Early Bird I Wednesday October 23rd 2024

Government acts to reduce water rule burden on farmers, Cantabrians warned against lighting outdoor fires, and former Fonterra leader Theo Spierings dies.   Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!   Government acts to reduce water rule burden on farmers The coalition government has taken action to reduce regulatory burden on rural communities by halting new council-initiated water management requirements. An amendment to current legislation will now limit local authorities from introducing new water regulations until national guidelines are updated. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the move aims to end a cycle of changing rules that have created uncertainty for rural communities. The decision means regional councils must wait for updated national water management guidelines before making local changes, reducing the risk of farmers having to deal with multiple rule changes. Minister McClay acknowledges the challenges rural communities have dealt with under the existing water management rules, which create a mountain of red tape without delivering clear outcomes for landowners or the environment. The amendment delivers on the coalition government's commitment to reduce compliance costs for rural communities while maintaining environmental standards.    Three rural leaders vie for Alliance Group board roles Three rural leaders are entering the race for two director roles at Alliance Group, bringing diverse regional knowledge to the meat industry cooperative's governance team. The nominees include Waikato dairy and red meat operator Gray Baldwin, Southland agricultural leader Cameron Black, and Canterbury rural manager Matt Iremonger. Their nominations come as current director Jason Miller ends his term, and following the earlier retirement of former chair Murray Taggart. Alliance members can cast their votes starting November 13th, with voting available through internet and mail. The meat company will deliver voter information directly to shareholding families, outlining each candidate's background and rural leadership experience. The results will be announced at Alliance's annual meeting, scheduled mid-December in Gore.    Cantabrians warned against lighting outdoor fires Rural Canterbury residents are being asked to avoid lighting outdoor fires as warm weather and strong winds increase danger levels across the region. District Commander Dave Stackhouse says the area north of Rakaia River remains under heightened alert, with temperatures reaching thirty degrees alongside challenging wind conditions. Recent data reveals concerning trends, with emergency teams attending twenty-three land fires during a one-week ban. Most incidents linked to outdoor burning or earlier fires rekindling.  Landowners who have already conducted controlled burns need to maintain regular monitoring, as seemingly extinguished fires can reignite. The traditional method of covering embers with earth might not guarantee complete control, as rising winds can lift hidden embers into nearby dry areas.   HortNZ industry launches grants for Rural Talent The future leaders of New Zealand's growing industry can now access major education rewards, with Horticulture New Zealand announcing eighteen learning grants through their 2025 education initiative. HortNZ has unveiled two major grants worth $10,000 each at the national level, aiming to advance research tackling key challenges in the growing industry. There are an additional thirteen undergraduate grants worth $1,500 each, allowing emerging talent to attend next year's national growing industry meeting. Nine grants target emerging talent in key growing regions, including Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and extending nationwide to Otago and Southland. Another three grants, each valued at $4,500, come through the Horticentre Trust. Those interested in applying need to show their dedication to advancing New Zealand's growing industry after completing their education.  All entries close December 1st at 11pm.    Former Fonterra leader Theo Spierings dies. The dairy industry is marking the loss of former Fonterra leader Theo Spierings, who died on Saturday in the Netherlands after a short illness. The Dutch-born executive guided New Zealand's largest dairy organisation through a crucial time, leading the dairy giant from 2011 to 2018. During his tenure, he managed key changes in the rural industry and international markets. His earlier career included leading Friesland Foods and managing its union with dairy maker Campina in 2008. At Fonterra, he took on major industry hurdles, including working to rebuild trust after earlier dairy market challenges. His family will hold a quiet remembrance gathering in the Netherlands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.