’ll have a formal seat at the decision-making table.”
Mr Hoggard says the agreement reflects years of work and a shared commitment to protecting New Zealand’s vital livestock sector.
“This is a significant and practical step forward for our national biosecurity system.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Public consultation begins today aimed at improving the legal aid scheme for those who cannot afford advice and representation, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“We have a duty to ensure all New Zealanders have access to justice by means of a fair and open process. 
“To do so, we need a scheme that is efficient and sustainable. However, we know it’s no longer fit for purpose. 
“We’ve heard from the judiciary, lawyers, and others that changes are needed to address difficulties facing providers and those who need assistance.
“The scheme was last reviewed in 2018 and a lot has changed since then. This will provide an opportunity to ensure the scheme is efficient, is of good quality, and promotes access to justice in a way that is sustainable and cost-effective.
“I encourage everyone to make a submission and ensure their voice is heard. This feedback will help frame the advice on options for the future of the scheme.”
Submissions close with the Ministry on 23 July and can be made at: https://consultations.justice.govt.nz/policy/triennial-review-of-legal-aid
Further information about the review, including the discussion document, can be found here: Legal aid scheme review | New Zealand Ministry of Justice 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  11 June 2025

It is the first official re-introduction of a native species since DOC and Ngāti Rehua eradicated rats from Rakitū in 2018.

“The Department of Conservation and Ngāti Rehua have a goal of more translocations with tieke being the first species to return,” says DOC Aotea Operations Manager Fletcher Beazley.

Formed from the remains of an eroded volcano, Rakitū was first discovered by Ngāti Rehua ancestors 800 years ago and has been a place of significance ever since.

Since 2018 when rats were eradicated, the island has seen a strong return of its unique flora and fauna including native birds and rare large-leaved forms of rangiora, tawa and kawakawa.

DOC and Ngāti Rehua are working together on restoring the nature of Rakitū says Fletcher. This work is making a difference, with clear evidence of nature bouncing back.

“Since rats were eradicated, we’ve seen the mauri/lifeforce returning to the motu. Without rats eating the seed, groves of young taraire trees are now appearing.

“As skink and gecko populations recover, DOC staff are now finding the tracking cards used for rodent surveillance are covered in lizard footprints.

“More translocations will only be possible if we restore the mauri of the forest, control predators and pests and by DOC, Council, Iwi and Community working together as one. By doing this the Mana of Aotea and Rakitū will be restored and the sounds of birdsong will be preserved for our mokopuna to enjoy,” says Fletcher.

Tīeke were once abundant through Aotearoa, including on Rakitū but are very susceptible to predation by rats. By 1964 Taranga/Hen Island was home to the last remaining population of North Island tīeke.

After several successful translocations from Taranga (Hen Island) in the 1960s, North Island tīeke now live on several island and mainland sanctuaries.

On Taranga (Hen Island), these taonga are cared for by Patuharakeke and Ngatiwai. The successful eradication of rats from Taranga (Hen Island) in 2011, with the support of both iwi and hapu, has created an environment where taonga species can thrive and has made a translocation like this possible.

The birds were carefully transported between Taranga (Hen Island) and Rakitū by helicopter.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are advised that Police will hold a stand-up this afternoon regarding the ongoing search for missing Christchurch woman Elisabeth Nicholls.

Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge will speak to media at 2.30pm in central Christchurch.

We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz. Further details will be provided to registered media. 

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Energy Minister Simon Watts has announced the Government’s new Solar on Farms initiative, which will support farmers in taking the next step towards installing solar and battery systems, helping them reduce energy costs, increase on-farm resilience, and allow farmers to gain greater control over their power use, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

The Solar on Farms package includes:

• Independent and practical tools and advice to assist farmers
• A dedicated help function to guide farmers through the opportunities
• Feasibility studies and technology demonstrations tailored to various farm types
• Real-life energy data for different farm types, showing how solar energy works in practice
• Independent advice on progressing consents and applications with local and regional bodies and Electricity Distribution Businesses
• A partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Finance to accelerate access to finance, making it quicker, simpler and easier.

“Kiwi farmers have a long history of adapting, problem-solving and finding ways to be smart with land and resources. Real progress comes from the ground up, from people who understand the land, the seasons, and how to run a business,” Mr Watts says.

“That’s why we want to give farmers more choices and the ability to unlock the cost savings that come with on-farm solar, batteries, and flexible energy systems. However, to achieve this, farmers require the correct information, evidence, tools, and trusted advice.

“That’s where Solar on Farms comes in. It’s a practical support package that helps farmers determine if solar and battery systems are right for them by working with them to navigate the details of installing and leveraging this technology for their businesses. The package provides farmers with direct access to independent advice. It offers solutions tailored to various farm types and energy profiles.

“Farms across New Zealand, especially those using irrigation and other energy-intensive systems, are facing increasingly high and unpredictable energy costs. This adds real pressure to already tight margins. 

“On-farm solar and batteries can help reduce that pressure by improving self-sufficiency and lowering exposure to rising energy prices, especially in rural and remote areas. Generating electricity on-farm also creates opportunities to receive revenue from solar electricity back to the grid.

“Early modelling tells us that if 30 per cent of Kiwi farms installed larger systems – of the size we see on some farms already – they could generate as much as 10 per cent of New Zealand’s current electricity demand. This is a real win for the security of our energy supply.”

EECA is leading the delivery of Solar on Farms in collaboration with farmers, sector bodies, and technical experts, and the package of initiatives will be available soon.

Fieldays 2025 also celebrated the launch of Farmlands Flex, a complementary solar on farms product from Farmlands and energy innovator Blackcurrent, with the support of Ara Ake, New Zealand’s energy innovation centre. The product combines solar, batteries and smart software in a fully managed system that enables users to generate, store and manage their energy on-site.

“The Farmlands Flex product includes equipment, flexible demand management software, and takes care of the installation and application processes on behalf of the farmer,” says Mr Watts. 

“It is an excellent demonstration of how solar purchasing and installation can be made more efficient.”

Mr Watts also welcomed ASB’s recent announcement of a new 0 percent solar loan aimed at helping farmers secure long-term energy resilience and cost savings.

“I look forward to seeing how products like Farmlands Flex, the ASB SMART solar loan, and our Solar on Farms initiative help set the farming sector up for long-term success.”

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand is raising its game on the global stage with a new Grass-Fed certification scheme to help our red meat and dairy producers go head-to-head with competitors in premium international markets, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays.
“International consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for high-quality grass-fed food—and New Zealand intends to lead that space, not follow it,” Mr McClay says.
“This new standard puts a clear, trusted stamp on what our farmers have always done best—producing high-quality, safe pasture-raised meat and dairy.”
The voluntary scheme, developed in partnership between the Primary Sector and the Ministry for Primary Industries, sets a clear definition for grass-fed products. Producers who meet the standard can be assessed and display the trusted Grass-Fed certification on their products and market them to the world.
“In key markets, we’re up against countries that claim grass-fed credentials but feed their animals grain part of the year or keep them indoors for long periods. New Zealand’s system is different—our livestock on grass, year-round, in the world’s best farming conditions.”
The standard for dairy defines grass-fed as meaning animals have a diet comprised of at least 90 percent of the qualifying grass-fed feed types and are on pasture or forage crops, 340 days per year. 
For red meat, the animals must be predominantly fed grass-fed feed types and be permitted to graze outdoors on pasture or forage crops year-round.
“This is about more than a label—it’s a commercial tool to push into premium segments and stay ahead of competitors. We’re relentlessly focused on improving the value of our exports and backing farmers,” Mr McClay says.
“This is another step in making New Zealand farming the global benchmark for high-quality, safe, sustainable production—and ensuring our exporters have every advantage in the fight for premium shelf space.”
More information and assessment details are available on the MPI website.

Source: New Zealand Police

Quick thinking and a priority transport of chocolate has aided the recovery of an Auckland motorist. 

Police in central Auckland received information about a man who appeared intoxicated, getting into a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.

Auckland Central Area Commander, Inspector Grant Tetzlaff says frontline staff attended just after 3pm on Union Street.

“On arrival, staff found a middle-aged man slumped over the car’s steering wheel and losing consciousness,” he says.

“The officers acted quickly on their feet, taking the initiative and checked for a medical alert on the man’s phone.”

It revealed he was a Type One diabetic.

“Wasting no time and with time of the essence,  the staff called for an ambulance and for another patrol to bring some chocolate, pronto!”

“The chocolate arrived on scene quickly and the man began to regain some consciousness.”

Ambulance staff arrived on scene and he was transported to hospital.

“I commend the actions of the frontline staff in what was a medical emergency and ended up being a sweet result,” Inspector Tetzlaff says.

ENDS. 

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the clearance of a significant radiology backlog at Taranaki Base Hospital, calling it a practical outcome that puts patients first.

“In March, more than 6,000 x-ray reports were sitting unprocessed at Taranaki Base Hospital. That was causing unacceptable delays for patients needing diagnosis and treatment,” Mr Brown says.

“People in Taranaki deserve access to timely, high-quality healthcare – and that includes getting diagnostic results back quickly. With the backlog now cleared and all results referred back to GPs, patients are now receiving their results.”

To address the backlog, Health New Zealand made full use of available public radiology resources and engaged private imaging providers to boost reporting capacity and return results directly to patients’ GPs.

“This was a practical, solutions-focused response. By combining public capacity with private sector support, the backlog was cleared efficiently, and care has been sped up for thousands of people.”

Outsourcing remains in place to manage ongoing demand and reduce the risk of future backlogs.

“Taranaki Base Hospital will continue to use private capacity where needed – an approach that is consistent with the Government’s broader strategy to reduce waitlists across the health system.

“Our focus on reducing waitlists has already resulted in more than 8,600 additional elective procedures being delivered through outsourcing. It’s a clear example of how we can apply the same approach to diagnostics – using targeted outsourcing to deliver faster care.

“We are committed to practical improvements that reduce delays, support frontline services, and deliver better outcomes for patients.

“This result in Taranaki shows what can be achieved when we stay focused on what matters – making sure New Zealanders get the care they need, when they need it,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is backing a $17 million partnership with farmers to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability by identifying the most resilient, high-performing pastures for New Zealand conditions, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. 
Minister McClay confirmed the Government will invest $8.269 million in the Resilient Pastures project through Budget 2025’s new Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF), alongside sector leaders including DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Fonterra, AgResearch, and others.
“This is a smart investment that will deliver real outcomes for farmers — increasing pasture performance, extending productive lifespan, cutting re-grassing costs, and improving profitability across the board,” McClay said.
“New Zealand farmers produce high-quality, safe, and sustainable food and fibre that is in demand around the world. Projects like this help us stay at the front of the pack —making it easier to farm productively and drive farm gate profitably.’
The project will focus on the upper North Island, where pasture productivity has been challenging. Research and trials will develop region-specific pasture mixes and on-farm practices that respond to changing conditions, with farmers involved every step of the way.
“This is about innovation that delivers at the farmgate. By partnering with farmers and agri-leaders, we’re backing practical solutions that drive growth and reduce red tape,” McClay says.
Today’s announcement builds on the Government’s wider support for the sector, including:

Over $400 million invested to accelerate emissions-reduction tools through AgriZeroNZ and NZAGRC;
New technologies for nutrients, genetics, and pasture resilience already underway through PSGF;
Ongoing work to remove outdated regulations and simplify compliance.

“Our message is clear: this Government backs farmers. We’re here to grow value, not bureaucracy.”