logo
Delivering For Farmers As They Deliver For Economy

Delivering For Farmers As They Deliver For Economy

Scoop27-05-2025
Minister of Agriculture
New Zealand dairy farmers are ending the 2024/25 season on a high, with increased production and record milk prices delivering real gains to the rural economy and every Kiwi household, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.
'Dairy exports are a cornerstone of New Zealand's economy, contributing $4,700 for every New Zealander. This season's strong performance is set to add an additional $4.5 billion in farmgate revenue for 2024/25. This is good news for farmers, rural towns, and our economy as a whole,' Mr McClay says.
With the final milk price forecast tracking around $10 per kilogram of milk solids, farmers are seeing the highest returns since 2021/22—and all signs point to another strong season ahead.
'This is the result of hard work on-farm, smart investment, and a global market that continues to demand high-quality, grass-fed New Zealand dairy,' Mr McClay says.
The Government is doing its part to ensure more of that value returns to the farm gate by removing barriers, restoring confidence, and improving the regulatory environment for dairy. Already we have:
Started the process of replacing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
Moved to fundamentally reform the Resource Management Act
Halted unworkable winter grazing, stock exclusion, and Significant Natural Area (SNA) rules
Begun rebalancing Te Mana o te Wai to restore the rights of all water users
Removed agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme
Disbanded Labour's He Waka Eke Noa initiative
Repealed the punitive Ute Tax
Commenced an inquiry into rural banking
Halted Labour's costly Freshwater Farm Plans
Started and completed a number of Free Trade Agreements that offer farmers greater opportunity in new markets.
'Rural communities are the engine room of this economy. When farmers are doing well, it flows through to local businesses, regional jobs, and a growing economy for all New Zealanders,' Mr McClay says.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Council Publishes 2025 Pre Election Report
Council Publishes 2025 Pre Election Report

Scoop

time29 minutes ago

  • Scoop

Council Publishes 2025 Pre Election Report

Marlborough District Council has published its 2025 Pre Election Report to provide information for voters and potential candidates about Council's finances, major projects and key challenges. The report is required under legislation and designed to help promote public discussion about the issues facing Council and to encourage informed debate in the lead-up to the October 2025 local government elections. It includes demographic information about the province, a list of Council's major projects over the next three years, a financial overview and the outlook for Council from the perspective of Chief Executive John Boswell. 'The key challenges ahead include the creation of a new water services organisation, the new ferries replacement project, the Government's legislative reforms and how we plan to manage and respond to the impacts of climate change,' Mr Boswell said. 'Local government is a complex and challenging environment that requires both a strategic understanding of what's important to those who work at the political and strategic level, as well as a deep understanding of what matters most to the community it serves. 'The coming Council term - October 2025 to October 2028 - promises to be a period of both opportunity and challenge as a number of Government reform proposals are likely to be either finalised or enacted, decisions regarding key infrastructure projects are made, and a range of key community initiatives are progressed. A new Long Term Plan will be progressed with a full public consultation expected in early 2027. 'The development of a strong new councillor team is crucial to ensuring that Marlborough not only continues to provide the best possible service to our community but looks to how we can best position our district for the future,' he said.

Invercargill losing long-serving councillors
Invercargill losing long-serving councillors

Otago Daily Times

timean hour ago

  • Otago Daily Times

Invercargill losing long-serving councillors

Their decisions come at a time when the majority of current councillors are putting their hands up for another stint. Kett made up his mind three years ago that this would be his last and said that would not change. 'I'd always go out in person and talk to the people that called me, so I'll miss all that. 'I'll miss most of the councillors,' he added with a laugh. It had been a difficult 2024 for the councillor, who faced both the death of his wife and numerous health difficulties. Multiple knee operations late last year and two heart attacks under anaesthetic forced him to step aside from council duties while he recovered. Despite the setbacks, he was now feeling 'bloody good' and was sad to be leaving. 'With all my health issues since October, it's a wise decision." Soper's nine years at council ends a long political career. She spent time on the district health board and had two stints in Parliament as a Labour MP - first in 2005 and again from 2007 to 2008. Soper said she made the decision to finish up at council 'some time ago' and wanted to leave with dignity. 'Very early in my career I discovered you can help individuals - but if you want to make really lasting changes for large groups of the population, then get involved where the power actually is." Her highlights on council included fighting to keep the children's library in its current location, the council's credit rating, and supporting the appointment of mana whenua representatives. Mayor Nobby Clark's recent use of his casting vote to not update council's procurement policy in support of Palestine was a lowlight for the councillor. 'It was a definite low point. It was a very straightforward, principled decision for council to make.' Soper said she would likely do more travel with husband David once she had finished up. Who is standing again? Invercargill will be in for a new mayor with Nobby Clark repeatedly ruling out the possibility of a second term. The mayoral race includes four current councillors: Tom Campbell, Alex Crackett, Ria Bond and Ian Pottinger. Deputy mayor Campbell is all-in with his bid having ruled out running for council, while Crackett is also leaning in that direction while keeping her options open. She recently quit her job to focus on her campaign. Town crier Lynley McKerrow and TikTok enthusiast Tom Morton are also throwing their hats in the ring for mayoralty. Other councillors standing again include Grant Dermody, Trish Boyle, Steve Broad, Barry Stewart and Darren Ludlow. Allan Arnold could not be reached for comment. Nominations officially opened on Friday and candidates have until August 1 to put their name forward. Voting documents will be sent out in September ahead of election day on October 11. • LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store