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Special Agricultural Trade Envoy appointed

Source: New Zealand Government

The Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay has announced the appointment of Nathan Guy as New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).

The position supports key Government objectives, including ensuring New Zealand’s trading partners understand our approach to agriculture and primary production.

The role also focuses on raising the performance of New Zealand’s agricultural and primary sector exports in global markets, thereby contributing to the Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports in 10 years.

“Nathan Guy’s immediate priorities will be to advocate for New Zealand’s primary production interests from the perspective of a practising farmer,” Mr McClay says.

“I have asked Mr Guy to show particular focus on India and GCC markets, to leverage the opportunities that trade agreements with these countries would present.”
Nathan Guy is a dairy farmer, agribusiness leader, and a former Minister for Primary Industries.

He is currently the Chairman of the Meat Industry Association and Independent Chair of Apiculture New Zealand. He has extensive experience advocating for New Zealand’s agricultural exporters, both on the domestic and global stage.

Mr McClay says Nathan Guy’s background promoting New Zealand’s producers both as a Minister and as a farmer means that he is uniquely well placed to tell the story of New Zealand’s primary production sector to the world.

Nathan Guy replaces Hamish Marr, who has held the SATE role since 2023.

“Hamish has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural trade interests,” Mr McClay says.

“He has been highly effective in conveying the message that New Zealand agriculture is not a threat to others but rather that we can complement our partners to our mutual advantage.”

Nathan Guy will take up the role on 1 January 2026.

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Burglar comes a cropper

Source: New Zealand Police

A burglar bogged down during his escape efforts on a west Auckland farm will face court today.

Police responded to a burglary reported in Henderson Valley at around 3.15pm on Wednesday.

Acting Inspector Nick Salter, Acting Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says a man had reportedly entered a shed on the property and was removing items.

“He was seen attempting to leave the property in a stolen ute, which became stuck in the mud,” he says.

“Instead, he was forced to leave on foot through the mud.”

Things got worse after he tried to steal a vehicle from a neighbouring property.

“Workers challenged the man, and he was ultimately unsuccessful at stealing a van and quad bike, making off on foot with various tools.”

Police had deployed into the area, with a dog handler quickly on the scent.

“Police tracked the man to an address, where he was taken into custody muddy and saturated,” acting Inspector Salter says.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with burglary and possessing cannabis.

He will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Pre-Christmas economic boost welcomed

Source: New Zealand Government

Confirmation that the economy grew strongly in the third quarter of the year is  welcome news before Christmas, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. 

Stats NZ reported today that the economy grew 1.1 per cent in the third quarter of the year. 

“This growth was broad-based, occurring in 14 of the 16 sectors measured by Stats NZ,” Nicola Willis says.

“This is what healthy growth looks like. With all the indicators pointing to further growth in the final quarter of the year, Kiwis can go into Christmas confident the economy has finally turned the corner after a tough few years.

“Treasury and the Reserve Bank are forecasting growth to accelerate next year and unemployment to fall.

“The Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future is working.”

Nicola Willis says she was particularly pleased to see growth of 2.2 per cent in the manufacturing sector, 1.7 per cent in construction, and 1.6 per cent for business services. 

“These are job-rich sectors of the economy. Together with growth in exports of 3.3 per cent, and increased investment in residential buildings, plant and machinery, and transport equipment, this augurs well for future job prospects as well as higher incomes. 

“It is also pleasing to see that gross domestic product (GDP) per capita rose 0.9 per cent in the three months to September.”

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Fonterra lowers milk price forecast amid strong supply

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

  • Fonterra lowers milk price forecast midpoint again
  • Strong global supply weighing on prices
  • Global Dairy Trade auction has fallen at nine consecutive meetings

Fonterra has lowered its milk price forecast as strong supply in the global market weighs on global prices.

The co-op reduced the forecast range on its Farmgate Milk Price from $9-$10 per kilogram of milk solids to $8.50-$9.50 per kg.

The midpoint was lowered from $9.50 to $9.

The co-op previously lowered the midpoint in late November.

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell said: “With half the season still to complete, we continue to experience strong milk flows both in New Zealand and globally, particularly out of the United States and Europe, and this continues to put downward pressure on global commodity prices.”

The announcement comes days after the most recent Global Dairy Trade auction, which saw prices fall for the ninth consecutive time.

“Combined with a rising New Zealand dollar since the last milk price update in November, we are required to further adjust the forecast range for the season and lower our midpoint,” Hurrell said.

He noted Fonterra started the season with a wide forecast range of $8-$11 per kg and the new $9 midpoint was within that range.

“We remain committed to maximising returns for farmer shareholders through both the Farmgate Milk Price and earnings, strong customer relationships and a firm focus on margins, product mix, and operational efficiencies,” Hurrell said.

ANZ agricultural economist Matt Dilly said global milk production had exceeded expectations, led by Europe and the United States.

He would not be surprised if there were further reductions in the milk price.

“It is unusual for prices to drop at this many auctions consecutively, so we could see a small bounce back, but the writing is in the wall that we’re in a bearish market for dairy at the moment.”

But Dilly said farmer confidence would be affected but Fonterra shareholders could look forward to a capital return from the sale of its consumer brands, which would soften the blow.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Netball New Zealand boss Jennie Wyllie resigns

Source: Radio New Zealand

Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Netball New Zealand CEO Jennie Wyllie has resigned at the end of a turbulent year, which included the controversial standing down of the Silver Ferns’ coach.

Wyllie advised the Netball NZ Board on Thursday that she has made the decision to step down to take time with her family and explore other opportunities.

“We sincerely thank Jennie for her valuable contribution to netball over the last 16 years,” a statement from the board said.

“Jennie has guided the organisation through significant change and challenge, and we wish her all the very best for the future,” said Matt Whineray, Chair of Netball NZ.

Wyllie, who became CEO in 2016, said it had been a privilege to work with talented and passionate people.

“I am thankful for the opportunities and many memorable moments. There have also been challenges along the way, which come with any leadership role. Now, it feels right to focus on my family and look ahead to new opportunities,” Wyllie said.

Netball New Zealand has had a rough 2025. The organisation struggled to secure a broadcast deal for the ANZ Premiership, the sport’s domestic showpiece.

But the biggest damage to the organisation’s reputation came in September when it announced that Silver Ferns’ coach Dame Noeline Taurua was being suspended, due to concerns in the high performance environment.

The saga played out in the media for weeks before Dame Noeline was eventually reinstated, but calls for ‘heads to roll’ at Netball NZ came from many quarters of the netball community.

The Board will start a process to appoint a replacement CEO in the New Year. David Cooper will be the Acting CEO until the Board determines interim arrangements pending the completion of the recruitment process.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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When the Honda City goes off road

Source: Radio New Zealand

Participants in the annual Great Honda City Road Trip. Supplied / Jared Campbell

When you think of a Honda City, you might think of a car designed for parallel parking, not river crossings – built for errands, not off-road exploits.

Over the weekend, enthusiasts, from as far as Australia, joined a convey of the little cars from Christchurch to a working farm station in Canterbury’s Avoca Valley, for the annual Great Honda City Road Trip.

The event’s creator, Jared Campbell, told Morning Report that about seven years ago he decided to give it a go with a few friends.

“I had a Honda City at the time and I used to do this particular off road track back when I was younger with my father, I remember it being not too harsh on the cars so I decided to give it a go and it was a lot of fun.”

The first year about eight people in about five cars took part in the event and that had increased to about 30 people in 20 cars this year – including a couple of people from Australia, he said.

Campbell said as organised he was usually at the front of the group of cars.

“After we pass the traffic, about three or four cars, they start to realise there’s something weird going on and they start getting their phones out and filming us as we drive past – it’s definitely a sight.”

Some of the driving is off-road on gravel roads. Supplied / Jared Campbell

Campbell said he had always like the Honda City and “as a small silly car it was quite easy just to do silly things in them”.

It was a well designed car that some features that had some features that made it capable of going off-road, he said.

Evidence that the Honda City was a good car could be seen in the fact that there were still so many of them around and that so many were sold when they were new, he said.

Campbell said the route started in Christchurch.

“We start off in Christchurch in Belfast and from there we take some back roads out to Sheffield to the famous pie shop, from there we take the inland scenic route out towards Mt Hutt and then we get access by private station in the Avoca Valley.”

One of the Honda City’s crossing a river. Supplied / Jared Campbell

The terrain on the road trip would vary from gravel roads to up and over hills, he said.

The main track did not go through any major rivers, although there were some minor river crossings, he said.

“The main track in and out is quite easy but a lot of us like to go a little bit further and a little bit harder and we try and get across the Avoca River.”

It was a big challenge to get through that river to the other side, he said.

“We do take recovery vehicles with us but we try our best not to use them.”

The main track went through some minor river crossings. Supplied / Jared Campbell

But he said that people who tried “to do things that they really shouldn’t do in a Honda City” would get stuck and in that case the recovery vehicles would be put to use.

“We can be quite hard on vehicles too so we have some issues like cracked open gear boxes … but we’ve been slowly modifying our cars to be able to handle this type of stuff with bash plates and snorkels.”

He said they often ended up pooling car parts bought along for the trip since because everyone was driving the same type of vehicle they often bought spare parts along which could then be used on their or someone else’s car if needed.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Busy year sees Tairāwhiti cyclone recovery move closer to completion

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Around 90% of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work on Tairāwhiti’s state highways has been completed after a busy 2025.

Crews will pause over the Christmas and New Year period (from 18 December to 5 January) and traffic will return to two lanes apart from at Kemps Hill, and one section of Mangahauini Gorge.  The TREC team will return in early January to complete the remaining projects, all scheduled to finish in 2026.

The Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance has been carrying out Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), since 2023. TREC crews and local contractors have been working to restore 2 lane access and build resilience on the state highway network throughout Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.

Across the 500 kilometres of state highway network in the region (SH2 and SH35), TREC has been focused on repairing 180 ‘faults’ (which includes slips under the road, slips over the road, culvert replacements and repairs).  So far 166 of those ‘faults’ have been completed.

TREC project manager Richard Bayley says crews have worked solidly throughout the year, with the support of local contractors and communities, to complete projects and keep the highways open.

“It’s been another busy year and we’d like to thank the community for their patience as the recovery work has continued. Their support makes our job so much easier, and we don’t take that support for granted.

“We couldn’t deliver the work without the ongoing partnership and support of hapū kaitiaki and local contractors who continue to deliver great work on the state highway network. Around 80% of our East Coast recovery construction work is delivered by local contractors.

“Together, we’ve started construction on some of our most complex projects this year. This includes the last and largest stage of river management work at Mangahauini Gorge on SH35, the bridge rebuild at Hikuwai, and two sites with upgrades to prevent flooding – the Hakanui Straight project on SH2 near Te Karaka, and Rototahe on SH35, north of Tolaga Bay.

“We’ve also repaired numerous underslips, improved drainage, cleared silt from streams, and restored sections of highway back to two-lanes.

“Thank you to our Iwi and hapū partners who have continued to work closely with us to deliver better outcomes for communities.”

SH2 progress

Work completed includes:

  • Otoko Hill. Work has now finished on a programme across 11 sites, transforming the area from slip-prone to storm-ready. Nearly 3km of new underground drains are reshaping the way water moves through one of Tairāwhiti’s most landslide-prone road corridors. Work includes repairing multiple landslides and reinforcing slopes with soil anchors and shotcrete to stabilise soft ground and protect the road.
  • Rakauroa underslip. Cyclone Gabrielle had washed away the road shoulder creating an incredibly steep terrain. Soil nails stablised the ground beneath the road and a shotcrete (sprayed concrete) retaining wall was constructed.
  • Matawai Road overslip. At this site just north of Ormond a willow wall was used to stabilise the slope which was prone to erosion.

Work underway includes:

  • Hakanui Straight. Flood protection is well underway at this project (formerly known as Nesbitt’s Dip). An 850m stretch of state highway is being raised by 3m and drainage upgraded to reduce closures due to flooding. This work will continue until mid-2026.

SH35 progress

TREC’s recovery work on SH35 stretches from Tairāwhiti into the eastern Bay of Plenty.

Work completed in 2025 includes:

  • Awatere Gully underslip. A buttress (supporting) structure was built to repair an underslip and the road was reinstated.
  • Kopuaroa Slip 1. An underslip was repaired with a soil nail and shotcrete wall and the road was opened to two lanes in December.
  • Kopuaroa slip 2. An underslip at this site requires soil nails and shotcrete (sprayed liquid concrete) to stabilise and rebuild the hillside.
  • Kemps Hill subsidence. Three faults were repaired and the road restored to two lanes. Work included building a buttress, using a willow wall.
  • Paronga (D9). Two underslips were repaired with a buttress wall and also an MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) wall.
  • Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge. Repairs have been completed on the bridge bearings and cross bracing. These components absorb movement and keep the structure. This work involved lifting the bridge by approximately 2cm.

Work underway includes:

  • Hikuwai Bridge No.1 replacement.  Piling work started in early December to replace the single, two-laned bridge that is being built to replace the Hikuwai bridge destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle. Expected to be complete in late 2026.
  • Mangahauini Gorge programme of works are well underway to install hanbars in the river, repair the sheetpile wall, install new drainage and shift thousands of tonnes of slip material. Expected to be complete in mid-2026.
  • Rototahe flood protection.The state highway will be raised and the drainage will be upgraded to reduce closures due to flooding. Expected to be complete in early 2026.
  • Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge. Rock revetment (protection) work is underway to repair the area beneath the bridge and protect it from future erosion impacts of the Waiapu River. Expected to be complete in April.
  • Tōrere underslip and overslip. More than 30 steel soil nails are locked into the hillside at the underslip site to help stabilise. At the overslip site all 9 layers of an MSE (Mechanically Stabilised Earth) Wall are finished and the crew is now adding drainage. Expected to be complete in March 2026.
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Summertime means seasonal risks for workers

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

As the glorious days of summer settle in, workloads increase for many around the country.

Whether you’re up on the roof, busy with harvest, managing livestock or on the factory floor, higher temperatures and long, sunny days bring different risks.

WorkSafe’s Central Region Principal Inspector Graham Bates, says plenty can be done to help manage hot conditions, but it’s not as simple as putting on a hat.

“Summer comes with increased risk of sun exposure, extreme temperatures and fatigue. These factors can lead to poor decision-making and accidents, so it’s important that they’re taken seriously.

“Hotter working conditions means workers need adequate breaks and hydration, and specialist PPE might need to be used. Taking these steps can really help reduce those summertime risks.”

WorkSafe has published guidance to help businesses and workers prepare for these common seasonal risks.

Sun

Working outdoors increases the risk of exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can lead to serious conditions such as skin cancer, but there are steps that can be taken to limit the risk of that happening.

Protecting workers from solar UV radiation

Heat

Soaring temperatures come with serious health risks, especially for those doing physically demanding work. Our good practice guidelines give practical advice to help mitigate those risks.

Working safely in extreme temperatures

Fatigue

To work safely, workers should be physically and mentally alert. Both businesses and workers are responsible for ensuring that happens.

Fatigue quick guide

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Economy rebounds into 1.1 percent growth for September quarter

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

  • Economy grows 1.1% in September quarter, 1.3% on year ago
  • Expectations were for a rise between 0.8-1.0%
  • Previous quarter revised lower to 1 pct contraction from 0.9%
  • Business services, manufacturing, construction lead growth
  • Telecommunications/media, education sectors contract
  • Data likely to back Reserve Bank holding cash rate at 2.25 pct for start of 2026.

The economy has rebounded from its mid-year slump as stronger manufacturing, construction, and business services pushed growth, backing the case for interest rates to be held steady.

Stats NZ data showed gross domestic product (GDP) – the broad measure of economic growth – rose 1.1 percent in the three months ended September, to be 1.4 percent higher than a year ago.

Expectations were for quarterly growth of about 0.9 percent, although the contraction in the previous quarter was revised lower to 1.0 percent from 0.9 percent.

“The 1.1 percent rise in economic activity… was broad-based, with increases in 14 out of 16 industries,” Stats NZ spokesperson Jason Attewell said, adding the economy had grown in three of the four past quarters.

Turning the economic corner

The strongest sectors were manufacturing and business services such as professional and technical, which both grew 2.2 percent, and construction rising 1.7 percent.

Exports were up 3.3 percent, on the back of strong dairy and meat performances, but households activity rose 0.1 percent.

There were smaller positive contributions from real estate services, retail, and energy and water industries.

The sectors to contract were telecommunications and internet services, and education and training.

Individual shares of the economy – per capita GDP – rose 0.9 percent,.

The country’s purchasing power (disposable income) improved 0.7 percent for the quarter.

Slow recovery

The latest GDP reading has already been overtaken by more recent data with the monthly surveys of the manufacturing and services showing they have been going backwards, despite positive sentiment surveys.

Retail sales have been improving, the GDP data showed increased demand for televisions, computers, and mobile phones.

“The retail trade survey shows increased spending on durables in the September quarter, with motor vehicle parts retailing up 7.2 percent, and electrical and electronic goods up 9.8 percent,” Attewell said.

However, consumer sentiment has remained pessimistic, with households concerned about the weak labour market and the continued high cost of living, while lower interest rates have been slow to filter through.

Forecasts are for a gradual pick up in growth next year to around 1.5 percent, rising towards 3 percent in 2027.

Rates on hold

The Reserve Bank last month cut the official cash rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 2.25 and signalled it was likely the end of the rate cutting cycle, although it left the door ajar for further easing if the economic numbers turn sour.

That message has been reinforced by the new Governor, Anna Breman, over the past week who has said [www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/581940/reserve-bank-governor-sends-message-markets-gone-too-far financial markets are getting ahead of themselves] by starting to price in RBNZ rate rises next year.

Economists expect the economy to post stronger growth, which might underpin inflation pressures, although they believe there is sufficient slack in the economy to counter inflation.

New Zealand’s quarterly growth rate matched China’s 1.1 percent, but outpaced most of our main trading partners, with Australia and the EU at 0.4 percent, Canada at 0.6 percent, and UK at 0.1 percent.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Best books of 2025

Source: Radio New Zealand

2025 has been a year of long books, which are often best saved for summer reading. Two are Booker-shortlisted finalists which explore diaspora: Susan Choi’s Flashlight (564p) is a family drama across the Koreas and USA, Kiran Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia & Sunny (656p) is a meaty, kitchen-sink tale set between India and USA.

Diaspora and identity are also thematic in the completely immersive The Sisters (656p), the first novel written in English by Swedish Tunisian author, Jonas Hassen Khemiri. Pulitzer Prize-winning Adam Johnson’s historical Pacific Island-based novel, The Wayfinder (736p) mesmerised international readers and I’m curious as to how this is received closer to home.

Finally, there’s the treat of newly minted Baille Gifford non-fiction winner Helen Garner’s Collected Diaries 1978-1998 (800p) capturing two decades of the everyday. Compared to Virigina Woolf by The Guardian, Garner’s voice is unlike any other.

Arundhati Roy.

Mayaank Austen Soofi

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand