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  News   Covid-19   Opinion
Tuesday 12 December 2023

Government

Commercial baby food in govt spotlight
7 Dec 2023   /

Commercial baby food in govt spotlight

The production of commercial infant and toddler foods could be in for a shake-up after shortfalls between products and rules were brought to government attention.


…while in Australia, Woolworths & Coles face inquiry into prices, profits
4 Dec 2023   /

…while in Australia, Woolworths & Coles face inquiry into prices, profits

Australia’s major supermarket groups are to come under scrutiny in a senate probe of their pricing and profits.


Stopping ITPs among top priorities in new govt’s 100-day plan…
30 Nov 2023   /

Stopping ITPs among top priorities in new govt’s 100-day plan…

Halting work on industry transformation plans is a top three priority for the new government, with the proposal second on the coalition’s 100-day plan.


F&B, agritech, fisheries ITPs at risk
29 Nov 2023   /

F&B, agritech, fisheries ITPs at risk

Despite tens of millions of dollars committed, food industry transformation plans look set to become victims of coalition negotiations, with ACT planning to stop all work on ITPs.


Paneton plugs pastry gap left by Edmonds exit
29 Nov 2023   /

Paneton plugs pastry gap left by Edmonds exit

The French bakery extends its grocery range to pastry, filling the gap left by the exit of Goodman Fielder’s Edmonds brand from the freezer.


Elevation of hospo to govt portfolio deserved recognition for $14bn sector – industry
27 Nov 2023   /

Elevation of hospo to govt portfolio deserved recognition for $14bn sector – industry

The inclusion of hospitality alongside tourism in a government portfolio is deserved recognition of a $14bn sector, say industry groups.


Bayly appointed commerce minister, McClay takes agri, trade, hunting & fishing
24 Nov 2023   /

Bayly appointed commerce minister, McClay takes agri, trade, hunting & fishing

List MP Andrew Bayly becomes a key player in the effort to address competition concerns in NZ’s grocery sector.


Hort sector needs own minister – Hort NZ
20 Oct 2023  

Hort sector needs own minister – Hort NZ

Horticulture New Zealand is urging Prime Minister-elect Chris Luxon to appoint a minister of Horticulture to cabinet.


Hospitality industry optimistic following election result – RANZ
19 Oct 2023   /

Hospitality industry optimistic following election result – RANZ

A post-election sentiment survey of Restaurant Association of New Zealand members has shown optimism at the change of government to a National-led coalition.


Election 2023: Food system portfolio pick’n’mix
16 Oct 2023  

Election 2023: Food system portfolio pick’n’mix

The only certainty following Saturday’s election is the ‘uncertain’ nature of the next government’s exact make-up and who will pick up the important food-related portfolios.


Govt announces six South Island marine reserves
5 Oct 2023   /

Govt announces six South Island marine reserves

Six new marine reserves between Oamaru and The Catlins have been announced by government.


Perspectives: NZFGC’s post-election plans
3 Oct 2023   /

Perspectives: NZFGC’s post-election plans

With the countdown on to the general election on October 14, New Zealand Food & Grocery Council chief executive Raewyn Bleakley lays out first actions depending on the outcome.


Govt lifts RSE cap to 19.5k
25 Sep 2023   /

Govt lifts RSE cap to 19.5k

The government has extended of the number of workers allowed into New Zealand under the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.


Govt coming for HFSS: What the MOH document says…
20 Sep 2023   /

Govt coming for HFSS: What the MOH document says…

A sugary beverages tax, product reformulation, and strengthened cross-agency collaboration are among the recommendations made by health officials to cut unhealthy food consumption in NZ.


More cyclone support for Hawke’s Bay businesses
20 Sep 2023   /

More cyclone support for Hawke’s Bay businesses

The government has pledged $10m for nine projects contributing to the recovery and resilience of regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.


NZTE starts restructure as Covid-19 exporter funding runs off
18 Sep 2023   /

NZTE starts restructure as Covid-19 exporter funding runs off

The government agency is consulting over changes to its exporter strategy, including the export customer team led by Craig Hudson, ahead of funding contracting in 2024.


F&B initiatives find favour with Endeavour Fund
18 Sep 2023   /

F&B initiatives find favour with Endeavour Fund

A total of 68 projects – including many related to the food system – have been selected for investment via the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Endeavour Fund.


West Coast roads get $22m for resilience
15 Sep 2023   /

West Coast roads get $22m for resilience

Eighteen roading projects across the West Coast will receive more than $22m in government investment from the $419m Transport Resilience Fund.


PREFU notes “highly uncertain” China outlook for exporters…
13 Sep 2023   /

PREFU notes “highly uncertain” China outlook for exporters…

The outlook for growth from New Zealand’s biggest export market looks “highly uncertain”, according to the government’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update 2023.


Fresh citrus import feedback wanted
12 Sep 2023   /

Fresh citrus import feedback wanted

The Ministry for Primary Industries is looking for feedback on proposed changes to the import health standards for fresh citrus.


NZ funding for US agritech startup
11 Sep 2023   /

NZ funding for US agritech startup

A joint venture of major New Zealand agribusiness companies and the government, is the lead investor in a US start-up developing probiotics and natural enzymes that reduces methane from cows.


SFFF goes again for Māori aquaculture project, taking govt investment over $1m
7 Sep 2023   /

SFFF goes again for Māori aquaculture project, taking govt investment over $1m

Iwi group NIOW secures an additional $600k from the govt to help fund its large sustainable aquaculture project.


NZ accepts WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies
7 Sep 2023   /

NZ accepts WTO agreement on fisheries subsidies

New Zealand has become the first country from the Oceania region to formally accept the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.


Tax changes for farmers, cyclone-affected properties
7 Sep 2023   /

Tax changes for farmers, cyclone-affected properties

The government has confirmed details of the tax changes to the bright-line test for cyclone-damaged properties, with the release of the required legislative amendments.


Labour leans into agritech with $100m pledge
6 Sep 2023   /

Labour leans into agritech with $100m pledge

If re-elected, the party says it will use the money to help transform NZ into a global leader in sustainable agri.


Agri is NZ’s economy – red meat manifesto
5 Sep 2023   /

Agri is NZ’s economy – red meat manifesto

Agriculture and the production and export of beef and lamb should be at the heart of a new economic strategy for New Zealand, according to a manifesto from New Zealand’s red meat sector.


NZ launches exploratory trade talks with UAE
4 Sep 2023   /

NZ launches exploratory trade talks with UAE

New Zealand will start exploratory discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor announced today.


Nats release cyclone, flood recovery policy
4 Sep 2023   /

Nats release cyclone, flood recovery policy

The National Party has announced its cyclone and flood recovery plans, which would see it cut regulations and set up a specific ombudsman.


Act in good faith, pay on time, use plain English – Grocery Code of Conduct launches
1 Sep 2023   /

Act in good faith, pay on time, use plain English – Grocery Code of Conduct launches

NZFGC boss Raewyn Bleakley says the long-awaited code will help create “a better and fairer grocery sector”.


National Food Strategy petition picked up
1 Sep 2023   /

National Food Strategy petition picked up

A petition for a values-based National Food Strategy has been presented to the government and accepted by MP for Taieri, Indrid Leary.


Pāmu dividend dashed, forecast slashed
31 Aug 2023  

Pāmu dividend dashed, forecast slashed

The state-owned farming company is preparing “to head into a challenging cycle”, scrapping its full-year dividend and downgrading its net operating profit forecast.


Hauraki Gulf protection bill passes first reading
31 Aug 2023  

Hauraki Gulf protection bill passes first reading

A bill to protect the Hauraki Gulf has passed its first reading in parliament.


Primary sector opportunities in NZ-India relations reset – govt
30 Aug 2023   /

Primary sector opportunities in NZ-India relations reset – govt

Progressing primary sector partnerships will form part of taking the India-NZ relationship to the next level, according to Trade and Export Growth and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.


Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme reviewer, terms announced
30 Aug 2023   /

Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme reviewer, terms announced

Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes has appointed Jenn Bestwick to lead a review of Immigration New Zealand’s administration of the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme.


Hauraki Gulf bottom-trawling ban consultation opens with warning from Seafood NZ
29 Aug 2023   /

Hauraki Gulf bottom-trawling ban consultation opens with warning from Seafood NZ

The government has released four options that would ban bottom fishing from the vast bulk of the Hauraki Gulf as part of its ongoing plan to protect the 1.2-million-hectare marine park.


Govt cuts impact F&B transformation plan, ag emissions projects
29 Aug 2023   /

Govt cuts impact F&B transformation plan, ag emissions projects

The government has taken millions of dollars of funding away from food system-related initiatives as part of its $4bn savings drive.


No dice for Heinz Wattie’s in Chinese peach dumping investigation
28 Aug 2023  

No dice for Heinz Wattie’s in Chinese peach dumping investigation

The findings of an inquiry following a complaint from the manufacturer fail to go its way.


SFFF backs climate-resilient pasture programme
28 Aug 2023   /

SFFF backs climate-resilient pasture programme

Breeding pasture designed to thrive in a changing climate is the focus of a new accelerator programme backed by the government.


Final call for national food strategy petition signatures
24 Aug 2023   /

Final call for national food strategy petition signatures

Tomorrow is the last day to sign a petition calling for the government to develop a national food strategy.


Prison sentence for poacher after MPI prosecution
24 Aug 2023  

Prison sentence for poacher after MPI prosecution

A Wairoa man who poached crayfish that had a commercial value of nearly $300,000 has been jailed for two years and two and a half months.


Supply chain strategy unveiled, collaboration key…
21 Aug 2023   /

Supply chain strategy unveiled, collaboration key…

NZ’s first national freight and supply chain strategy sets out the direction of travel across a 30-year timeframe towards a low emissions, high resilience future.


New emissions reduction plan to ‘future-proof NZ’s largest export sector’ – O’Connor
18 Aug 2023   /

New emissions reduction plan to ‘future-proof NZ’s largest export sector’ – O’Connor

The government has today announced its final plan to reduce agricultural emissions and future-proof NZ’s largest export sector, according to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.


Govt pledges $20bn for transport
18 Aug 2023   /

Govt pledges $20bn for transport

The government is looking to pump an additional $5bn into New Zealand’s transport industry, bringing funding to $20.8bn between 2024-2027, with the proceeds coming from increased fuel taxes and road user charges.


Perspectives: Charting a sustainable course for NZ’s seafood sector
17 Aug 2023   /

Perspectives: Charting a sustainable course for NZ’s seafood sector

Collaboration and innovation are the way forward for the country’s seafood sector, says Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking in her opening address to the Seafood New Zealand conference.


Grocery Commissioner & GST – more questions over monitoring

Grocery Commissioner & GST – more questions over monitoring

There are concerns that Labour’s proposed GST removal on fruit and veges could divert resources from the newly-established grocery watchdog’s main mission.


Feedback wanted for proposed Coromandel marine farm
15 Aug 2023  

Feedback wanted for proposed Coromandel marine farm

Fisheries New Zealand has been requested to make an aquaculture decision on a proposed marine farm within the Coromandel Marine Farm Zone (CMFZ) located in the inner Hauraki Gulf.


Gender pay gap reporting on cards for large businesses
15 Aug 2023  

Gender pay gap reporting on cards for large businesses

The government is moving ahead with plans to implement a pay gap reporting system for large organisations.


Govt removes all Covid restrictions
15 Aug 2023  

Govt removes all Covid restrictions

The government has removed of the remaining Covid-19 health requirements, including the seven-day mandatory isolation for positive cases.


F&B takes the cake in latest $33m GIDI round
14 Aug 2023   /

F&B takes the cake in latest $33m GIDI round

Food firms like Talley’s secure the lion’s share of the $33m fifth round of the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry initiative.


Industry calls for changes to bring NZ in line on beer tax
10 Aug 2023   /

Industry calls for changes to bring NZ in line on beer tax

The Brewers Association of New Zealand, Brewers Guild of New Zealand and Hospitality New Zealand have jointly called on the government to freeze excise on beer in 2023 and introduce a new lower rate on keg beer.


Hauraki Gulf protection plan confirms bottom trawling restrictions…
9 Aug 2023   /

Hauraki Gulf protection plan confirms bottom trawling restrictions…

It includes five new seafloor protection areas to preserve habitats with bans on bottom-contact fishing methods.


…but fishing industry calls for more detail on restrictions
9 Aug 2023   /

…but fishing industry calls for more detail on restrictions

Seafood NZ wants “true consultation” on proposed Hauraki Gun trawl corridors.


Trans fats in processed foods consultation launches
9 Aug 2023  

Trans fats in processed foods consultation launches

Feedback is being sought on proposals regarding industrially produced trans fats in processed foods.


Industry welcomes “strengthened” Fisheries ITP, Greenpeace laments “missed opportunity”
8 Aug 2023  

Industry welcomes “strengthened” Fisheries ITP, Greenpeace laments “missed opportunity”

Seafood New Zealand has welcomed the “strengthened” Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan, while Greenpeace has slammed the plan calling it “anything but transformational”.


Final Fisheries ITP lands
7 Aug 2023   /

Final Fisheries ITP lands

The government’s final Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan has landed, containing a number of changes from the draft version released in April.


NIWE primary producer finance scheme opens
7 Aug 2023  

NIWE primary producer finance scheme opens

Land-based primary producers severely impacted by the North Island weather events (NIWE) in early 2023 can now apply for support.


Eradication of M. bovis on track, farms clear – govt
2 Aug 2023  

Eradication of M. bovis on track, farms clear – govt

New Zealand has no farms infected with the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis, says the government as its eradication effort moves into the next phase.


Government digesting startup report
2 Aug 2023   /

Government digesting startup report

The government has welcomed a report from the Startup Advisors Council on steps to support a thriving startup sector in New Zealand.


Political debate heats up over removal of GST on food
28 Jul 2023  

Political debate heats up over removal of GST on food

The National Party’s finance spokesperson, Nicola Willis, has claimed that Prime Minister Chris Hipkins plans to “recycle a failed old Labour policy” of removing GST from fresh fruit and vegetables ahead of the October election.


Nats propose hunting & fishing minister
26 Jul 2023   /

Nats propose hunting & fishing minister

The National Party says it will establish a minister for hunting and fishing to bring forth a raft of changes, including a new Department of Conservation hut partnership.


Biosecurity Week: Siezures climb as visitor numbers recover
25 Jul 2023  

Biosecurity Week: Siezures climb as visitor numbers recover

Mangoes and dead tarantulas are among recent items intercepted by Biosecurity New Zealand, as seizures jump from 2693 in June last year, to 9061 this year.


NZ hort-tech could deliver $347m by 2035 – govt
24 Jul 2023   /

NZ hort-tech could deliver $347m by 2035 – govt

All systems are go to establish a fully operational Horticulture Technology Catalyst by 2024.


New regional development minister named after Allan resignation
24 Jul 2023  

New regional development minister named after Allan resignation

Kiri Allan has resigned from all her ministerial positions after being charged with reckless driving and resisting arrest.


ExportNZ readies government roadshow
21 Jul 2023   /

ExportNZ readies government roadshow

ExportNZ is hosting an All of Government Roadshow around New Zealand running from July 25 through to August 4.


Bill to help reduce payment wait for small businesses passes
20 Jul 2023   /

Bill to help reduce payment wait for small businesses passes

The Business Payment Practices Bill, which will reduce the stress and costs to small businesses of long payment wait times, has passed its third reading. 


Lotte cookie recall
18 Jul 2023   /

Lotte cookie recall

Hansang Trading is recalling specific batches of two of its Lotte brand cookies due to the presence of undeclared allergens.


Further Fiordland fishing changes on the cards
18 Jul 2023  

Further Fiordland fishing changes on the cards

Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on further amendments to recreational and commercial fishing rules for the Fiordland Marine Area.


Grocery Commissioner’s first act: An open letter to industry
17 Jul 2023   /

Grocery Commissioner’s first act: An open letter to industry

Pierre van Heerden sets out his priorities and the timetable for his first report on the state of grocery competition in NZ.


Govt pauses grocery divestment work to evaluate reforms, amid doubts over break-up benefits
17 Jul 2023   /

Govt pauses grocery divestment work to evaluate reforms, amid doubts over break-up benefits

Work on a break-up of the supermarket duopoly is being “held in reserve” in order to let the effects of the current round of reforms percolate through the $22bn sector.


NZFGC, MfE to host waste action, investment plan webinar
13 Jul 2023   /

NZFGC, MfE to host waste action, investment plan webinar

The Ministry for the Environment and the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council are hosting a webinar on the Waste Action and Investment Plan.


Science leaders call for national food strategy
12 Jul 2023   /

Science leaders call for national food strategy

Calls for the govt to develop a national food strategy grow, with the directors of the National Science Challenge the latest to add their voice.


Modernise the Australia-NZ trade agreement – ANZLF
12 Jul 2023   /

Modernise the Australia-NZ trade agreement – ANZLF

The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) says that after 40 years of the Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER), progress is required in some key areas.


Pierre van Heerden named inaugural grocery commissioner…
11 Jul 2023   /

Pierre van Heerden named inaugural grocery commissioner…

The former Sanitarium executive and ex-NZFGC chair will start in the role on Thursday.


Former Heinz Watties exec joins extreme weather response inquiry
11 Jul 2023   /

Former Heinz Watties exec joins extreme weather response inquiry

Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty has made further appointments to the government inquiry into the response to the 2023 North Island severe weather events.


Ink drying on $1.8bn EU FTA
10 Jul 2023  

Ink drying on $1.8bn EU FTA

The agreement – about 14 years in the making – will remove more than 91% of tariffs from its entry into force slated for 2024.


CPTPP economy ministers coming to NZ
10 Jul 2023   /

CPTPP economy ministers coming to NZ

Next weekend, Auckland will play host to international trade ministers as New Zealand hosts the 7th Commission Meeting of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.


Raw milk recall
10 Jul 2023  

Raw milk recall

Raw drinking milk producer Dreamview Creamery Real is recalling specific batches of raw milk as the product may contain listeria.


Food waste warriors get $4.6m from govt…
7 Jul 2023   /

Food waste warriors get $4.6m from govt…

The government is investing $4.6m from the Climate Emergency Response Fund into four projects tackling food waste.


…plus $500k for cyclone hit growers, farmers
7 Jul 2023   /

…plus $500k for cyclone hit growers, farmers

The government is contributing a further $500,000 to the Post Your Support initiative, a community fundraising campaign supporting farmers and growers to fix cyclone-damaged fences and growing structures.


Shellfish alert for Marlborough Sounds
7 Jul 2023   /

Shellfish alert for Marlborough Sounds

New Zealand Food Safety has issued a public health warning against collecting shellfish from the Pelorus Sound area in the Marlborough Sounds.


Feedback wanted for temporary Great Barrier fisheries closure
6 Jul 2023  

Feedback wanted for temporary Great Barrier fisheries closure

Fisheries New Zealand is calling for feedback on the proposed temporary fisheries closure of Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island) and nearby islands.


Hipkins heads to Europe for FTA signing
4 Jul 2023   /

Hipkins heads to Europe for FTA signing

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will travel to Brussels to witness New Zealand signing the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement before heading to Stockholm and the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Lithuania.


SFFF backs NewFish, Cawthron microalgae exploration, and kānuka smoke project
3 Jul 2023   /

SFFF backs NewFish, Cawthron microalgae exploration, and kānuka smoke project

The SFFF fund backs microalgae exploration led by NewFish and the Cawthron Institute, while a whānua-initiated kānuka smoke project also gets cash.


NZFSSRC value $164m annually
3 Jul 2023  

NZFSSRC value $164m annually

The NZ Food Safety Science & Research Centre delivers value of $164m to New Zealand annually, according to the findings of a new study it commissioned.


National Food Strategy needed to address inaction – HCA study
3 Jul 2023  

National Food Strategy needed to address inaction – HCA study

The government has made virtually no progress on implementing healthy food policies in the last three years and without reform New Zealand will fail to meet its international obligations to the Paris Agreement and towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals, according to a new report.


Tahini recall for Durra brand
3 Jul 2023   /

Tahini recall for Durra brand

Multiple importers are recalling specific batches of Durra brand Tahina and Halawa products due to the possible presence of Salmonella.


Single-use plastic ban kicks in…
30 Jun 2023   /

Single-use plastic ban kicks in…

From Saturday 1 July 2023, the sale and manufacture of many single-use plastic products are being banned, restricted or phased out.


Govt proposes improved GMO rules to encourage research
28 Jun 2023   /

Govt proposes improved GMO rules to encourage research

The government is seeking feedback on changes to regulations for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that will foster research and improve health outcomes.


Foodstuffs’ final prep for plastic produce bag ban
28 Jun 2023   /

Foodstuffs’ final prep for plastic produce bag ban

Foodstuffs is preparing for the removal of single-use plastic bags from all supermarkets and grocery stores from 1 July, as part of a government phase-out of certain single-use plastics.


Orange roughy consultation open
27 Jun 2023  

Orange roughy consultation open

Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on proposed changes to sustainability measures for orange roughy (ORH 3B), including catch limits and allowances.


Food banks to get $6m govt top-up
27 Jun 2023   /

Food banks to get $6m govt top-up

The government is making $6m available for community food providers across New Zealand, although full details are yet to be revealed.


Poultry Producers join biosecurity GIA
26 Jun 2023   /

Poultry Producers join biosecurity GIA

The Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand has signed the Government Industry Agreement deed for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA).


Grocery commissioner appointment imminent as bill passes in parliament
22 Jun 2023   /

Grocery commissioner appointment imminent as bill passes in parliament

“The start date of the grocery commissioner is expected very soon,” says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Duncan Webb.


Global treaty on ocean biodiversity adopted
21 Jun 2023  

Global treaty on ocean biodiversity adopted

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the adoption of a new global treaty to protect and restore high seas biodiversity.


PM to promote NZ food, beverage in China
20 Jun 2023   /

PM to promote NZ food, beverage in China

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise says the business delegation travelling with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to China will have the dual aims of boosting the economy as well as New Zealand’s relationship with the Asian giant.


Food supply needs govt support – Animal & Plant Health
20 Jun 2023  

Food supply needs govt support – Animal & Plant Health

The government must step up efforts to support the rural sector so that all Kiwis can access safe, healthy and affordable food, says Animal & Plant Health New Zealand.


AgriZeroNZ emerges from Centre for Climate Action
19 Jun 2023  

AgriZeroNZ emerges from Centre for Climate Action

The Centre for Climate Action Joint Venture has rebranded as AgriZeroNZ and announced an investment in a methane measurement facility, taking its confirmed deployments to over $8m since launching in February this year.


NZ falls into recession, govt cites growing exports as positive sign
16 Jun 2023   /

NZ falls into recession, govt cites growing exports as positive sign

The New Zealand economy entered a technical recession in the three months to March 2023, marked by a second consecutive quarter of negative growth with a 0.1% drop in GDP.


Govt invests in GHG facility, sustainability initiatives
16 Jun 2023   /

Govt invests in GHG facility, sustainability initiatives

The government is co-investing $17.7m into the construction of a new greenhouse gas testing facility at Massey University.


Cyclone Gabrielle funds distributed in Hawke’s Bay…

Cyclone Gabrielle funds distributed in Hawke’s Bay…

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Businesses under threat from booze bill – Hospitality NZ
15 Jun 2023  

Businesses under threat from booze bill – Hospitality NZ

Hospitality New Zealand is calling for the government to take a second look at the potential ramifications if the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill becomes law.


Govt “disappointed” in iwi fisheries opposition to Kermadec sanctuary
14 Jun 2023   /

Govt “disappointed” in iwi fisheries opposition to Kermadec sanctuary

The government has called opposition from iwi fisheries organisations to the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary proposal “very disappointing”.


Draft grocery code unveiled – retailers face hefty penalties for breaches
12 Jun 2023   /

Draft grocery code unveiled – retailers face hefty penalties for breaches

The 24-page document covers everything from range reviews and delistings to buy-ins and shrinkage, as well as the scale of the penalties that could be imposed.


Winners catch second Sustainable Seafood Awards
8 Jun 2023   /

Winners catch second Sustainable Seafood Awards

Fishers, marine farmers, kaitiaki/tiaki, and researchers from around the country were among the recipients of the MPI-hosted awards.


Tirikatene to drive Māori export growth with Singapore visit
7 Jun 2023   /

Tirikatene to drive Māori export growth with Singapore visit

Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth, Rino Tirikatene, is in Singapore to meet with Singaporean counterparts, promote business investment for wāhine entrepreneurs, and explore investment opportunities for Māori land-based aquaculture.


King’s Birthday Honours: LeaderBrand founder, dairy, pipfruit pioneers recognised
6 Jun 2023   /

King’s Birthday Honours: LeaderBrand founder, dairy, pipfruit pioneers recognised

The founder of Gisborne vegetable growing and processing business LeaderBrand is among the food system pioneers recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours list.


Q&A: Angela Clifford’s “big brave push” for a national food strategy
2 Jun 2023  

Q&A: Angela Clifford’s “big brave push” for a national food strategy

A parliamentary petition calling for the government to develop a national food strategy goes live today. So who is behind the push to design a better food system, why do they think we need it and what would it do?


Shellfish biotoxin alert for Port Underwood, Marlborough – MPI
2 Jun 2023   /

Shellfish biotoxin alert for Port Underwood, Marlborough – MPI

New Zealand Food Safety has issued a public health warning advising the public not to collect or consume shellfish harvested from the Port Underwood area in Marlborough.


Brooking encourages feedback on fisheries ITP
2 Jun 2023   /

Brooking encourages feedback on fisheries ITP

The new Oceans and Fisheries Minister, Rachel Brooking, has encouraged feedback on the draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan.


NZ joins Irish alcohol labelling pushback
1 Jun 2023   /

NZ joins Irish alcohol labelling pushback

The government and alcohol industry representatives have joined the chorus of international stakeholders questioning Ireland’s plan to introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products.


R&D tax incentive backs $2bn of innovation – govt
1 Jun 2023  

R&D tax incentive backs $2bn of innovation – govt

The government’s Research and Development Tax Incentive has supported more than $2bn of New Zealand business innovation – an increase of around $1bn in less than nine months.


UK FTA starts today, with $1bn GDP boost to come – govt
31 May 2023   /

UK FTA starts today, with $1bn GDP boost to come – govt

New Zealand businesses will begin reaping the rewards from the free trade agreement with the United Kingdom from today.


“These are dire times” – beer tax will bite brewing, says industry
30 May 2023   /

“These are dire times” – beer tax will bite brewing, says industry

A second steep increase in beer tax is forecast to stifle investment, innovation and growth and potentially put some brewers out of business.


Govt hails crucial step for “novel” supply chain resilience agreement
29 May 2023   /

Govt hails crucial step for “novel” supply chain resilience agreement

“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure supply chains do not constrain the substantial progress we’ve made on trade, says O’Connor, as substantial negotiations on the Indo-Pacific plan are agreed.


Partners-based work visas changed
29 May 2023   /

Partners-based work visas changed

Immigration NZ has made changes to visa conditions for new Partner of Worker Work Visas which may affect hospitality employers, according to the Restaurant Association.


Regional agritech projects take share of $24m from Kānoa
26 May 2023   /

Regional agritech projects take share of $24m from Kānoa

Foxton vertical farming venture 26 Seasons and Nelson’s Snap Information Technologies are both in line for RSPF loans.


Govt recapitalisation for Plant & Food Research

Govt recapitalisation for Plant & Food Research

The CRI is receiving a capital injection of up to $28m from the govt – its first recapitalisation “in living memory,” according to departing CEO David Hughes.


Exports to the fore in govt trips to US, India
24 May 2023   /

Exports to the fore in govt trips to US, India

Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor is travelling to Detroit in the United States to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting from 24 – 29 May. 


Hospo disappointed with Budget’s business impact
22 May 2023   /

Hospo disappointed with Budget’s business impact

Hospitality New Zealand says the government’s Wellbeing Budget 2023 does not do enough to support small businesses.


Budget 2023: “Crumbs, crusts and cheese rolls”
19 May 2023   /

Budget 2023: “Crumbs, crusts and cheese rolls”

The govt’s ‘bread and butter’ budget delivers snacks for some but bare cupboards for others, say industry groups.


NZTE secures $30m for exporter support
19 May 2023   /

NZTE secures $30m for exporter support

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise received an allocation of $29.8m for Exporter Support Cost Pressure in Budget 2023.


Budget 2023: $29m for grocery monitoring
18 May 2023  

Budget 2023: $29m for grocery monitoring

The government funds oversight of the sector, including the all-important Grocery Commissioner role.


Budget 2023: Agritech ITP gets $30m for horticulture tech
18 May 2023  

Budget 2023: Agritech ITP gets $30m for horticulture tech

The government has moved to “unleash business potential” by increasing its investment in Industry Transformation Plans, including for the horticulture sector.


National food strategy petition in the pipeline
18 May 2023   /

National food strategy petition in the pipeline

Eat NZ CEO Angela Clifford is part of group preparing to launch the petition, which calls on the government to address a “gaping hole” in policy.


Budget 2023: What’s on the food sector’s wish list?
17 May 2023  

Budget 2023: What’s on the food sector’s wish list?

Measures that will improve labour costs and availability are among the top priorities for the industry.


Cyclone-hit regions needs more support – HortNZ
17 May 2023   /

Cyclone-hit regions needs more support – HortNZ

The Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti horticulture industries urgently need more government direction and support, says Horticulture New Zealand.


Budget 2023: $1bn recovery fund includes road, rail rebuild
15 May 2023   /

Budget 2023: $1bn recovery fund includes road, rail rebuild

A $1bn cyclone funding recovery package will help rebuild crucial road and rail links wiped out by summer’s extreme weather as well as install some future flood protection measures.


Forced supermarket divestment still “an option on the table” in grocery reform – Webb
12 May 2023   /

Forced supermarket divestment still “an option on the table” in grocery reform – Webb

“Divestment is an option on the table as we continue to monitor the effectiveness of the reforms,” Duncan Webb says in response to Westpac’s report.


NZ Sugar Company completes GIDI project
12 May 2023   /

NZ Sugar Company completes GIDI project

The company behind the Chelsea Sugar brand, New Zealand Sugar, has completed its emissions-reducing Mechanical Vapour Recompression Evaporator Project.


Food price inflation “crushing Kiwis’ budgets” – Nats
12 May 2023   /

Food price inflation “crushing Kiwis’ budgets” – Nats

With food price inflation hitting a 26-year high of 12.5% in April, the Government must prioritise tax relief in next week’s Budget, National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis says.


NZ Apple & Pears joins chorus calling for govt clarity
11 May 2023   /

NZ Apple & Pears joins chorus calling for govt clarity

New Zealand Apples and Pears is welcoming support to clean up orchards, but is calling on the government to urgently talk to growers as they recover and rebuild following Cyclone Gabrielle.


Hawke’s Bay hort needs $960m recovery cheque – report
10 May 2023  

Hawke’s Bay hort needs $960m recovery cheque – report

Growers are desperate for government clarity around Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild plans, as a new report says close to a $1bn is needed “for a real shot at recovery”.


NZ aquaculture launchpad locked and loaded
9 May 2023   /

NZ aquaculture launchpad locked and loaded

A new brand of farmed Pacific oyster, a seaweed startup, and a food handling solutions specialist are among the Kiwi ventures selected for a fledgling aquaculture accelerator with global reach.


“Hope at a time when we are under immense pressure” – struggling exporters on FTA opportunity
8 May 2023   /

“Hope at a time when we are under immense pressure” – struggling exporters on FTA opportunity

The fast-tracking of the UK FTA is giving exporters hope of new avenues for growth as costs pile up at home, but there is realism around competition and market forces.


NZ exporters welcome imminent start of UK FTA
5 May 2023   /

NZ exporters welcome imminent start of UK FTA

From 31 May, tariffs on more than 97% of exports to the United Kingdom, including wine, honey, and onions, will be eliminated.


Govt signs $172m cheque for silt, debris cyclone cleanup
4 May 2023   /

Govt signs $172m cheque for silt, debris cyclone cleanup

Farmers and growers can share a $70m allocation to help clean up land and “return to profit”.


Otago Hector’s dolphin death triggers further action – Fisheries NZ
4 May 2023  

Otago Hector’s dolphin death triggers further action – Fisheries NZ

Fisheries New Zealand is meeting with industry representatives and local set net fishers to discuss further actions after a single Hector’s dolphin was reported caught in a fishing net off the Otago peninsula.


Perspectives: NZ must reduce the burning of fossil fuels for manufacturing such as food processing, packaging
3 May 2023   /

Perspectives: NZ must reduce the burning of fossil fuels for manufacturing such as food processing, packaging

Industry needs to ramp up the use of renewable energy technology to meet the net-zero goal by 2050.


PM’s UK agenda: Trade, agri & hort resilience
2 May 2023   /

PM’s UK agenda: Trade, agri & hort resilience

PM Chris Hipkins says he is “optimistic” about getting an entry into force date for the UK-NZ FTA.


Perspectives: Fishing ITP highlights industry’s commitment to sustainable fishing
28 Apr 2023   /

Perspectives: Fishing ITP highlights industry’s commitment to sustainable fishing

The industry shares the government’s vision of improving the environmental performance of commercial fisheries, writes Seafood NZ’s Dr Jeremy Helson.


NZFGC adds Grocery Supply Code partner
28 Apr 2023   /

NZFGC adds Grocery Supply Code partner

The New Zealand Food & Grocery Council has partnered with Australian consultancy, NextGen Group, to provide support for its members ahead of the launch of the new Grocery Supply Code.


North Island weather takes $600m toll on primary industries – Treasury
28 Apr 2023   /

North Island weather takes $600m toll on primary industries – Treasury

Treasury has estimated the cost of the North Island’s recent extreme weather for the primary industries is between $400m and $600m over the first half of 2023.


Innovation, sustainability, productivity highlighted in govt’s draft fishing ITP
27 Apr 2023   /

Innovation, sustainability, productivity highlighted in govt’s draft fishing ITP

The plan proposes 20 actions and initiatives that aim to strengthen NZ’s seafood sector.


Seafood NZ calls for collaboration amid anti-trawling protests
24 Apr 2023  

Seafood NZ calls for collaboration amid anti-trawling protests

A flotilla of crafts took part in Sunday’s protest, prompting industry to urge for a new “mountains-to-sea approach”.


Fonterra takes further decarbonisation steps
24 Apr 2023   /

Fonterra takes further decarbonisation steps

Fonterra says it will install a heat pump and solar thermal system at two of its sites, as part of its ongoing decarbonisation efforts. 


Food firms in to win in GIDI round four with $10m secured
21 Apr 2023   /

Food firms in to win in GIDI round four with $10m secured

Food system stakeholders continue to benefit from the government’s efforts to stop the burning of fossil fuels, this time to the tune of $9.8m.


Inflation lower than expected but Cyclone Gabrielle keeps prices elevated – Robertson
21 Apr 2023  

Inflation lower than expected but Cyclone Gabrielle keeps prices elevated – Robertson

Inflation has come in lower than all market expectations but the government says it is “still focussed on bringing it down further and helping kiwis with the cost of living.”


“Frustrations, fears, stress” – open letter from industry leaders urges govt direction, support
20 Apr 2023   /

“Frustrations, fears, stress” – open letter from industry leaders urges govt direction, support

The government is accused of an “impression of responsiveness” as cyclone-hit businesses struggle to recover.


Govt signs off $25m top-up for cyclone-impacted businesses
19 Apr 2023   /

Govt signs off $25m top-up for cyclone-impacted businesses

Demand for $40k government grants has outstripped the initial $50m allocation, leading to the $25m top-up.


Draft unit pricing regs out for consultation, 12-month transition mooted
14 Apr 2023   /

Draft unit pricing regs out for consultation, 12-month transition mooted

Grocery retailers will have 12 months to fall in line with new unit pricing measures coming into force as part of the government’s reform of the $22bn sector, according to draft regulations released today.


Risks & benefits from warming climate for NZ food – report
12 Apr 2023   /

Risks & benefits from warming climate for NZ food – report

But more frequent extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle “could create a series of negative supply shocks”.


Brooking appointed oceans and fisheries minister
12 Apr 2023   /

Brooking appointed oceans and fisheries minister

Rachel Brooking has picked up the oceans and fisheries portfolio after a reshuffle caused by Stuart Nash’s dismissal.


Plant & Food Research lures Fonterra’s Piper for CEO role

Plant & Food Research lures Fonterra’s Piper for CEO role

The Fonterra veteran of 30-years will replace David Hughes to lead the Crown Research Institute.


Govt provides another $23m for cyclone-hit growers, farmers
6 Apr 2023   /

Govt provides another $23m for cyclone-hit growers, farmers

The government is providing another $23m to support farmers and growers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.


Thousands of workers eligible under new working holiday rules – govt
5 Apr 2023  

Thousands of workers eligible under new working holiday rules – govt

Businesses could soon have access to thousands of additional working holidaymakers, with the government extending the stay of those already in New Zealand and increasing access from Europe.


Border patrol: Live yabbies and sprouting onions intercepted
5 Apr 2023   /

Border patrol: Live yabbies and sprouting onions intercepted

A bag of live yabbies is among the “more unusual” seizures made by Biosecurity New Zealand, as passenger numbers bounce-back from Covid-19 in the first quarter of the year.


Voluntary lobbying code could take in peak bodies – PM
4 Apr 2023   /

Voluntary lobbying code could take in peak bodies – PM

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has announced several steps to introduce greater transparency around lobbying at Parliament.


NZ avocado industry ‘demonstrates tiaki’ – govt
4 Apr 2023   /

NZ avocado industry ‘demonstrates tiaki’ – govt

New Zealand’s avocado industry is committed to economic and environmental sustainability, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri.


Industry welcomes new recycling, food waste plans – with caveats
30 Mar 2023   /

Industry welcomes new recycling, food waste plans – with caveats

Kerbside recycling changes are set to take place before the Plastic Packaging Product Stewardship Scheme work concludes, raising concerns at the NZFCG.


Addressing skills shortage, NZ food story, new hospo minister priorities in RA manifesto

Addressing skills shortage, NZ food story, new hospo minister priorities in RA manifesto

Adjusting immigration settings and investing in training, a New Zealand food story, and a minister for hospitality are amongst the Restaurant Association’s priorities in its 2023 Election Manifesto.


Parker returns to helm oceans and fisheries as acting minister after Nash dismissal
29 Mar 2023   /

Parker returns to helm oceans and fisheries as acting minister after Nash dismissal

David Parker has been appointed acting minister for oceans and fisheries after Stuart Nash was dismissed from all his ministerial portfolios.


Govt waste strategy launched
29 Mar 2023   /

Govt waste strategy launched

The government has launched The New Zealand Waste Strategy, based on circular economy principles that support both emissions and solid waste reduction goals.


Apple exports “hardest hit” by Cyclone Gabrielle – report
27 Mar 2023   /

Apple exports “hardest hit” by Cyclone Gabrielle – report

Up to 30% of the 2023 pipfruit crop from the Hawke’s Bay could be at risk, making a dent on the $900m annual export trade, MFAT said.


SAFE petition on caging hens heading to parliament
27 Mar 2023   /

SAFE petition on caging hens heading to parliament

Animal rights organisation SAFE will deliver its petition calling for an end to the caging of all hens across New Zealand to Parliament on on Wednesday 29 March.


Feedback wanted on commercial longlining fishing changes
27 Mar 2023   /

Feedback wanted on commercial longlining fishing changes

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback from tangata whenua and stakeholders on proposed changes to the mandatory seabird mitigation measures for commercial fishers using surface longlining.


Scapegrace’s $25m Central Otago gin palace gets government backing…
24 Mar 2023   /

Scapegrace’s $25m Central Otago gin palace gets government backing…

New Zealand spirits producer Scapegrace has received government support for its $25m Central Otago distillery expansion.


Grocery Bill: Suppliers control product sales – including private label
23 Mar 2023   /

Grocery Bill: Suppliers control product sales – including private label

Suppliers should retain control of where their products are sold as part of a reform of the grocery sector – although the same protection should be afford to the duopoly’s private label ranges.


Grocery Bill: Code to be “introduced expeditiously” led by minister
23 Mar 2023   /

Grocery Bill: Code to be “introduced expeditiously” led by minister

A faster introduction of the proposed grocery supply code has been mooted, with new Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Duncan Webb called upon to create the first version rather than the Commerce Commission.


Govt backs second vertical farming venture with $3.5m
22 Mar 2023   /

Govt backs second vertical farming venture with $3.5m

Vertical farming venture Greengrower is producing and supplying leafy greens to the grocery and foodservice channels.


Improved collaboration = improved innovation: NZFGC on food ITP
22 Mar 2023   /

Improved collaboration = improved innovation: NZFGC on food ITP

New Zealand could take a leaf out of Australia’s book when it comes to strengthening the country’s overall food innovation system, according to the NZFGC’s draft ITP submission.


Critics rail against container return scheme delay
22 Mar 2023  

Critics rail against container return scheme delay

Zero Waste Network Aotearoa and community organisation Kiwi Bottle Drive have both criticised the government’s decision to push back work on a container return scheme.


Govt provides another $25m for cyclone-affected businesses
16 Mar 2023   /

Govt provides another $25m for cyclone-affected businesses

The government is providing a further $25m in grants to help more businesses in cyclone-affected regions with the clean-up and to get them back up and running.


Govt to host CPTPP trade ministers
16 Mar 2023   /

Govt to host CPTPP trade ministers

The government will host trade ministers from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in Auckland on 15 – 16 July.


Perspectives: This week was a big step backwards for waste in NZ
15 Mar 2023   /

Perspectives: This week was a big step backwards for waste in NZ

The government’s deferral of the CRS will ultimately cost households and communities more – not less – writes Again Again’s Nada Piatek.


PM: “We don’t want to be imposing additional costs on families” – govt defers container return scheme…
14 Mar 2023   /

PM: “We don’t want to be imposing additional costs on families” – govt defers container return scheme…

The government has deferred any further work on the controversial container return scheme (CRS) as part of its latest policy “re-prioritisation”.


Govt commits $30m to advanced manufacturing ITP
14 Mar 2023   /

Govt commits $30m to advanced manufacturing ITP

Increasing investment in technology and developing a high-skilled, high-wage workforce, and creating a zero-emissions sector are the top priorities in the government’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan.


Hawke’s Bay, Tairawhiti state of emergency ends
14 Mar 2023   /

Hawke’s Bay, Tairawhiti state of emergency ends

The remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions ends today.


Govt pledges $2m to community food providers for cyclone relief
10 Mar 2023  

Govt pledges $2m to community food providers for cyclone relief

The government is providing $2m for community food providers in its latest response to Cyclone Gabrielle.


B+LNZ targets govt policy in new campaign
8 Mar 2023   /

B+LNZ targets govt policy in new campaign

New Zealanders are being urged to back sheep and beef farmers as part of a new campaign designed to raise awareness about “crippling” government policies.


Climate change: Food system alone will break 1.5C target – study
7 Mar 2023   /

Climate change: Food system alone will break 1.5C target – study

A business-as-usual approach to food production and consumption will breach the target, but more than half of the anticipated warming is avoidable if changes are made to food production practices, diets and food waste levels.


Govt provides another $26m to support cyclone-hit growers, farmers
7 Mar 2023   /

Govt provides another $26m to support cyclone-hit growers, farmers

The government is providing an additional $26m to help growers and farmers re-establish their businesses following Cyclone Gabrielle.


State of emergency extended for Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay
7 Mar 2023   /

State of emergency extended for Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay

The Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty has extended the state of national emergency declared on 14 February due to Cyclone Gabrielle for a further seven days for the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay areas.


Council backs fisheries plan
7 Mar 2023  

Council backs fisheries plan

Waikato Regional Council is backing New Zealand’s first proposed area-based fisheries plan.


Cyclone Gabrielle: Govt funding for additional wellbeing support
6 Mar 2023   /

Cyclone Gabrielle: Govt funding for additional wellbeing support

The government has confirmed $3.25m in funding to support the immediate mental wellbeing needs of people impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, according to Health Minister Ayesha Verrall.


National states of emergency end for some regions
6 Mar 2023   /

National states of emergency end for some regions

The government has ended the states of national emergency declared on 14 February over the Northland, Auckland, and Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group areas and the Tararua District.


NZ out of step – Greens on United Nations Ocean Treaty
6 Mar 2023   /

NZ out of step – Greens on United Nations Ocean Treaty

The Green Party has said that New Zealand is out of step with global progress following the signing of a historic United Nations Ocean Treaty.


Applications open for $40k cyclone business support in Hawke’s Bay
3 Mar 2023   /

Applications open for $40k cyclone business support in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay business can now apply for up to $40,000 in government grant support following Cyclone Gabrielle.


Key transport connections restored
3 Mar 2023   /

Key transport connections restored

The government is deploying Bailey bridges across six sites in the North Island to reconnect isolated communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods, according to Transport Minister Michael Wood.


Govt earmarks $9m for agri GHG research
2 Mar 2023   /

Govt earmarks $9m for agri GHG research

The government is investing more than $9m over six years to develop a national agricultural greenhouse gas capability plan, and bring more researchers into the field.


Cyclone taskforce to ‘ensure locally-led recovery’
2 Mar 2023   /

Cyclone taskforce to ‘ensure locally-led recovery’

The government has released more details about the Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Taskforce now that the terms of reference have been agreed by cabinet.


Road repairs need more funding, workers – National Road Carriers
2 Mar 2023   /

Road repairs need more funding, workers – National Road Carriers

The government’s announcement of $250m for assessing and fixing the roads post-Cyclone Gabrielle is a “great start,” according to the National Road Carriers Transport and Logistic Advisory Group, but the but the final number is going to be significantly higher.


Govt launches Cyclone Gabrielle appeal
28 Feb 2023   /

Govt launches Cyclone Gabrielle appeal

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has launched an international fundraising appeal and a special Lotto draw to support the recovery efforts across the North Island impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.


Businesses in cyclone-hit regions eligible for up to $40k
27 Feb 2023   /

Businesses in cyclone-hit regions eligible for up to $40k

The grants can help businesses impacted due to barriers to customer access, supply chain issues, or the inability to operate as usual due to damage.


Marlborough fundraising for ‘adopted’ Gisborne, Napier
27 Feb 2023   /

Marlborough fundraising for ‘adopted’ Gisborne, Napier

Marlborough locals are being asked to support the Napier and Gisborne regions as part of an ‘Adopt a Community’ initiative set up by Local Government New Zealand.


Govt launches Recovery Visa to support cyclone, flooding rebuild
24 Feb 2023   /

Govt launches Recovery Visa to support cyclone, flooding rebuild

The government has launched a new Recovery Visa to bring in needed specialist workers to support the Cyclone Gabrielle and flooding recovery.


O’Connor in Japan with export agenda
24 Feb 2023   /

O’Connor in Japan with export agenda

Trade Minister Damien O’Connor has travelled to Tokyo to meet with Japanese counterparts and engage with New Zealand businesses in market as part of New Zealand’s 2023 export growth agenda.


Retail NZ calls for wage subsidy
24 Feb 2023   /

Retail NZ calls for wage subsidy

Significant government support is required for retailers to combat the economic scars caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, according to Retail NZ.


Wellington council signs off food system action plan
23 Feb 2023  

Wellington council signs off food system action plan

Wellington City Council has formalised Te Anamata ā-Kai o Tō Tātou Tāone, Our City’s Food Future, an action plan for a sustainable, equitable, healthy, and resilient food system in Pōneke. 


Growers, farmers can access $25m recovery funds from today…
22 Feb 2023   /

Growers, farmers can access $25m recovery funds from today…

Growers can apply for grants of up to $40,000, with farmers allowed up to $10,000 to help the clean-up effort.


KiwiHarvest, NZ Food Safety unlock additional food rescue resource
22 Feb 2023   /

KiwiHarvest, NZ Food Safety unlock additional food rescue resource

KiwiHarvest has worked with New Zealand Food Safety to enable the delivery of food that would otherwise have been classified as compromised following the floods in Auckland and Cyclone Gabrielle.


Govt provides $50m in cyclone relief for businesses, primary sector
21 Feb 2023   /

Govt provides $50m in cyclone relief for businesses, primary sector

The government has pledged a further interim emergency relief package for regions hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and the January floods.


Govt extends state of national emergency
21 Feb 2023   /

Govt extends state of national emergency

The government has extended the state of national emergency for a further seven days to support the response to the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.


Online toolbox for sustainable supply chain launched
21 Feb 2023   /

Online toolbox for sustainable supply chain launched

The Sustainable Business Network has launched a free online toolbox that it says makes it easy for businesses to assess the sustainability of their organisation and their supply chain.


Govt pledges $2m disaster relief funds for East Coast
17 Feb 2023   /

Govt pledges $2m disaster relief funds for East Coast

Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty has announced an initial contribution of $2m to disaster relief funds to support affected communities on the East Coast of the North Island.


New funding and initiatives to boost Māori R&D
16 Feb 2023   /

New funding and initiatives to boost Māori R&D

Research, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall recently announced two new contestable funds, He tipu ka hua and He aka ka toro, that will inject up to $10m into Māori research capability.


Govt pledges $4m support for growers, farmers
15 Feb 2023   /

Govt pledges $4m support for growers, farmers

The money will help the rural sector cope with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.


Back to Work grants for flooded Auckland businesses
15 Feb 2023  

Back to Work grants for flooded Auckland businesses

Flood affected business across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will soon be able to access back to work grants.


National State of Emergency declared due to Cyclone Gabrielle
14 Feb 2023  

National State of Emergency declared due to Cyclone Gabrielle

It is only the third time in NZ history that a National State of Emergency has been declared.


Retailers give thumbs down to minimum wage increase – Retail NZ survey
14 Feb 2023   /

Retailers give thumbs down to minimum wage increase – Retail NZ survey

Some 88% of retailers disapprove of the government’s decision to increase the rate of the minimum wage from 1 April 2023 by 7.2%, according to a snap poll from Retail New Zealand.


SFF Fund, Watties, McCain in $2m+ regenerative farming practices research
10 Feb 2023   /

SFF Fund, Watties, McCain in $2m+ regenerative farming practices research

The government is investing more than $2m into research on the potential of regenerative farming practices to boost carbon in vegetable and other ground crop-growing soil.


MPI opens entries for Good Employer Awards
10 Feb 2023   /

MPI opens entries for Good Employer Awards

New Zealand’s top food and fibre sector employers are being called on to enter the 2023 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards.


Govt’s 7.2% minimum wage increase ‘problematic, goes too far’ – industry groups
9 Feb 2023   /

Govt’s 7.2% minimum wage increase ‘problematic, goes too far’ – industry groups

An unexpected 7.2% minimum wage increase is likely to be passed on to consumers by retailers and manufacturers.


Govt provides $5m for flood-hit businesses
9 Feb 2023  

Govt provides $5m for flood-hit businesses

The government is providing a $5m package of emergency support to help businesses significantly affected by the recent flooding in Auckland.


Horticulture aims for $12bn exports by 2035
2 Feb 2023   /

Horticulture aims for $12bn exports by 2035

The sector plans to double the farmgate value of production as part of a new government and industry strategy.


Commerce & consumer affairs lands outside cabinet with Dr Webb
2 Feb 2023   /

Commerce & consumer affairs lands outside cabinet with Dr Webb

New Prime Minister Chris Hipkins’ reshuffle has seen the commerce and consumer affairs portfolio land outside cabinet.


Grocery Bill select committee hearings underway
30 Jan 2023   /

Grocery Bill select committee hearings underway

Grocery sector stakeholders are speaking on the Grocery Industry Competition Bill at select committee this week.


Cyclone Hale triggers Enhanced Taskforce Green activation
30 Jan 2023   /

Cyclone Hale triggers Enhanced Taskforce Green activation

The government has activated Enhanced Taskforce Green in response to flooding and damaged caused by Cyclone Hale in the Tairāwhiti region.


Feedback sought on imported goods levy increase
27 Jan 2023   /

Feedback sought on imported goods levy increase

Biosecurity NZ is consulting on updated levy and fee price increases for clearing imported goods.


Fisheries plan for Hauraki Gulf “disappointing” – Forest & Bird
27 Jan 2023   /

Fisheries plan for Hauraki Gulf “disappointing” – Forest & Bird

Forest & Bird has expressed “deep disappointment” that bottom trawling, dredging and Danish seining will still be allowed under the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan.


Hipkins: Grocery market reform part of cost of living “priority” but will take time
26 Jan 2023   /

Hipkins: Grocery market reform part of cost of living “priority” but will take time

“We will continue to strive to look for everything that we can do in that space,” says Hipkins of supermarket competition and regulation to bring down food prices.


‘Slow down, prioritise’ – Fed Farmers to Hipkins
26 Jan 2023  

‘Slow down, prioritise’ – Fed Farmers to Hipkins

Federated Farmers has asked new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to “slow down the legislative programme, get it right and concentrate on those things that will help families and businesses prosper”.


Temporary fishing closures on the cards
26 Jan 2023  

Temporary fishing closures on the cards

Mana Whenua Hapū has requested a temporary closure offshore of Napier Port, Hawkes Bay, to the take of all fisheries resources.


NZTE names Active Investor Plus advisory panel
25 Jan 2023   /

NZTE names Active Investor Plus advisory panel

New Zealand Trade & Enterprise has appointed a three-strong independent advisory panel to support New Zealand’s new Active Investor Plus visa scheme.


Govt cabinet reshuffle coming – Hipkins
23 Jan 2023  

Govt cabinet reshuffle coming – Hipkins

New Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins is expected to reshuffle cabinet positions this week.


M. Bovis confirmed properties continue to decrease
23 Jan 2023  

M. Bovis confirmed properties continue to decrease

The Mycoplasma bovis Programme, led in partnership with Ministry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, continues to make progress towards the eradication of the disease from New Zealand, according to Biosecurity NZ.


“She’s been a fantastic ambassador” – F&B stakeholders on PM’s legacy
20 Jan 2023  

“She’s been a fantastic ambassador” – F&B stakeholders on PM’s legacy

Jacinda Ardern led NZ to a valuable FTA with the UK, made progress on grocery competition, but also drew criticism for the govt’s climate change and Covid responses.


General Election to be held on 14 Oct
20 Jan 2023   /

General Election to be held on 14 Oct

The 2023 General Election will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023.


Ardern resigns as PM
19 Jan 2023  

Ardern resigns as PM

Ardern said that leading the country for the past five-and-a-half years has been an “enormous privilege”.


Consultation opens on draft Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan
18 Jan 2023  

Consultation opens on draft Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan

Fisheries New Zealand is wanting feedback on a draft Fisheries Plan to help restore and protect the Hauraki Gulf.


NZFGC’s Bleakley to lead industry talks on CO2 shortage
17 Jan 2023   /

NZFGC’s Bleakley to lead industry talks on CO2 shortage

The impact of ongoing CO2 shortages on the food industry has led the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council to establish a pan-industry group to liaise on the escalating issue.


Govt to plug NZ’s agri innovation at Davos, food forum
17 Jan 2023   /

Govt to plug NZ’s agri innovation at Davos, food forum

Trade and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor will visit Europe this week to discuss the role of agriculture in climate change and food security, World Trade Organization reform, and New Zealand’s agricultural innovation.


Govt extends support for flooded growers, farmers to Wairarapa
17 Jan 2023  

Govt extends support for flooded growers, farmers to Wairarapa

The government has extended its medium-scale classification of Cyclone Hale to the Wairarapa after assessing storm damage across the region. 


CO2 shortage “business threatening” as operations squeezed to 30% – B Studio
16 Jan 2023   /

CO2 shortage “business threatening” as operations squeezed to 30% – B Studio

Food sector stakeholders expect a challenging year grappling with deeper profit erosion as the long-running CO2 shortage worsens.


Grocery product unit pricing is a go – govt
16 Jan 2023   /

Grocery product unit pricing is a go – govt

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is set to start consultation on the implementation of unit pricing, after announcing new rules in late December.


Govt commits $100k for flooded growers, farmers
16 Jan 2023   /

Govt commits $100k for flooded growers, farmers

Rural Communities Minister Damien O’Connor has classified last week’s Cyclone Hale that caused significant flood damage across the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne District as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking government support for farmers and growers.


Caffeine in food feedback wanted – FSANZ
16 Jan 2023  

Caffeine in food feedback wanted – FSANZ

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is wanting feedback as part of its review of permissions for caffeine in sports and general foods.


Stakeholders prepare for Alcohol Bill select committee
15 Dec 2022   /

Stakeholders prepare for Alcohol Bill select committee

The New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council and the Brewers Association are lining up to have their say when the the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill goes to a Parliamentary Select Committee next year.


New Plymouth Countdown ham recall
14 Dec 2022   /

New Plymouth Countdown ham recall

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Mixed reception to new immigration settings with hospo left fuming
13 Dec 2022  

Mixed reception to new immigration settings with hospo left fuming

Employer accreditations are extended and bus drivers get a boost but there’s little for hard-hit hospo.


Hospo tech firm secures $1.25m govt facility
12 Dec 2022  

Hospo tech firm secures $1.25m govt facility

The government has approved a loan of up to $1.25m to hospitality software company Loaded Reports.


Vertical farming venture secures nearly $1m from govt on way to $5.5m close
7 Dec 2022   /

Vertical farming venture secures nearly $1m from govt on way to $5.5m close

New Zealand agritech startup 26 Seasons has secured government cash to help the scale-up of its domestic vertical farming operation as it looks to close its $5.5m capital raise early next year.


The Mana Kai Initiative: Eight actions for a more inclusive and sustainable food system
6 Dec 2022   /

The Mana Kai Initiative: Eight actions for a more inclusive and sustainable food system

A Te Ao Māori code of principles for NZ’s food sector, mission-led food system science, and a biotech conversation are among the eight actions.


PM: Economic response to be scrutinised in Covid inquiry
6 Dec 2022  

PM: Economic response to be scrutinised in Covid inquiry

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Changes to partner work visas deferred
6 Dec 2022  

Changes to partner work visas deferred

Changes to partner work visas that were set to come into effect in December 2022 have been deferred to April 2023, Immigration Minister Michael Wood has announced.


FSANZ criticised for GE approvals
6 Dec 2022  

FSANZ criticised for GE approvals

GE Free NZ has accused FSANZ of “bowing to the GE industry” in approving new definitions for gene edited foods, and deliberating excluding submissions during the decision-making process.


Heinz Watties complaint prompts Chinese peach dumping investigation
5 Dec 2022  

Heinz Watties complaint prompts Chinese peach dumping investigation

The government is investigating claims of peach dumping after Heinz Watties alleged its sales, market share and profit were all being damaged by the practice.


Govt launches Māori primary sector growth plan, SFFF funds project
2 Dec 2022   /

Govt launches Māori primary sector growth plan, SFFF funds project

The government has launched Rautaki mo te Taurikura – Embracing change for prosperity, which it says is a detailed plan to support the Māori food and fibre sector.


Therapeutic Products Bill introduced
2 Dec 2022   /

Therapeutic Products Bill introduced

Legislation to modernise the way medicines, medical devices and natural health products are regulated has been introduced in Parliament.


F&B ITP: Three new scale-up facilities on innovation wish-list
1 Dec 2022   /

F&B ITP: Three new scale-up facilities on innovation wish-list

The govt’s draft industry plan says the facilities could cater to areas such as bioactives, aquaculture, alternative proteins and sheep milk, but it’s “crucial” they are industry-led.


Govt earmarks $27m for first Centre for Climate Action agri emissions projects
1 Dec 2022   /

Govt earmarks $27m for first Centre for Climate Action agri emissions projects

The Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions has been officially launched by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Agriculture, Damien O’Connor, alongside the primary sector partners at Fieldays.


NZ fish ban by US preliminary and “procedural” – Seafood NZ
30 Nov 2022  

NZ fish ban by US preliminary and “procedural” – Seafood NZ

A US court ban on New Zealand exports of several fish species from two North Island fisheries is only a preliminary decision although it has the potential to “dent” exports, according to Seafood New Zealand.


MIA rejects govt’s ag emissions pricing proposal
29 Nov 2022   /

MIA rejects govt’s ag emissions pricing proposal

The association representing the red meat processing and exporting sector has called for changes to the government’s agricultural emissions pricing proposal.


Retail sales lift in September quarter
29 Nov 2022  

Retail sales lift in September quarter

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Food safety on menu at ANZ food ministers’ meeting
25 Nov 2022  

Food safety on menu at ANZ food ministers’ meeting

Minister for Food Safety Meka Whaitiri is attending the Fourth Australia and New Zealand Food Ministers’ Meeting in Melbourne today to discuss food safety, regulations and ensuring the food production systems in both countries remain relevant and fit for purpose.


PM: Grocery industry bill about enabling competition, securing fair prices for Kiwis
22 Nov 2022   /

PM: Grocery industry bill about enabling competition, securing fair prices for Kiwis

The Grocery Industry Competition Bill is being introduced under urgency, with the government aiming to pass it by the middle of 2023.


Fisheries Amendment Act feedback sought
17 Nov 2022   /

Fisheries Amendment Act feedback sought

The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback on proposed Fisheries Amendment Act changes to the on-land disposal of fish.


Clearer direction for farmers, agri sector in new RMA – Parker
16 Nov 2022  

Clearer direction for farmers, agri sector in new RMA – Parker

The government is promising its new resource management system will provide clearer direction for farmers and the agriculture sector.


Boosted Health Star Ratings come into force
15 Nov 2022   /

Boosted Health Star Ratings come into force

All manufacturers participating in the opt-in system are required to have updated their labelling to reflect the upgrade to the Health Star system.


Food, fishing, agri sectors benefitting from Flexi-Wage – govt
15 Nov 2022  

Food, fishing, agri sectors benefitting from Flexi-Wage – govt

The government says its Flexi-Wage initiative has supported 20,589 people into jobs.


Upgraded ASEAN FTA streamlines customs, strengthens ecommerce rules
14 Nov 2022   /

Upgraded ASEAN FTA streamlines customs, strengthens ecommerce rules

An upgraded ASEAN free trade agreement has been signed, streamlining customs procedures and providing commitments to support the flow of essential goods.


NZ ranked first in Sustainable Trade Index
11 Nov 2022   /

NZ ranked first in Sustainable Trade Index

The Sustainable Trade Index, launched in Singapore overnight by the Hinrich Foundation and the International Institute for Management Development, ranks New Zealand first of 30 economies that undertake international trade in a manner that supports long-term global sustainable development.


NZ-UK FTA a step closer to ratification
11 Nov 2022  

NZ-UK FTA a step closer to ratification

New Zealand’s free trade agreement with the United Kingdom is now a step closer with the passing of two Bills, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor says.


Productivity Commission to investigate supply chain resilience
9 Nov 2022  

Productivity Commission to investigate supply chain resilience

The Productivity Commission will investigate the New Zealand economy’s vulnerability to ongoing supply chain disruptions and identify ways to improve resilience.


Twyford to progress ASEAN trade upgrade talks
9 Nov 2022  

Twyford to progress ASEAN trade upgrade talks

Minister of State for Trade and Export Growth Phil Twyford is traveling to Cambodia for trade negotiations with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).


NZ progresses CPTPP dairy dispute with Canada
8 Nov 2022   /

NZ progresses CPTPP dairy dispute with Canada

The government has requested the establishment of a panel to hear its dispute against Canada regarding the administration of dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs) under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).


“Basically what it says is don’t be dicks” – MBIE’s Paul Stocks on the grocery code
7 Nov 2022   /

“Basically what it says is don’t be dicks” – MBIE’s Paul Stocks on the grocery code

And why the upcoming grocery industry competition bill is not about suppliers, “it is about consumers, it is about New Zealanders”.


NZ in global sustainable agriculture declaration
7 Nov 2022   /

NZ in global sustainable agriculture declaration

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Soft plastic waste reduction funding available
3 Nov 2022  

Soft plastic waste reduction funding available

The Ministry for the Environment has opened applications for round two of the Plastics Innovation Fund – Te Tahua Pūtea mō te Kirihou Auaha.


Raewyn Bleakley takes the reins
2 Nov 2022  

Raewyn Bleakley takes the reins

NZFGC’s new boss on guiding principles, headwinds, and silver bullets ahead of the association’s annual conference in Queenstown this week.


Organic Bill passes second reading
2 Nov 2022  

Organic Bill passes second reading

New Zealand’s Parliament passed the second reading of the newly named ‘Organic Products and Production Bill’, on Thursday 27 October 2022.


Health experts welcome govt’s alcohol reform
2 Nov 2022  

Health experts welcome govt’s alcohol reform

Health Coalition Aotearoa welcomes the government taking urgent action to allow Councils to pass local alcohol policies responsive to the needs of their local populations.


Kaikōura pāua fishery feedback wanted
1 Nov 2022   /

Kaikōura pāua fishery feedback wanted

Fisheries New Zealand wants feedback on proposals to reopen the Kaikōura pāua fishery.


Tougher rules for alcohol retailing as govt looks to ’tilt balance’ back to community
31 Oct 2022   /

Tougher rules for alcohol retailing as govt looks to ’tilt balance’ back to community

Alcohol retailers face tougher rules under proposed government reforms that Justice Minister Kiri Allan says will remove the ability of alcohol companies and supermarkets to appeal local policies.


Prep programme for food & fibre fundraising launched
27 Oct 2022  

Prep programme for food & fibre fundraising launched

A twelve-week capital-raising preparation programme for food and fibre businesses has been launched by Palmerston North innovation development business, The Factory.


Fisheries Amendment Bill passes final reading
27 Oct 2022   /

Fisheries Amendment Bill passes final reading

The Fisheries Amendment Bill has passed its final reading in Parliament.


Year end target for operational Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions – MPI
25 Oct 2022   /

Year end target for operational Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions – MPI

The proposed new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions unveiled in Budget 2022 is on track to be up and running by the end of the year, according to MPI.


Govt’s second food waste report released
21 Oct 2022   /

Govt’s second food waste report released

Dame Juliet Gerrard, the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, has published her second report as part of a wider food waste series.


Feedback sought on shortened whitebaiting season
21 Oct 2022   /

Feedback sought on shortened whitebaiting season

The Department of Conservation is asking whitebaiters for feedback on their fishing experience as the season draws to a close.


Feedback wanted on proposed food control plan changes
19 Oct 2022  

Feedback wanted on proposed food control plan changes

New Zealand Food Safety is after feedback on proposed changes to the Simply Safe & Suitable template food control plan and relevant food notices.


Atkins Ranch project backed by govt, targets US premium market
18 Oct 2022  

Atkins Ranch project backed by govt, targets US premium market

The grass-fed export brand will extend a project to help Kiwi farmers get premium product into the US.


Food prices crushing Kiwi budgets – Nats
14 Oct 2022   /

Food prices crushing Kiwi budgets – Nats

The National Party has used the latest Food Price Index to point the finger at Labour economic policy including its immigrations settings, claiming it is “impossible to get ahead under Labour.”


New marine environment report “sobering picture”
14 Oct 2022   /

New marine environment report “sobering picture”

Climate change is continuing to drive ocean acidification, raise sea levels, and increase sea surface temperatures, according to the third report in the government’s ‘Our marine environment’ series published this week.


Mt Cook Alpine Salmon hooks govt cash for $16.7m land-based salmon project
13 Oct 2022  

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon hooks govt cash for $16.7m land-based salmon project

The aquaculture company is developing a prototype for what it says is NZ’s first sustainable, land-based salmon farm.


Skilled migrant, parent visa categories to restart next month
13 Oct 2022   /

Skilled migrant, parent visa categories to restart next month

Skilled migrants can once again apply for residence following the latest visa announcement by the government, which also re-opens the parent category.


Govt introduces tougher fishing measures to  protect dolphins
13 Oct 2022   /

Govt introduces tougher fishing measures to protect dolphins

The government is introducing tougher fishing measures to protect the vulnerable South Island Hector’s dolphins.


Kava review feedback wanted – FSANZ
12 Oct 2022  

Kava review feedback wanted – FSANZ

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is wanting feedback as part of its review of the kava standard in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.


“World first” farmer emissions scheme supports premium export pricing…
11 Oct 2022   /

“World first” farmer emissions scheme supports premium export pricing…

The proposal would see NZ farmers lead the world in reducing emissions and enhance our export brand, says PM Jacinda Ardern.


…but Fed Farmers says scheme will reduce food production
11 Oct 2022  

…but Fed Farmers says scheme will reduce food production

Federated Farmers has lambasted the government’s proposed agricultural emissions pricing plan, claiming it will “wipe out” parts of the food production sector.


Seaweed sector framework released, MOU signed
11 Oct 2022   /

Seaweed sector framework released, MOU signed

The newly formed Aotearoa New Zealand Seaweed Association and the Australian Seaweed Institute have signed a memorandum of understanding to unlock more collaboration between the organisations.


Higher migrant wages could hit food prices – Fed Farmers
11 Oct 2022   /

Higher migrant wages could hit food prices – Fed Farmers

New Zealand will ultimately pay more for their food when the substantial increase in international workers’ pay kicks in from February, according to Federated Farmers.


Sustainable agri, climate change on agenda at NZ, India foreign minister meeting
7 Oct 2022  

Sustainable agri, climate change on agenda at NZ, India foreign minister meeting

The Foreign Minister says an historic visit to Aotearoa New Zealand by the Indian Foreign Minister provides an opportunity to strengthen the relationship in areas like people to people exchanges and climate action.


Is this a better option that the government’s container return scheme?
6 Oct 2022   /

Is this a better option that the government’s container return scheme?

A new report suggests an alternative that is cheaper and more convenient for consumers and better for businesses and the environment, says the Glass Packaging Forum.


Testing for M bovis stepped up with new strain – MPI
6 Oct 2022   /

Testing for M bovis stepped up with new strain – MPI

Summer testing for Mycoplasma bovis will be stepped up after New Zealand’s nationwide surveillance programme identified a new strain of the disease.


O’Connor heads to CPTPP meeting with trade, collaboration on agenda
6 Oct 2022   /

O’Connor heads to CPTPP meeting with trade, collaboration on agenda

Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Damien O’Connor is heading to Singapore this week for the sixth Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership commission meeting.


Ditch flawed Fair Pay Agreements Bill – Retail NZ
6 Oct 2022   /

Ditch flawed Fair Pay Agreements Bill – Retail NZ

Retail NZ wants the government to abandon the “deeply flawed” Fair Pay Agreements Bill, which has been reported back to the House of Representatives from Select Committee.


Action needed on RSE scheme – NZCTU
6 Oct 2022   /

Action needed on RSE scheme – NZCTU

Migrant wellbeing needs to be at centre of all discussions on the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme, according to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions which has met with the Immigration Minister Michael Wood  to convey “deep concerns” with the existing scheme.


Aquaculture NZ unveils funding boost for workforce plan
5 Oct 2022   /

Aquaculture NZ unveils funding boost for workforce plan

An Aquaculture New Zealand-led action plan to double the size of the national workforce to support the growth of the sector has been backed by the government to the tune of $210,000.


Primary sector: Major players team up with government on emissions action
3 Oct 2022   /

Primary sector: Major players team up with government on emissions action

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More single-use plastics banned
3 Oct 2022   /

More single-use plastics banned

Single-use plastic cotton buds, drink stirrers and most plastic meat trays are among the products that have been banned from sale or manufacture from 1 October.


New property identified in Mycoplasma bovis outbreak
30 Sep 2022   /

New property identified in Mycoplasma bovis outbreak

An additional Mycoplasma bovis property has been found inside the Wakanui area of Mid-Canterbury where strict biosecurity measures, including a controlled area notice, were announced last week.


New Zealand Wine Centre–Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa opened in Blenheim
30 Sep 2022  

New Zealand Wine Centre–Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa opened in Blenheim

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has officially opened New Zealand Wine Centre–Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa in Blenheim.


Livestock exports by sea to cease
29 Sep 2022  

Livestock exports by sea to cease

Exports of livestock by sea will stop on 30 April 2023, following the pass of the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill today.


Extra RSE workers “good news” for summer – industry
28 Sep 2022   /

Extra RSE workers “good news” for summer – industry

Stakeholders from the horticulture, wine and business sectors have welcomed the government’s decision to increase the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme by 3,000 places for the coming season.


Feedback sought on increasing biosecurity fine to $1,000
28 Sep 2022  

Feedback sought on increasing biosecurity fine to $1,000

The Primary Production Committee is seeking public submissions on a plan to increase fines for biosecurity breaches and give officers more powers to refuse entry.


Govt funding for Kaipaki Dairy reusable milk keg initiative
27 Sep 2022   /

Govt funding for Kaipaki Dairy reusable milk keg initiative

A Kaipaki Dairies initiative is among the first recipients of the government’s $50m Plastics Innovation Fund.


Govt invests $10m in climate change agri programme
27 Sep 2022   /

Govt invests $10m in climate change agri programme

The government is making a $10m contribution alongside partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to build resilience, enhance food security and address the challenges of climate change for small-scale primary producers.


NZFGC, Packaging Forum to lead on plastic via product stewardship scheme
23 Sep 2022  

NZFGC, Packaging Forum to lead on plastic via product stewardship scheme

At this stage, all plastic packaging used for consumer goods sold via retail or wholesale will be included the initiative, as will liquid paperboard and compostable plastic.


Frontline biosecurity ranks bolstered
23 Sep 2022  

Frontline biosecurity ranks bolstered

Biosecurity New Zealand has welcomed 17 new quarantine officers to help protect Aotearoa’s borders from invasive pests and diseases.


Measures underway to contain Mycoplasma bovis hotspot – MPI
22 Sep 2022  

Measures underway to contain Mycoplasma bovis hotspot – MPI

A Mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is targeting a sole pocket of confirmed infection with a cull starting on a mid-Canterbury feedlot.


Pacific visas reopened to help boost workforce
22 Sep 2022  

Pacific visas reopened to help boost workforce

The government is reopening longstanding visa categories Pacific Access Category and the Samoan Quota, Immigration Minister Michael Wood has announced. 


Shellfish biotoxin alert removed – MPI
22 Sep 2022   /

Shellfish biotoxin alert removed – MPI

New Zealand Food Safety has today removed the public health warning against collecting shellfish from the Taranaki Coast – from Albatross Point to Oakura Beach.


“Sustainable and inclusive” – NZTE launches $800k global investment drive
21 Sep 2022  

“Sustainable and inclusive” – NZTE launches $800k global investment drive

Kono is a Kiwi business that proves “time and time again that purpose and profit can go hand-in-hand,” says the new campaign.


HortNZ welcomes “critical” land use policy
20 Sep 2022  

HortNZ welcomes “critical” land use policy

The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land will provide protection for the country’s best land and soil so it can be used to produce food, according to HortNZ.


Deer Code of Welfare update “positive”
20 Sep 2022   /

Deer Code of Welfare update “positive”

The updated Deer Code of Welfare is a positive forward-looking document, according to Deer Industry New Zealand.


Wholesale regime: Grocery Commissioner could force private label sales to other retailers
19 Sep 2022   /

Wholesale regime: Grocery Commissioner could force private label sales to other retailers

There could be significant advantages for wholesale customers in having access to the duopoly’s private label products, says the government.


Land protection rules launched to favour food
19 Sep 2022   /

Land protection rules launched to favour food

The government moves to secure the availability of NZ’s most favourable soils for food production.


O’Connor plugs trade in India, Indonesia
19 Sep 2022   /

O’Connor plugs trade in India, Indonesia

Minister of Trade and Export Growth and Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor is travelling in India and Indonesia for trade and agricultural meetings.


Govt to establish payment practices regime
19 Sep 2022   /

Govt to establish payment practices regime

The government is establishing a Business Payment Practices disclosure regime to improve information and transparency around business-to-business payment practices across the economy.


Fruit improvement funding for Plant & Food Research
15 Sep 2022   /

Fruit improvement funding for Plant & Food Research

Plant & Food Research has received New Zealand government funding for three new Smart Ideas projects focused on improving fruit production through better flowering and pollination.


Fonterra bill will help de-risk NZ’s $22bn dairy sector – govt
13 Sep 2022   /

Fonterra bill will help de-risk NZ’s $22bn dairy sector – govt

An amendment bill introduced to Parliament today will provide greater economic security for New Zealanders by supporting Fonterra’s move to a new capital structure, says the government.


Food Safety Minister Whatiri to address World Dairy Summit
13 Sep 2022   /

Food Safety Minister Whatiri to address World Dairy Summit

Food Safety Minister Meka Whaitiri will address the World Dairy Summit in New Delhi this week, the flagship event of the International Dairy Federation.


Endeavour Fund 2022: Octopus, robot fish, plastics projects secure govt support
8 Sep 2022   /

Endeavour Fund 2022: Octopus, robot fish, plastics projects secure govt support

Research into the value of octopus to NZ aquaculture is one of the food system projects to share more than $30m of investment.


Māori Authority exports up – dairy at 25%
8 Sep 2022   /

Māori Authority exports up – dairy at 25%

Milk powder, butter, and cheese contributing around a quarter of the $872m worth of goods that were exported by Māori Authorities in 2021, according to a new report released today by Stats NZ.


Post-study work visas changed to align with workforce challenges
8 Sep 2022  

Post-study work visas changed to align with workforce challenges

Two new Post-Study Work Visa changes have been launched to help International students find further work and residence after they complete their studies.


Auckland puts call out to map region’s food system
7 Sep 2022  

Auckland puts call out to map region’s food system

How much food is generated and consumed in Auckland?


Whey by-product startup targeting NZ sweet spot

Whey by-product startup targeting NZ sweet spot

WheyTech Bionics NZ is developing what could be the first New Zealand-made sweetener to market – and one that diabetics could also use.


Ag chemical labelling feedback wanted
6 Sep 2022  

Ag chemical labelling feedback wanted

New Zealand Food Safety is inviting public comment on the proposed revision of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act Guidance Document: Labelling Agricultural Chemicals.


EECA launches Brewing Decarbonisation Pathway
5 Sep 2022   /

EECA launches Brewing Decarbonisation Pathway

The new programme aims to reduce NZ’s $2.8bn brewing industry’s energy-related emissions.


ITP a ‘duplication’ of work already done – Restaurant Association
5 Sep 2022   /

ITP a ‘duplication’ of work already done – Restaurant Association

The Restaurant Association is calling the government’s Better Work Action Plan a ‘duplication’ of work it completed in its own roadmap more than a year ago.


MPI extends shellfish warning from Waikato to Taranaki
5 Sep 2022   /

MPI extends shellfish warning from Waikato to Taranaki

New Zealand Food Safety has extended a public health warning against collecting shellfish in the Waikato region and pushed out the relevant area south to the Taranaki region.


Online crayfish sellers sentenced
1 Sep 2022   /

Online crayfish sellers sentenced

An Auckland pair caught with 222 crayfish from Māhia that they intended to sell on the black market have been sentenced to five months community detention and 140 hours community work.


Government to review dairy export quota allocation
31 Aug 2022   /

Government to review dairy export quota allocation

The Government intends to review the dairy quota allocation system to maximise export returns for New Zealand’s dairy industry, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced.


Pork industry lining up quality mark
25 Aug 2022  

Pork industry lining up quality mark

Researchers are investigating what makes great-tasting pork as part of an innovative eating quality project, with the pork industry aiming to use the findings to develop a quality mark for pork.


Govt unveils wholesale grocery backstop
24 Aug 2022   /

Govt unveils wholesale grocery backstop

Commerce Minister David Clark says regulations could be used to force the duopoly to provide wholesale supply at certain terms, including price and range.


“It’s further proof of how broken and uncompetitive the grocery market is” – NZFGC
24 Aug 2022   /

“It’s further proof of how broken and uncompetitive the grocery market is” – NZFGC

NZFGC and Consumer NZ welcome the government’s wholesale intervention.


Food sector agreements will unlock value – MIA…
22 Aug 2022   /

Food sector agreements will unlock value – MIA…

New agreements with the meat and seafood sectors will help address worker shortages and unlock value for the economy, says an industry group.


…while hospo welcomes working holiday visa expansion
22 Aug 2022   /

…while hospo welcomes working holiday visa expansion

Hospitality New Zealand has welcomed a boost to New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa programme ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer challenged by worker shortages.


Te Taiao projects get $8m govt funding
22 Aug 2022   /

Te Taiao projects get $8m govt funding

Three pilot projects in Paeroa, Taranaki and Wānaka have each received a share of $8m to revitalise te Taiao and share their pathway with others seeking to revitalise te Taiao in their places.


Enterprise fund backs Pacific regional F&B outfits
19 Aug 2022  

Enterprise fund backs Pacific regional F&B outfits

A total of 29 Pacific businesses located across regional New Zealand have received up to a $100,000 each from the Pacific Aotearoa Regional Enterprise Fund, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.


Seafood NZ Conference: Govt backs $9.5m fishing tech commercialisation
18 Aug 2022   /

Seafood NZ Conference: Govt backs $9.5m fishing tech commercialisation

A fishing technology venture developed by Sealord Group, Moana New Zealand, Sanford, and Plant & Food Research has received government backing as it moves to commercialise.


Free school lunches up to 1 million a week
18 Aug 2022   /

Free school lunches up to 1 million a week

The government’s healthy lunches in school programme, Ka Ora, Ka Ako, has ramped up to deliver a million free lunches to school kids every week.


Govt backs $1.5m AgriSea expansion
17 Aug 2022   /

Govt backs $1.5m AgriSea expansion

The seaweed company secures backing from the government’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund for a $1.5m expansion of its Waikato plant.


ASA advertising code review underway
17 Aug 2022   /

ASA advertising code review underway

The Advertising Standards Authority is conducting its regular review of the Children’s and Young People’s Advertising Codes.


New Fair Trading Act provisions come into force
17 Aug 2022  

New Fair Trading Act provisions come into force

Changes to the Fair Trading Act take effect this week strengthening protections for businesses and consumers and tackling unfair business practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. 


Food politics: Parties lay into govt over food price inflation
15 Aug 2022   /

Food politics: Parties lay into govt over food price inflation

National says labour shortages are worsening food inflation while the Greens want a long-term food price strategy.


Trans-Tasman agriculture ministers discuss biosecurity co-operation, FMD
15 Aug 2022   /

Trans-Tasman agriculture ministers discuss biosecurity co-operation, FMD

Biosecurity co-operation topped the agenda when Australia and New Zealand’s agriculture ministers met last week.


Proposed temporary fisheries closure at Taranaki
15 Aug 2022   /

Proposed temporary fisheries closure at Taranaki

The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback on the proposed temporary closure of selected fisheries at Taranaki.


NZ stays at orange as winter ills continue
9 Aug 2022  

NZ stays at orange as winter ills continue

New Zealand will remain at the orange traffic light setting, while hospitalisations remain elevated and pressure on the health system continues through winter, the government has announced.


Feedback sought on temporary fishing closure
8 Aug 2022  

Feedback sought on temporary fishing closure

Te Kupenga o Ngati Kuta and Patukeha ki Te Rawhiti have requested a further temporary closure to the take of all fisheries resources, except kina, from Maunganui Bay, Bay of Islands.


Govt backs $11.85m regenerative dairy farming programme
5 Aug 2022   /

Govt backs $11.85m regenerative dairy farming programme

The government is partnering with Ngāi Tahu Farming Limited and Ngāi Tūāhuriri on a whole-farm scale study in North Canterbury to validate the science of regenerative farming, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has announced.  


Govt urged to step up in ‘global war for talent’
4 Aug 2022   /

Govt urged to step up in ‘global war for talent’

BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope says there is not enough flexibility in the tight labour market to address skill shortages as the unemployment rate remains low at 3.3%.


Innovation grants mooted in National Adaptation Plan
3 Aug 2022   /

Innovation grants mooted in National Adaptation Plan

Protecting NZ fisheries and land-based primary industries loom large in list of economic and financial system actions.


Govt pledges funds to tackle GHG, nitrate leaching
29 Jul 2022   /

Govt pledges funds to tackle GHG, nitrate leaching

The government is co-investing in a $22m programme aimed at significantly reducing agricultural greenhouse gases and nitrate leaching, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced.


Govt updates highly skilled migrant resident pathways
28 Jul 2022  

Govt updates highly skilled migrant resident pathways

Three new residence pathways will be introduced in September 2022 and the same month next year to address worker shortages in highly skilled areas.


Public food complaint tool launched
26 Jul 2022  

Public food complaint tool launched

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Travellers banned from bringing in meat from Indonesia
22 Jul 2022   /

Travellers banned from bringing in meat from Indonesia

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Govt to limit free ETS credits
22 Jul 2022  

Govt to limit free ETS credits

The government is moving to limit the allocation of free credits under the Emissions Trading Scheme from 2024.


Govt creates new investor visa to boost businesses
21 Jul 2022   /

Govt creates new investor visa to boost businesses

The government has created a new investor category aimed at increasing direct foreign investment in New Zealand businesses.


Hospo firms secure Parliament occupation payments
19 Jul 2022  

Hospo firms secure Parliament occupation payments

A raft of hospitality outlets were among the fifty businesses that have shared a total of $974,600 from the $1.2m relief fund established by Wellington City Council and the government following the protest occupation in and around parliament earlier this year.


What does the $6m in govt cash mean for NZFF?
18 Jul 2022   /

What does the $6m in govt cash mean for NZFF?

The race is on for NZ Functional Foods to sign up high net worth, institutional, and ESG investors to fund the balance of its $60m oat milk factory.


Govt weighs up F&B export legislation overhaul
18 Jul 2022   /

Govt weighs up F&B export legislation overhaul

The fast-changing international trade environment and the need to future-proof the food and fibre sector have prompted a review.


Govt joins plastic packaging pact
18 Jul 2022   /

Govt joins plastic packaging pact

The government has become a supporting member of ANZPAC Plastics Pact, a voluntary platform addressing plastic packaging.


Govt rolls out new Covid measures, keeps NZ at orange
14 Jul 2022  

Govt rolls out new Covid measures, keeps NZ at orange

The government is making rapid antigen tests and masks freely available to anyone who needs them as part of several changes to tackle the second Covid-19 Omicron wave and influenza.


FSNI fields 40+ wholesale customer enquiries
12 Jul 2022   /

FSNI fields 40+ wholesale customer enquiries

“The first step of making this work is understanding the customer need from these retailers who aren’t co-op members,” says the co-op’s boss, Chris Quin.


Govt pledges $6m Southland oat factory cheque
11 Jul 2022   /

Govt pledges $6m Southland oat factory cheque

Will the $6m Regional Strategic Partnership Fund investment be the catalyst for the $50m NZ Functional Food project to move forward?


Kiwi food firms selected for Aussie innovation push
7 Jul 2022   /

Kiwi food firms selected for Aussie innovation push

Three NZ food firms have been picked to take part in a product innovation drive for launch into the Australian market.


‘Basic’ ag emission pricing by 2025 – CCC
7 Jul 2022   /

‘Basic’ ag emission pricing by 2025 – CCC

The Climate Change Commission said eligible farmers can be ready to effectively participate in a basic farm-level system by the 1 January 2025.


Clark: New Grocery Commissioner will help reel in supermarket duopoly…
6 Jul 2022   /

Clark: New Grocery Commissioner will help reel in supermarket duopoly…

The commerce and consumer affairs minister releases more details of the new watchdog but there’s little detail of its exact powers.


…and govt launches Grocery Code of Conduct consultation
6 Jul 2022   /

…and govt launches Grocery Code of Conduct consultation

Grocery sector stakeholders have until 10 August to provide feedback on the proposed code.


PM, industry leaders promote NZ F&B in Australia
5 Jul 2022   /

PM, industry leaders promote NZ F&B in Australia

The trade mission will showcase Kiwi food and beverage in Melbourne and Sydney.


New UK-NZ customs arrangement
4 Jul 2022   /

New UK-NZ customs arrangement

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and UK leader Boris Johnson have agreed to a new fast-tracked customs process, which they say will benefit exporters accessing both markets.


…but not everyone is happy with the “miserly” result
1 Jul 2022  

…but not everyone is happy with the “miserly” result

The small red meat quotas are a missed opportunity and will continue to constrain exporters, MIA says.


EU FTA needs real gains for exporters – Nats
30 Jun 2022   /

EU FTA needs real gains for exporters – Nats

A trade agreement with the European Union must include commercially meaningful outcomes for New Zealand’s meat and dairy exporters, National’s Trade and Export Growth spokesperson Todd McClay says.


Supermarket land use legislation becomes law
30 Jun 2022   /

Supermarket land use legislation becomes law

Legislation that bans major supermarkets from blocking their competitors’ access to land to set up new stores has passed into law.


NZ Food Network gets $440k govt boost
28 Jun 2022  

NZ Food Network gets $440k govt boost

Food rescue coordinator New Zealand Food Network has received $440,000 in government funding to install more chillers and freezers in its storage facilities, increasing the capacity to handle surplus and donated food.


ACT slams govt over alcohol excise tax rise
28 Jun 2022   /

ACT slams govt over alcohol excise tax rise

Labour is continuing to hammer small businesses and everyday Kiwis, with record inflation leading to the biggest increase in alcohol excise tax in over 30 years, says the ACT Party’s associate finance spokesperson, Damien Smith.


Parker to attend second UN Ocean Conference in Portugal
27 Jun 2022  

Parker to attend second UN Ocean Conference in Portugal

Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker will represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the second United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, which runs from 27 June to 1 July.


UK FTA legislation in the House
23 Jun 2022   /

UK FTA legislation in the House

The United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill has been introduced to the House.


Govt to give ComCom “land war” crackdown powers to tackle duopoly
22 Jun 2022   /

Govt to give ComCom “land war” crackdown powers to tackle duopoly

David Clark wants the Commerce Commission to use proposed new information gathering powers “praoctively” and relegate restrictive land covenants to the history books.


Govt invests in truffle grower’s knowledge sharing
22 Jun 2022   /

Govt invests in truffle grower’s knowledge sharing

Bay of Plenty’s Ohiwa Black Diamond truffles is receiving more than $155,000 of government funding over three year to share its knowledge with interested growers so New Zealand can grow enough truffles for a robust export industry.


PM heading to Europe, Australia for trade, tourism
21 Jun 2022   /

PM heading to Europe, Australia for trade, tourism

Jacinda Ardern will leave this weekend to tout trade and tourism as NZ seeks to reconnect with overseas markets.


EU-NZ FTA: NZ cheesemakers want name use retained
21 Jun 2022   /

EU-NZ FTA: NZ cheesemakers want name use retained

New Zealand cheesemakers have called on the government not to give in to the “demands of Eurocrats” which would strip them of the right to use common description terms like Feta, Parmesan, and Gruyere, as part of EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement negotiations.


Govt lauds WTO deal on overfishing
20 Jun 2022   /

Govt lauds WTO deal on overfishing

An agreement aiming to reduce overfishing has been passed by the World Trade Organization after 164 countries spent five days negotiating deals.


Search on for NZ’s biosecurity champions
17 Jun 2022   /

Search on for NZ’s biosecurity champions

Entries are now open for the 2022 New Zealand Biosecurity Awards, which recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made to protect the country against pests and diseases.


Last call for Aotearoa Horticulture 2030 input
16 Jun 2022  

Last call for Aotearoa Horticulture 2030 input

Consultation on the horticulture action plan being developed by industry and government finishes this Friday 17 June.


Govt has no plan to tackle rising food prices – Nats
15 Jun 2022   /

Govt has no plan to tackle rising food prices – Nats

The government has no plan to address increasing food prices with families continue to suffer, says the National Party’s finance spokesperson, Nicola Willis.


…prompting Clark to keep pressure on grocery sector
14 Jun 2022   /

…prompting Clark to keep pressure on grocery sector

The government is keeping up the public pressure – as well as holding conversations behind closed doors – in its campaign to improve competition in the grocery sector.


Whaitiri picks up food safety portfolio, Wood takes immigration
14 Jun 2022   /

Whaitiri picks up food safety portfolio, Wood takes immigration

Meka Whaitiri has picked up the food safety portfolio and Michael Wood takes immigration after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern reshuffled her cabinet.


Fair Pay Agreements no good for grocery – Foodstuffs, Woolworths
13 Jun 2022   /

Fair Pay Agreements no good for grocery – Foodstuffs, Woolworths

Foodstuffs and Woolworths NZ have taken a stand against the Fair Pay Agreement Bill, arguing it will lead to reduced competition, innovation, and consumer choice – as well as higher prices.


O’Connor seeks progress on EU-NZ FTA
13 Jun 2022   /

O’Connor seeks progress on EU-NZ FTA

Trade Minister Damien O’Connor is in Geneva for the World Trade Organisation Twelfth Ministerial Conference, where he will help progress New Zealand’s ongoing free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union.


SFFF invests $473k in Dairy Women’s Network
13 Jun 2022   /

SFFF invests $473k in Dairy Women’s Network

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund is investing $473,261 over two years to enable and empower women working in the dairy sector.


Perspectives: Unlocking lurching regulatory settings key to $3bn aquaculture opportunity
10 Jun 2022   /

Perspectives: Unlocking lurching regulatory settings key to $3bn aquaculture opportunity

Changes are needed to enable better management of existing aquaculture, and the development of open ocean aquaculture, according to Ocean and Fisheries Minister David Parker.


B+LNZ criticises govt’s “tsunami” of environmental policy reforms
10 Jun 2022  

B+LNZ criticises govt’s “tsunami” of environmental policy reforms

The government’s release of the Indigenous Biodiversity National Policy Statement exposure draft legislation is badly timed and ill-considered, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand.


Grocery reform: Govt moots ‘must supply’ orders for Countdown, Foodstuffs
9 Jun 2022   /

Grocery reform: Govt moots ‘must supply’ orders for Countdown, Foodstuffs

The government’s wholesale market reform could see Foodstuffs and Countdown having to inform the grocery regulator of all supply requests, and give the watchdog the power to compel supply.


Expanded decarbonisation fund opens for application
9 Jun 2022   /

Expanded decarbonisation fund opens for application

Industrial businesses can now apply for support from the expanded Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund.


Govt welcomes He Waka Eke Noa report
9 Jun 2022  

Govt welcomes He Waka Eke Noa report

The government says He Waka Eke Noa – Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership’s proposals on tackling greenhouse gas emissions are a welcome contribution to the debate.


He Waka Eke Noa moots farm-level levy as ETS alternative
8 Jun 2022   /

He Waka Eke Noa moots farm-level levy as ETS alternative

The partnership says its proposal will help farmers and growers transition to lower-emissions food production while maintaining viable businesses.


Fisheries NZ seeks submissions on commercial tarakihi catch
8 Jun 2022  

Fisheries NZ seeks submissions on commercial tarakihi catch

Fisheries New Zealand is inviting feedback on proposed changes to catch limits and settings for New Zealand’s east coast tarakihi stocks.


…as MBIE gets ball rolling on unit pricing
7 Jun 2022   /

…as MBIE gets ball rolling on unit pricing

Feedback is sought on issues including which retailers should be subject to unit pricing, how said pricing should be displayed and what products should be exempt.


Excise tax hike will hit wineries, consumers – NZ Wine
7 Jun 2022   /

Excise tax hike will hit wineries, consumers – NZ Wine

The government’s decision to lift excise on wine by 6.9% from 1 July – the biggest increase in 30 years – cannot be absorbed by wineries already facing big cost increases, according to New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan.


Pig welfare proposals put pork industry in jeopardy – ACT
7 Jun 2022  

Pig welfare proposals put pork industry in jeopardy – ACT

New Zealand’s pork industry will be in jeopardy if a new draft code of welfare for pigs gets approval, according to ACT’s Primary Industries spokesperson Mark Cameron.


Onside gets $4m govt backing for biosecurity app
2 Jun 2022   /

Onside gets $4m govt backing for biosecurity app

The government is investing $4m over four years from the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund to expand a biosecurity readiness and response app developed by Onside.


Cost benefit analysis: Who will foot the bill for the grocery regulator or forced divestment?
31 May 2022   /

Cost benefit analysis: Who will foot the bill for the grocery regulator or forced divestment?

Industry funding could be part of the new regulatory framework.


Foodstuffs, Countdown: Suppliers have key role to play in establishing wholesale access
31 May 2022   /

Foodstuffs, Countdown: Suppliers have key role to play in establishing wholesale access

New Zealand’s two major supermarket groups have responded to the government’s grocery policy plans by highlighting the role suppliers will play in establishing wholesale market access.


Government supermarket plan revealed
30 May 2022   /

Government supermarket plan revealed

Minister David Clark says action is being taken on all of ComCom’s recommendations and further work is being done on potential store divestment.


Seafood NZ questions tech, costs, privacy in fishing vessel camera rollout
27 May 2022   /

Seafood NZ questions tech, costs, privacy in fishing vessel camera rollout

Seafood New Zealand says it is still seeking answers from the government to “the most important questions” around the technology and costs involved in the roll-out of cameras on commercial inshore fishing vessels.


Govt commits $250m to drive innovation-led business growth
26 May 2022   /

Govt commits $250m to drive innovation-led business growth

Hundreds of New Zealand companies are set to benefit from the launch of two new grants aimed at fuelling firms that want to innovate, says Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods.


Rollout of cameras on fishing vessels to begin
26 May 2022   /

Rollout of cameras on fishing vessels to begin

A staged nationwide rollout of cameras on commercial fishing vessels is set to begin, with vessels posing the greatest risk to at-risk protected species, such as Hector’s and Māui dolphins and hoiho, to be first.


PM celebrates Silver Fern Farms’ net carbon zero beef in NY
26 May 2022   /

PM celebrates Silver Fern Farms’ net carbon zero beef in NY

PM Jacinda Ardern attended the New York launch of Silver Fern Farms’ USDA-approved Net Carbon Zero By Nature 100% Grass-Fed Angus Beef.


Govt earmarks $20m to modernise food certification
25 May 2022   /

Govt earmarks $20m to modernise food certification

The government is investing $20.3m to modernise New Zealand’s trade certification system in a move its says will help build on Aotearoa’s global reputation for producing trusted food for export.


Coastal shipping pilot gets $30m govt backing
25 May 2022   /

Coastal shipping pilot gets $30m govt backing

Four transport firms will share government funding of $30m to help pilot a coastal shipping initiative.


Survey results to shape pāua settings at Kaikōura
25 May 2022   /

Survey results to shape pāua settings at Kaikōura

Fisheries New Zealand has completed a survey following the re-opening of the Kaikōura coastline to pāua fishing for a limited season from 1 December to 28 February, after being closed for nearly five years following the 2016 earthquakes.


Sustainable Foods adds $1.25m government loan to firepower
24 May 2022   /

Sustainable Foods adds $1.25m government loan to firepower

The plant-based food manufacturer gets a loan of up to $1.25m from the government’s Regional Strategic Partnership Fund.


F&B exports front of mind for PM’s trade trip to US
24 May 2022   /

F&B exports front of mind for PM’s trade trip to US

Silver Fern Farms, Fonterra and Zespri are accompanying Jacinda Ardern, and she will attend a launch event in New York for NZ’s sustainable meat exports.


Feedback sought on further Coromandel fishing closure
23 May 2022   /

Feedback sought on further Coromandel fishing closure

Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, on behalf of Ngāti Tamaterā, has requested a further temporary closure to the harvest of pipi, cockles, mussels and oysters, from Te Mata and Waipatukahu, west Coromandel.


Budget 2022: “This is a clear signal of how seriously we’re taking the grocery issue” – Clark
20 May 2022   /

Budget 2022: “This is a clear signal of how seriously we’re taking the grocery issue” – Clark

The government has started its reform of the grocery sector by introducing urgent Budget night legislation to stop major supermarkets blocking competitors from accessing land for new stores.


Budget 2022: $11m to support grocery competition response
19 May 2022  

Budget 2022: $11m to support grocery competition response

A new team a MBIE is being established with a response to ComCom’s grocery market study one of its first priorities.


AgriTech NZ backs $340m climate action centre
19 May 2022   /

AgriTech NZ backs $340m climate action centre

AgriTechNZ has backed the government’s proposal for a $340m Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions as part of its Emissions Reduction Plan, and notes a key role to be played by agritech.


O’Connor heading to Bangkok for APEC meet
18 May 2022   /

O’Connor heading to Bangkok for APEC meet

Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor is set to travel to Thailand this week to represent New Zealand at the annual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting in Bangkok.


Emissions Reduction Plan welcomed by food stakeholders – with caveats
17 May 2022  

Emissions Reduction Plan welcomed by food stakeholders – with caveats

Food system stakeholders have broadly welcomed the new plan but have called for more detail around the almost-$3bn allocated on initiatives over the next four years.


Food, freight, fuel focus for F&B in govt’s Emissions Reduction Plan
16 May 2022   /

Food, freight, fuel focus for F&B in govt’s Emissions Reduction Plan

The govt wants to accelerate the decarbonisation of freight and encourage the use of more electric trucks.


NZ takes on Canada after missing $68m worth of dairy access
13 May 2022  

NZ takes on Canada after missing $68m worth of dairy access

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Food sector agreements, wage exemptions, fast track residency to plug worker shortages – govt
12 May 2022   /

Food sector agreements, wage exemptions, fast track residency to plug worker shortages – govt

New sector agreements with the meat processing and seafood industries will be put in place later this year to help develop their workforces, says the government.


Hospo welcomes temporary migrant worker changes
12 May 2022   /

Hospo welcomes temporary migrant worker changes

The hospitality industry says changes to migrant worker settings will be a welcome relief for businesses struggling to fill vacancies as the country’s border restrictions ease.


Retail Payment System Bill passes third reading
12 May 2022  

Retail Payment System Bill passes third reading

The Retail Payment System Bill has passed its third reading, regulating merchant service fees, and reducing a major overhead for small business, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark said.


Countdown rejects Consumer NZ supermarkets’ “super profits” petition claim
10 May 2022   /

Countdown rejects Consumer NZ supermarkets’ “super profits” petition claim

The government should regulate access to the wholesale market or set-up a state-owned wholesaler, says the consumer organisation.


‘The duopoly has had ample time to change’ – Consumer NZ CEO’s open letter on supermarket reform
10 May 2022   /

‘The duopoly has had ample time to change’ – Consumer NZ CEO’s open letter on supermarket reform

The government should regulate access to the wholesale market or set-up a state-owned wholesaler, says the consumer organisation.


Brewers’ groups launch #cutthekegtax campaign
10 May 2022  

Brewers’ groups launch #cutthekegtax campaign

The Brewers Association, Brewers Guild of New Zealand, and Hospitality New Zealand are calling on the government to cut its keg beer tax.


Govt sets first three emissions budgets
9 May 2022   /

Govt sets first three emissions budgets

Climate Change Minister James Shaw has unveiled New Zealand’s first three emissions budgets, calling them “another milestone on the journey toward a zero-carbon future”.


Feedback sought on Fisheries Amendment Bill
9 May 2022   /

Feedback sought on Fisheries Amendment Bill

Parliament’s Primary Production Committee is calling for submissions on the Fisheries Amendment Bill.


Govt invests $111m to boost biosecurity, fight M. bovis
6 May 2022   /

Govt invests $111m to boost biosecurity, fight M. bovis

The government is investing $110.9m as part of Budget 2022 to protect the primary sector from biosecurity threats and continue its Mycoplasma Bovis eradication.


HVN backs NZ cherry research
6 May 2022   /

HVN backs NZ cherry research

An eight-month project to explore the bioactive properties of Aotearoa cherries to better understand their potential health benefits has attracted research funding and is now underway.


Company fined $30,000 for illegal raw milk sales
5 May 2022   /

Company fined $30,000 for illegal raw milk sales

A milk business has been fined $30,000 for not following the rules that regulate the supply and sale of raw milk.


Toxoplasmosis, not fishing, poses dolphin threat – Seafood NZ
2 May 2022   /

Toxoplasmosis, not fishing, poses dolphin threat – Seafood NZ

Seafood New Zealand has questioned why the government has not acted on advice that toxoplasmosis, not fishing, will likely cause the extinction of the Maui and Hector’s dolphins.


Transforming recycling consultation extended
2 May 2022   /

Transforming recycling consultation extended

The government has extended the consultation period on three proposals released in April to transform recycling in Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Panoni i te Hangarua.


Govt climate change plan: Primary, fisheries industries need to adapt
28 Apr 2022  

Govt climate change plan: Primary, fisheries industries need to adapt

New Zealand’s fisheries and land-based primary industries are two of the most exposed sectors to climate change and the failure of firms to adapt will impact their viability, says the government’s proposed plan to deal with the issue.


Food firms bag $8.8m to decarbonise
27 Apr 2022   /

Food firms bag $8.8m to decarbonise

DB Breweries, ANZCO and Southern Paprika are among the latest recipients of the $69m GIDI fund, boosting food firms’ total support to $46m.


Govt invests $7.44m in apple industry ambition
27 Apr 2022   /

Govt invests $7.44m in apple industry ambition

The government is investing $7.44m to help New Zealand’s apple industry become a world leader in sustainable production practices.


Japan, NZ pledge sustainable food systems
26 Apr 2022   /

Japan, NZ pledge sustainable food systems

Japan and New Zealand have pledged to better understand respective priorities in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and food systems and build a closer partnership through collaboration on new ideas, technologies and solutions to common challenges.


Brewers facing big alcohol excise increase
22 Apr 2022   /

Brewers facing big alcohol excise increase

New Zealanders are set to pay $1.3bn in alcohol excise in 2022, up from $1.22bn last year, says the Brewers Guild of New Zealand.


Apiculture NZ secures funding for honey sector strategy
22 Apr 2022   /

Apiculture NZ secures funding for honey sector strategy

Apiculture New Zealand has successfully secured funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, for a two-year project that will help identify how sector can achieve sustainable growth.


Robertson weighs in on supermarket competition
22 Apr 2022   /

Robertson weighs in on supermarket competition

Finance minister Grant Robertson has underlined the government’s commitment to boost competition following a 30-year high in inflation.


Govt launches supply chain initiative to future-proof NZ from shocks
21 Apr 2022   /

Govt launches supply chain initiative to future-proof NZ from shocks

The government has launched its supply chain consultation document to help future-proof New Zealand against disruption.


New govt emissions guidance for organisations
21 Apr 2022   /

New govt emissions guidance for organisations

The Ministry for the Environment has issued its 2022 guide for organisations to measure and report on emissions.


NZ, Singapore launch supply chain group, strengthen food, agri partnerships
20 Apr 2022   /

NZ, Singapore launch supply chain group, strengthen food, agri partnerships

A working group to help build resilience against current and future supply chain disruption has been announced as part of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s trade mission to Singapore.


Govt again threatens supermarket action as food prices surge
14 Apr 2022   /

Govt again threatens supermarket action as food prices surge

Minister David Clark feels the heat from surging food prices and says he has not ruled out going further than ComCom’s grocery market recommendations.


Land use concerns raised in new environment report
14 Apr 2022   /

Land use concerns raised in new environment report

Pressures of land use change and intensification, pollution, and climate change are having a detrimental impact on the environment, according to the government’s Environment Aotearoa 2022 report released today.


Hospo capacity limits to go after NZ moves to orange at midnight – Hipkins
13 Apr 2022  

Hospo capacity limits to go after NZ moves to orange at midnight – Hipkins

Bars, cafes, and restaurants will be able to fill up again with capacity and seating rules lifted, says Chris Hipkins.


Food and fibre workers welcomed, but make it quick and allow more – MIA, DairyNZ
12 Apr 2022   /

Food and fibre workers welcomed, but make it quick and allow more – MIA, DairyNZ

Under-pressure meat processors are among business that will benefit from an increase in the class border exceptions and caps.


Most of NZ’s fish stocks performing well – Fisheries NZ
12 Apr 2022  

Most of NZ’s fish stocks performing well – Fisheries NZ

The majority of New Zealand’s fish stocks are performing well, according to Fisheries New Zealand’s latest status report.


Countdown backs modern slavery consultation
11 Apr 2022   /

Countdown backs modern slavery consultation

Government proposals would require organisations to take action if they become aware of modern slavery or worker exploitation.


PM to lead Singapore, Japan trade mission
11 Apr 2022   /

PM to lead Singapore, Japan trade mission

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will lead a trade mission to Singapore and Japan from 18-24 April.


Coca-Cola backs school drinks consultation
11 Apr 2022  

Coca-Cola backs school drinks consultation

Coca-Cola in New Zealand has welcomed the government’s public consultation proposal for primary schools to only offer water, milk and non-dairy milk alternatives to their students.


New Russia tariffs could see vodka, fertiliser shortage
7 Apr 2022   /

New Russia tariffs could see vodka, fertiliser shortage

NZ shelves could run dry of vodka following the imposition of significant tariffs on Russian products.


MfE releases compostable packaging position statement
7 Apr 2022  

MfE releases compostable packaging position statement

The Ministry for the Environment has released its position statement on compostable packaging as part of the government’s National Plastics Action Plan.


IPCC report confirms case for emissions reduction plan – Shaw
6 Apr 2022   /

IPCC report confirms case for emissions reduction plan – Shaw

The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes it clear that a plan to cut emissions is needed now, according to Minister of Climate Change James Shaw.


Govt responsible for “predictable” meat processing delays – Nats
6 Apr 2022  

Govt responsible for “predictable” meat processing delays – Nats

Meat works around the country are struggling to meet demand due to the government’s failure to keep pace with a vital cog in the supply chain, according to National’s agriculture spokesperson Barbara Kuriger.


PM: No change to Covid red setting, next review before Easter
4 Apr 2022  

PM: No change to Covid red setting, next review before Easter

It means capacity limits for indoor gatherings, events and hospitality venues remain capped at 200 people.


Commerce Amendment Bill passes final reading
31 Mar 2022   /

Commerce Amendment Bill passes final reading

The Commerce Amendment Bill, which aims to deter anti-competitive conduct, has passed its third and final reading in parliament.


Scallops off the menu in Northland, Coromandel
29 Mar 2022   /

Scallops off the menu in Northland, Coromandel

Depleted scallop fisheries at Northland, Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel will close on 1 April.


Watch: Transforming Recycling
28 Mar 2022   /

Watch: Transforming Recycling

Transforming recycling with the government’s Container Return Scheme.


Govt takes stake in aquaculture venture, commits $6m
25 Mar 2022   /

Govt takes stake in aquaculture venture, commits $6m

The government has entered the mussel hatchery business acquiring equity in an iwi-run venture and committing up to $6m.


PM: Vaccine passes, most mandates, QR scanning to go
23 Mar 2022  

PM: Vaccine passes, most mandates, QR scanning to go

Capacity limits for outdoor events will lift completely this weekend and increase to 200 indoors for hospitality venues.


Southern Fresh Foods’ $2m hydroponics plan
23 Mar 2022   /

Southern Fresh Foods’ $2m hydroponics plan

The project will provide Southern Fresh with year-round production of baby leaf salads, herbs, and vegetables. 


Govt confirms road user charges cut by 36%
23 Mar 2022  

Govt confirms road user charges cut by 36%

The government will cut road user charges by 36% across all legislated rates from late April to late July 2022.


Further govt action needed on land use limits – B+LNZ
18 Mar 2022   /

Further govt action needed on land use limits – B+LNZ

Beef + Lamb New Zealand is urging the government to put limits on the ability of fossil fuel companies to plant trees on productive farmland.


Māori Party calls for GST removed from all kai
18 Mar 2022   /

Māori Party calls for GST removed from all kai

The Māori Party has announced a policy to remove GST from all kai to ease the burden on households struggling through the cost of living crisis.


Govt help needed to cool vege prices – HortNZ
17 Mar 2022   /

Govt help needed to cool vege prices – HortNZ

Vegetable prices will continue to surge ahead if the government doesn’t help growers find ways to lower costs, according to Horticulture New Zealand.


PM: Border re-opens mid-April for Aussie visitors, early May for visa waiver countries
16 Mar 2022   /

PM: Border re-opens mid-April for Aussie visitors, early May for visa waiver countries

The government brings forward border reopenings for visitors from Australia and visa waiver countries like the US and UK.


Govt’s ‘beverage container tax’ slammed
15 Mar 2022   /

Govt’s ‘beverage container tax’ slammed

There’s criticism of the government’s proposed container return scheme, but beverage giant Coca-Cola looks to support it under certain conditions.


Hospo, accom prices on the rise despite fuel, transport cuts
15 Mar 2022   /

Hospo, accom prices on the rise despite fuel, transport cuts

Hospitality and accommodation operators may still have to put up prices despite the fuel and transport cost cuts announced by the government, says Hospitality New Zealand.


Bottle drive: Govt pushes container return scheme at 20c
14 Mar 2022   /

Bottle drive: Govt pushes container return scheme at 20c

The government has laid out its proposed CRS, and claims manufacturers and retailers will be able to pass on costs to the consumer.


Manufacturing, hospo, hort to benefit from border easing – govt
14 Mar 2022   /

Manufacturing, hospo, hort to benefit from border easing – govt

But it’s no ‘silver bullet’ for industries struggling to cope with labour shortages.


The far-reaching powers of a new grocery regulator
11 Mar 2022   /

The far-reaching powers of a new grocery regulator

There are hopes a new market watchdog could apply significant pressure on the country’s supermarket duopoly to act fairly.


Eat NZ’s Feast Matariki secures govt investment
11 Mar 2022   /

Eat NZ’s Feast Matariki secures govt investment

Eat New Zealand has secured up to $275,000 of government funding to support its multi-day Feast Matariki festival.


“We’ll commit to next steps” – Woolworths’ Sonn, FSNI’s Quin on ComCom report
9 Mar 2022   /

“We’ll commit to next steps” – Woolworths’ Sonn, FSNI’s Quin on ComCom report

The duopoly pledge to work with the government to implement the Commerce Commission’s final recommendations.


Opposition give ComCom report tepid reception, blame govt for rising costs
9 Mar 2022   /

Opposition give ComCom report tepid reception, blame govt for rising costs

The Commerce Commission is labelled “out-of-touch” for releasing its report while supermarkets are struggling with Omicron impacts.


Covid isolation cut to seven days from midnight Friday
9 Mar 2022   /

Covid isolation cut to seven days from midnight Friday

The isolation period for Covid-19 cases and household contacts will go down to seven days from 10 at 11.59pm on Friday 11 March.


ComCom denies “bottling it” over supermarket split
8 Mar 2022   /

ComCom denies “bottling it” over supermarket split

Chair Anna Rawlings defends the report as “robust” and says it is up to the government to decide what to implement.


NZFGC labels ComCom report a “victory for suppliers” but notes duopoly remains
8 Mar 2022   /

NZFGC labels ComCom report a “victory for suppliers” but notes duopoly remains

NZFGC labels the grocery report a victory for suppliers, but says it is now up to the government to respond.


ComCom pushes fairer playing field for supermarket suppliers
8 Mar 2022   /

ComCom pushes fairer playing field for supermarket suppliers

Code of conduct, collective bargaining and disputes resolution scheme all recommended by Commerce Commission.


ComCom makes way for grocery challengers, stops short of radical shake-up
8 Mar 2022   /

ComCom makes way for grocery challengers, stops short of radical shake-up

The commission stepped back from measures like creating a new independent wholesaler.


Govt: We won’t rule out other options if change falters
8 Mar 2022   /

Govt: We won’t rule out other options if change falters

New Zealanders will soon benefit from a much more competitive grocery sector as a result of market study findings unveiled by the Commerce Commission, says the government.


Australian obesity strategy targets F&B operations
7 Mar 2022   /

Australian obesity strategy targets F&B operations

Australian food firms face stricter rules around the availability, affordability, accessibility, and marketing of food and drinks.


Businesses receive new Covid support payment
2 Mar 2022  

Businesses receive new Covid support payment

Businesses struggling with Omicron have received the first payment from the government’s financial support scheme.


Exporters applaud signing of NZ-UK FTA
1 Mar 2022   /

Exporters applaud signing of NZ-UK FTA

The deal, signed by Damien O’Connor in the UK overnight, will save NZ exporters $37m a year on tariffs.


RSE worker cap raised, challenges remain – govt
28 Feb 2022   /

RSE worker cap raised, challenges remain – govt

The government’s extended the cap on RSE workers for this season but warned there might be hurdles in getting enough people here to finish picking.


Hospo welcomes phase 3, support package changes
25 Feb 2022   /

Hospo welcomes phase 3, support package changes

t to phase 3 of the Omicron response and an adjustment to conditions in the government’s financial support package announced on Monday.


NZ moves to Omicron phase 3, isolation requirements ease
24 Feb 2022  

NZ moves to Omicron phase 3, isolation requirements ease

Rapid antigen tests will also become more widely available in March.


“Major problem” with new govt support – Hospitality NZ
23 Feb 2022   /

“Major problem” with new govt support – Hospitality NZ

Hospitality New Zealand is warning many of the hardest-hit businesses in the sector may be ineligible for the government’s new support package.


Relief at new Covid support, but fears not enough to prevent closures
22 Feb 2022   /

Relief at new Covid support, but fears not enough to prevent closures

It will help but many in hospitality may still have to shut, say industry groups.


Govt stumps up support for Omicron-impacted businesses
22 Feb 2022   /

Govt stumps up support for Omicron-impacted businesses

Three payments capped at $24k each will be available for hard-hit businesses.


Govt invests $1.3m in iwi hort programme
21 Feb 2022   /

Govt invests $1.3m in iwi hort programme

Waikato-based Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust is to receive more that $2m to develop a new horticultural programme and education hub.


Lone Star calls for govt lifeline
18 Feb 2022   /

Lone Star calls for govt lifeline

The prominent hospitality brand has called on the government to throw a lifeline to the sector.


Govt RATs access scheme ‘unreliable, unworkable’ for critical food sector…
17 Feb 2022   /

Govt RATs access scheme ‘unreliable, unworkable’ for critical food sector…

Food sector stakeholders have labelled the government’s rapid antigen test distribution plan “unreliable” as concerns grow over access to RATs.


Agri-tech on agenda for PM’s US trade visit
16 Feb 2022   /

Agri-tech on agenda for PM’s US trade visit

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will undertake a trade visit to the United States in May focused on New Zealand’s high-technology export sectors, including agri-tech.


Upgrade date set for NZ-China FTA
16 Feb 2022   /

Upgrade date set for NZ-China FTA

Upgrades to New Zealand’s free trade agreement with China will enter into force on 7 April.


Close contact definition relaxed, return-to-work policy starts as Omicron phase 2 arrives
15 Feb 2022  

Close contact definition relaxed, return-to-work policy starts as Omicron phase 2 arrives

The shift will see more widespread use of the govt’s test to return-to-work policy for critical workers in industries such as food.


Nats highlight food inflation, urge govt cuts
15 Feb 2022   /

Nats highlight food inflation, urge govt cuts

The National Party says households are going backwards and pay packets are failing to keep up with the rising cost of food.


Alcohol excise tax warning
14 Feb 2022   /

Alcohol excise tax warning

Beverage makers say the timing could not be worse for a rise in the alcohol excise tax.


Businesses critical of minimum wage increase
14 Feb 2022   /

Businesses critical of minimum wage increase

The business sector is critical of a move to raise the minimum wage 6% during the expected Omicron wave.


Govt pledges $200k for West Coast growers, farmers
14 Feb 2022   /

Govt pledges $200k for West Coast growers, farmers

The Government is making $200,000 available to support farmers and growers after major flooding in the South Island.


Close contact exemption welcomed but RAT race continues
11 Feb 2022  

Close contact exemption welcomed but RAT race continues

The supply of RATs remains a concern for some industries, while NZFGC calls the exemption scheme a ‘pragmatic step’.


Critical business register live today, close contact exemption scheme unveiled
10 Feb 2022  

Critical business register live today, close contact exemption scheme unveiled

Critical worker close contacts can keep going to work instead of isolating if they return a negative RAT under the new scheme.


Greens call for treaty to combat industrial fishing, plastic pollution
10 Feb 2022   /

Greens call for treaty to combat industrial fishing, plastic pollution

Pressure is mounting on the government to support a global treaty to protect the oceans.


Critical worker details coming this week – PM
9 Feb 2022   /

Critical worker details coming this week – PM

Industries will know by the end of this week which of them are considered critical, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.


RMA reform needed to help aquaculture – govt
9 Feb 2022   /

RMA reform needed to help aquaculture – govt

The government has cited New Zealand King Salmon’s difficulties to illustrate that the RMA needs reform.


Govt pledges $400k to prep primary sector for Omicron
9 Feb 2022  

Govt pledges $400k to prep primary sector for Omicron

Farmers and primary producers are getting financial assistance to prepare for an Omicron outbreak.


Food exporters grapple with RATs as critical worker uncertainty continues
8 Feb 2022   /

Food exporters grapple with RATs as critical worker uncertainty continues

F&B stakeholders including HortNZ and NZKFG are still waiting to see if exporters are considered critical businesses.


Food packaging helps attract SFFF investment in hemp
8 Feb 2022   /

Food packaging helps attract SFFF investment in hemp

A multi-million-dollar investment is to look at how hemp can be made into food packaging and other innovations.


Mixed reception to border plan from food sector groups
4 Feb 2022   /

Mixed reception to border plan from food sector groups

While it opens for more workers, it comes too late for some and does not do enough to address labour shortages for others.


Foreign critical, skilled workers to skip MIQ from mid-March – PM
3 Feb 2022   /

Foreign critical, skilled workers to skip MIQ from mid-March – PM

But they will still need to go into self-isolation, says Jacinda Ardern.


$70m arts, culture package should be extended –  Hospitality NZ
3 Feb 2022  

$70m arts, culture package should be extended – Hospitality NZ

Hospitality New Zealand says the sector also deserves financial assistance to cushion the blow from the Covid-19 pandemic.


RAT race: Has govt put food executives at risk?
2 Feb 2022  

RAT race: Has govt put food executives at risk?

By requisitioning rapid antigen tests, has the government exposed food industry directors to claims of recklessness?


RATs, responsiveness top agenda for food sector in govt meeting
2 Feb 2022   /

RATs, responsiveness top agenda for food sector in govt meeting

The Kraft Heinz Company chair Mike Pretty is to share a Sydney factory Omicron case study with the government.


Govt secures 36 million RATs for Omicron surge
2 Feb 2022  

Govt secures 36 million RATs for Omicron surge

The government has ordered a further 36 million rapid antigen tests (RATs) to help the country deal with a widespread Omicron outbreak.


Govt inaction could impact food production – Nats
1 Feb 2022   /

Govt inaction could impact food production – Nats

The National Party says government inaction on border class exceptions for time-critical workers could have an impact on food production and distribution in New Zealand.


NZ to stay at red “for some weeks” – PM
23 Jan 2022  

NZ to stay at red “for some weeks” – PM

Jacinda Ardern says the country will remain in red “for some weeks” to combat the spread of Omicron.


Robertson: Targeted support possible for impacted industries
23 Jan 2022  

Robertson: Targeted support possible for impacted industries

The government will consider providing more targeted help for the most affected sectors.


Govt invests in $5m regenerative seaweed pilot
9 Dec 2021   /

Govt invests in $5m regenerative seaweed pilot

The government is investing nearly $2m into a $5m commercial regenerative seaweed farming pilot that aims to provide proof-of-concept for commercial scale production.


“Unjustified” – Foodstuffs’ Quin doubles down in new ComCom submission
8 Dec 2021   /

“Unjustified” – Foodstuffs’ Quin doubles down in new ComCom submission

FSNI’s CEO makes a last-ditch attempt to sway the outcome of the Commerce Commission’s market study into the retail grocery sector.


New funding for Pic’s homegrown peanuts
7 Dec 2021   /

New funding for Pic’s homegrown peanuts

Nut butter baron Pic Picot is pushing ahead with his mission to develop homegrown peanuts by bringing forward a project to support marketing opportunities for the spread.


Synlait, Danone partner on $3.8m regenerative project
6 Dec 2021   /

Synlait, Danone partner on $3.8m regenerative project

The initiative with AgReseach seeks evidence that regenerative practices can make a positive difference in sustainable food production.


Food-related shadow portfolios shift in Luxon shuffle
6 Dec 2021  

Food-related shadow portfolios shift in Luxon shuffle

Taranaki – King Country MP Barbara Kuriger retains the opposition agriculture spokesperson role but picks up the shadow biosecurity portfolio.


MPI invests $650k to combat pests, help aquaculture
6 Dec 2021   /

MPI invests $650k to combat pests, help aquaculture

The Ministry for Primary Industries is investing $650,000 over four years to help stamp out invasive marine pests and help the aquaculture industry.


Coastal shipping report to help strengthen supply chain
3 Dec 2021   /

Coastal shipping report to help strengthen supply chain

The government has released a new report into coastal shipping as part of its drive to strengthen New Zealand’s domestic supply chain.


Hospo “crushed” after being left off govt’s $38m Auckland stimulus
1 Dec 2021  

Hospo “crushed” after being left off govt’s $38m Auckland stimulus

Exclusion from the government’s $37.5m summer reactivation scheme fro Auckland “another kick in the guts” for struggling hospo morale.


Up to $24k transition support for Akl, Waikato, Northland businesses
30 Nov 2021  

Up to $24k transition support for Akl, Waikato, Northland businesses

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South Island to enter traffic light system at orange
29 Nov 2021   /

South Island to enter traffic light system at orange

Much of the top half of the North Island will start the new Covid-19 Protection Framework on Friday at red.


Govt’s NZ Pass Verifier app live
24 Nov 2021   /

Govt’s NZ Pass Verifier app live

The free NZ Pass Verifier app to scan and verify My Vaccine Passes is now available for businesses and events to download.


Govt vaccination assessment tool for employers ready mid-December
23 Nov 2021   /

Govt vaccination assessment tool for employers ready mid-December

Employers will soon be able to use a tool from the government the assess whether they need to have their staff vaccinated.


Last call for Emissions Reduction Plan submission
23 Nov 2021   /

Last call for Emissions Reduction Plan submission

Submissions for the government’s Emissions Reduction Plan must be lodged by tomorrow, Wednesday 24 November.


PM: NZ moves to traffic light system midnight 2 Dec
22 Nov 2021  

PM: NZ moves to traffic light system midnight 2 Dec

Businesses will open under the new Covid-19 Protection Framework on Friday 3 December but no region will start in green.


Hemp Connect gets “game-changing” $245k MPI backing
18 Nov 2021   /

Hemp Connect gets “game-changing” $245k MPI backing

The pilot project aims to enable locally grown hemp food products to compete with imported goods.


Hospo welcomes Waikato level 2, pleads for Auckland too
16 Nov 2021   /

Hospo welcomes Waikato level 2, pleads for Auckland too

The government must set a date for when Auckland’s borders will be lifted and hospitality venues can re-open, says Hospitality New Zealand.


Environment ministry launches emissions calculator
10 Nov 2021  

Environment ministry launches emissions calculator

The Ministry for the Environment has launched an online calculator for food producers to obtain an estimate of their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.


Expo NZ Pavilion attracts 160k visitors in first month
8 Nov 2021  

Expo NZ Pavilion attracts 160k visitors in first month

More than 160,000 people have visited the New Zealand Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai since it opened on 30 September.


And that’s a wrap – ComCom hearings close with final arguments
3 Nov 2021   /

And that’s a wrap – ComCom hearings close with final arguments

The Commerce Commission consultation conference as part of its review of competition in the $22bn retail grocery sector has come to a close, providing participants one last chance to plead their cases.


Snap lockdown for upper Far North
3 Nov 2021  

Snap lockdown for upper Far North

The top half of the Far North has gone into Covid-19 alert level 3 after two unlinked community cases were detected.


Hospo suffers in “disappointing” alert level decision
2 Nov 2021   /

Hospo suffers in “disappointing” alert level decision

The inability of restaurants to open before step 3 of the Covid-19 alert level system is disappointing for the industry, says the Restaurant Association.


Food sector rolls out rapid antigen testing
1 Nov 2021  

Food sector rolls out rapid antigen testing

A shipment of 300,000 rapid antigen tests has arrived in New Zealand and is now being rolled out across some of the country’s largest businesses as part of a government-approved trial.


ComCom hearing: “Vigorous, almost violent” reaction expected to grocery challenger
29 Oct 2021   /

ComCom hearing: “Vigorous, almost violent” reaction expected to grocery challenger

New entrants, existing players and would-be investors are all wary of the power wielded by the grocery duopoly, the Commerce Commission hears.


Onions NZ eyes new markets on back of  $6m investment
29 Oct 2021   /

Onions NZ eyes new markets on back of $6m investment

Onions New Zealand says the government’s commitment to invest $2.83m to enhance the competitive advantage of the country’s onions producers will help transform the industry.


Brewers call for beer tax cut
29 Oct 2021   /

Brewers call for beer tax cut

The Brewers Association of New Zealand has called on the government to freeze excise on beer in Budget 2022 and introduce a new lower rate on keg beer.


Christchurch Covid community cases
28 Oct 2021  

Christchurch Covid community cases

Two cases from one household have been detected in the city.


Covid-19 commercial rent relief support measures refined
28 Oct 2021  

Covid-19 commercial rent relief support measures refined

The government has confirmed a package of changes to improve rent relief measures for both landlords and tenants as part of the Covid-19 Response (Management Measures) Legislation Bill.


Mandatory staff vaccination – a wary welcome from hospo
27 Oct 2021   /

Mandatory staff vaccination – a wary welcome from hospo

Mandating vaccination for hospitality staff is welcome but it could present challenges and extra costs, say industry groups.


PM: Mandatory vaccination for workplaces requiring it of customers
26 Oct 2021  

PM: Mandatory vaccination for workplaces requiring it of customers

Staff vaccination will soon be compulsory for hospitality, events, and other close-contact businesses.


Govt unveils Covid plan, doubles RSP,  $60m for hard-hit Auckland
22 Oct 2021  

Govt unveils Covid plan, doubles RSP, $60m for hard-hit Auckland

The government is boosting payments to businesses affected by the Delta outbreak as the country transitions to a new Covid-19 Protection Framework.


“Great result” – food sector lauds NZ-UK FTA
22 Oct 2021   /

“Great result” – food sector lauds NZ-UK FTA

Plaudits are rolling in for the government’s in-principle free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which could result in a $1bn boost to GDP.


Seeka upgrades profit guidance, expects $7m legal payout
22 Oct 2021   /

Seeka upgrades profit guidance, expects $7m legal payout

New Zealand’s largest kiwifruit grower has upgraded its profit guidance for FY21.


$1bn boost for NZ after securing ‘historic’ FTA with United Kingdom
21 Oct 2021   /

$1bn boost for NZ after securing ‘historic’ FTA with United Kingdom

The deal will eliminate tariffs on all NZ honey, wine, kiwifruit, onions, and a range of dairy and meat products.


Supermarkets holding “consumers and suppliers to ransom” – NZFGC, Consumer NZ
20 Oct 2021   /

Supermarkets holding “consumers and suppliers to ransom” – NZFGC, Consumer NZ

In an open letter to Parliament, the unlikely allies call on MPs to support a “strong intervention” into NZ’s grocery market.


$100 ‘dine & discover’ vouchers in Nats new recovery plan
20 Oct 2021   /

$100 ‘dine & discover’ vouchers in Nats new recovery plan

The National Party has launched its Back in Business recovery plan it says will “save livelihoods and unleash our economy”.


Business support package welcome – RA
19 Oct 2021   /

Business support package welcome – RA

The Restaurant Association has welcomed a move by the government to introduce an enhanced business support package.


Govt seeks refining food production ideas in waste consultation
18 Oct 2021   /

Govt seeks refining food production ideas in waste consultation

The government is seeking feedback on proposals for a new waste strategy and options for legislation.


New supply chain strategy, food waste proposals – govt seeks emissions feedback
13 Oct 2021   /

New supply chain strategy, food waste proposals – govt seeks emissions feedback

A freight and supply chain strategy, developing a circular economy and bioeconomy, and further reducing and separating food waste are among new low-emission initiatives the government is seeking feedback on.


Hospitality NZ welcomes visa extensions
13 Oct 2021   /

Hospitality NZ welcomes visa extensions

Hospitality New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s move to extend Working Holiday and SSE work visas by six months to allow onshore migrants to help fill labour shortages over summer.


8500+ visa holders granted extension to help summer harvest
12 Oct 2021  

8500+ visa holders granted extension to help summer harvest

The government has extended working holiday and supplementary seasonal employment work visas by six months.


How much should the fishing industry pay for on-board cameras? Govt seeks feedback
12 Oct 2021  

How much should the fishing industry pay for on-board cameras? Govt seeks feedback

Views are being sought on the industry’s bill for the $68m scheme.


ComCom releases Tegel Growers Assoc prelim issues
12 Oct 2021   /

ComCom releases Tegel Growers Assoc prelim issues

The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to the New Zealand Tegel Growers Association application to collectively negotiate conditions around its supply arrangement with Tegel Foods.


Auckland to stay at level 3 settings for another week
11 Oct 2021  

Auckland to stay at level 3 settings for another week

Northland and Waikato might be able to move to level 2 this Thursday midnight.


Dad’s Pies acquisition ‘not a competition threat’ – GWF
11 Oct 2021   /

Dad’s Pies acquisition ‘not a competition threat’ – GWF

The new business would be a top three wholesale pie company in NZ but it wouldn’t weaken competition, says George Weston Foods.


Govt meets business leaders over workplace rapid Covid testing
8 Oct 2021   /

Govt meets business leaders over workplace rapid Covid testing

The government is meeting business leaders today to discuss a rollout of rapid antigen tests to help keep workplaces safe.


Food sector giants urge approval of rapid antigen tests
7 Oct 2021  

Food sector giants urge approval of rapid antigen tests

Foodstuffs North Island, Woolworths New Zealand, and Mainfreight are among a group of the country’s largest companies calling for emergency approval of rapid antigen tests.


Pāua fishery to reopen after earthquake closure
6 Oct 2021   /

Pāua fishery to reopen after earthquake closure

Kaikōura’s pāua fishery, which has been closed since the November 2016 earthquakes disrupted local seabeds, is to reopen.


Hospo pleads for targetted help after “devastating” Auckland decision
5 Oct 2021   /

Hospo pleads for targetted help after “devastating” Auckland decision

Targetted support for the hospitality sector is desperately needed if businesses in Auckland are to survive, say industry groups.


Auckland to stay at level 3, NZ transitions from elimination
4 Oct 2021  

Auckland to stay at level 3, NZ transitions from elimination

PM Jacinda Ardern outlines the government’s new three-step plan to ease restrictions in the city.


Waikato supermarkets scramble in snap lockdown
4 Oct 2021   /

Waikato supermarkets scramble in snap lockdown

Stores have reduced hours and shifted to level 3 protocols after parts of the region entered lockdown overnight.


GIDI funding “significant boost” to ending coal – SFF
4 Oct 2021   /

GIDI funding “significant boost” to ending coal – SFF

Silver Fern Farms says securing a $1m grant from the government will help the company end coal use by 2030.


Food firms secure $19m to decarbonise
1 Oct 2021   /

Food firms secure $19m to decarbonise

Meadow Mushrooms, Talley’s and Mataura Valley Milk among latest recipients of $70m GIDI fund.


17,000 food, accommodation migrant workers could be eligible for residency – govt
30 Sep 2021  

17,000 food, accommodation migrant workers could be eligible for residency – govt

The 2021 Resident Visa could allow around 17,000 workers in the food and accommodation sectors to stay in NZ.


Self-iso pilot for business travel opens for application, costs $1000pp
30 Sep 2021  

Self-iso pilot for business travel opens for application, costs $1000pp

Businesses can now apply to take part in the government’s self-isolation pilot scheduled to start in October.


Brewers urge govt, consumers to support hospo

Brewers urge govt, consumers to support hospo

The Brewers Association of New Zealand is calling on the government to provide targeted support for hospitality.


Govt moves to help businesses resolve rent disputes
29 Sep 2021  

Govt moves to help businesses resolve rent disputes

Measures are being taken to help businesses resolve disputes over commercial rent, says the government.


150 business travellers to test self-isolation border trial
28 Sep 2021  

150 business travellers to test self-isolation border trial

The pilot will allow a short business trip overseas for fully-vaccinated people but they must self-isolate for 14 days when they return to New Zealand.


Arrival dates, criteria set for RSE workers
28 Sep 2021   /

Arrival dates, criteria set for RSE workers

One-way, quarantine-free travel for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from Vanuatu will be allowed from 4 October, says the government.


New catch limits for 15 fish stocks
24 Sep 2021   /

New catch limits for 15 fish stocks

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Consumers support split up of supermarket duopoly – survey
23 Sep 2021   /

Consumers support split up of supermarket duopoly – survey

An overwhelming majority of consumers believe they pay too much for goods at supermarkets and the current duopoly should be split up, according to a survey commissioned by lobby group Monopoly Watch NZ.


Govt urged to implement beverage container return scheme
22 Sep 2021  

Govt urged to implement beverage container return scheme

The Kiwi Bottle Drive has launched an ad campaign to encourage the government to immediately implement a beverage container return scheme.


Auckland to move to level 3 midnight tonight
21 Sep 2021  

Auckland to move to level 3 midnight tonight

PM Jacinda Ardern says the rest of NZ will remain at level 2 but the indoor cap of 50 people will lift to 100.


Testing indicates no salmonella spread – EPF
20 Sep 2021  

Testing indicates no salmonella spread – EPF

The Egg Producers Federation says it believes an outbreak of salmonella enteritidis on three layer farms earlier this year is contained and will be eliminated.


TGA seeks collective bargaining clearance for Tegel growers
20 Sep 2021  

TGA seeks collective bargaining clearance for Tegel growers

The Commerce Commission has received an application from the New Zealand Tegel Growers Association seeking authorisation for collective bargaining with Tegel Foods.


Regulation, compostable packaging, container return scheme priorities in new plastics plan
17 Sep 2021   /

Regulation, compostable packaging, container return scheme priorities in new plastics plan

Regulated product stewardship of plastic packaging, exploring compostable packaging options, and a potential container return scheme are part of the government’s new national plastics plan. 


Ardern to join inaugural UN Food Systems Summit
17 Sep 2021   /

Ardern to join inaugural UN Food Systems Summit

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern is one of more than 90 world leaders who are set to participate in the historic UN Food Systems Summit next week.


Suppliers like Pic Picot welcome supermarket grocery code pledge but ‘devil in the detail’
16 Sep 2021   /

Suppliers like Pic Picot welcome supermarket grocery code pledge but ‘devil in the detail’

Food firms want wide stakeholder buy-in to a code that provides a framework for behaviour and confidence for investment decisions.


Clarity urged on wage subsidy eligibility
16 Sep 2021  

Clarity urged on wage subsidy eligibility

Hospitality New Zealand has called on the government to provide clarity over eligibility for the wage subsidy.


Govt delays climate change emissions reduction plan
16 Sep 2021  

Govt delays climate change emissions reduction plan

The plan was expected to be released by this December.


FSNI rejects excessive profit; promises grocery code, land covenant removal
15 Sep 2021   /

FSNI rejects excessive profit; promises grocery code, land covenant removal

CEO Chris Quin says the co-op will make changes but he disputes ComCom’s estimate of the supermarket group’s profitability.


FSNI  in “epic flip flop” – NZFGC’s Katherine Rich
15 Sep 2021   /

FSNI in “epic flip flop” – NZFGC’s Katherine Rich

NZFGC’s boss says FSNI has thrice refused to sign up to a code of conduct, but Rich welcomed a “first step” towards a more competitive market.


More pain for hospo with Auckland level 4 extension
14 Sep 2021   /

More pain for hospo with Auckland level 4 extension

The extension of Auckland’s level 4 lockdown for at least a week increases the likelihood of more hospitality operators going out of business, says Hospitality New Zealand.


Longer Auckland lockdown triggers biz support
14 Sep 2021  

Longer Auckland lockdown triggers biz support

The decision to keep Auckland at Covid-19 alert level 4 has triggered a third round of the wage subsidy scheme, which will open for applications at 9am this Friday.


New supermarket locations of interest
14 Sep 2021   /

New supermarket locations of interest

The latest update to Delta locations of interest in Auckland sees more supermarkets added to the Ministry of Health’s list.


Decision due today on alert levels
13 Sep 2021  

Decision due today on alert levels

Cabinet will decide this afternoon whether to reduce the Covid-19 alert level 4 setting for Auckland.


Restaurant Association welcomes Delta decisions…
13 Sep 2021  

Restaurant Association welcomes Delta decisions…

The Restaurant Association has welcomed two Delta-era government decisions, namely to extend the resurgence support payment scheme and to confirm customer-facing hospitality staff can receive priority vaccinations.


…but targeted support needed for struggling hospo
13 Sep 2021  

…but targeted support needed for struggling hospo

The Restaurant Association and Hospitality New Zealand are calling on the government to provide targeted support for struggling hospitality businesses.


Increased demand for Covid support – IRD
13 Sep 2021  

Increased demand for Covid support – IRD

Inland Revenue is seeing increased demand for resurgence support payments and other assistance schemes that it administers due to the Delta outbreak, according to revenue minister David Parker.


Govt backs robotic asparagus harvester with $2.6m
10 Sep 2021  

Govt backs robotic asparagus harvester with $2.6m

The government’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund is contributing $2.6m towards a $5m project to develop a commercial-scale autonomous robotic asparagus harvester.


Lion fined $10k for breaching overseas investment law
9 Sep 2021   /

Lion fined $10k for breaching overseas investment law

Beverage business Lion New Zealand has been fined $10,000 for breaching the Overseas Investment Act when it bought a South Island leasehold farm in 2017.


East Coromandel scallop fishery to close for two years
9 Sep 2021   /

East Coromandel scallop fishery to close for two years

The Ministry for Primary Industries will close the east Coromandel scallop fishery for two years following a request from the Ngāti Hei Trust, which has concerns around the sustainability of stocks.


Govt pours millions into food projects aiming to transform industry
8 Sep 2021  

Govt pours millions into food projects aiming to transform industry

Smart food packaging, a NZ tree syrup industry, and open ocean aquaculture secure significant research funding.


Restaurant Association calls for operations lockout subsidy
8 Sep 2021   /

Restaurant Association calls for operations lockout subsidy

The Restaurant Association is urging the government to come up with targeted support that reflects the dire situation of its members. 


B+LNZ, MPI in $16.7m ‘green’ beef programme
8 Sep 2021   /

B+LNZ, MPI in $16.7m ‘green’ beef programme

The government is investing $6.68m in a $16.7m genetics programme to lower the beef sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by delivering cows with a smaller environmental hoof-print.


Brewers seek tax relief on destroyed product
8 Sep 2021  

Brewers seek tax relief on destroyed product

The Brewers Association of New Zealand has called on the government to allow for refund or remission of excise tax on returned product that is wasted as a result of Covid-19 lockdowns.


UK free trade deal “making progress” – MFAT
8 Sep 2021  

UK free trade deal “making progress” – MFAT

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said it is making continued progress towards a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. A deal was meant to be concluded at the end of August.


Hospitality, events still suffer at ‘level 2.5’ – industry
7 Sep 2021   /

Hospitality, events still suffer at ‘level 2.5’ – industry

The 50-person limit on indoor venues will hurt already struggling operators, say industry groups.


Country of origin labelling update
7 Sep 2021   /

Country of origin labelling update

The Commerce Commission has updated its information regarding country of origin labelling as part of the Consumer Information Standards (Origin of Food) Regulations 2021.


NZ to move to level 2 midnight Tuesday, except for Auckland
6 Sep 2021  

NZ to move to level 2 midnight Tuesday, except for Auckland

However, the move comes with new restrictions including lower caps on the number of customers a venue can host.


Dairy pushes export prices higher
6 Sep 2021  

Dairy pushes export prices higher

Export prices for goods rose 8.3% on the previous quarter in the three months to June 2021, while import prices rose 4.8%, according to Stats NZ.


Applications open for next round of wage subsidy
3 Sep 2021  

Applications open for next round of wage subsidy

Businesses affected by the latest Covid-19 alert level lockdowns can apply for the next instalment of the government’s reactivated wage subsidy from today, Friday 3 September.


Hospitality NZ pleads for help as operators reach “breaking point”
2 Sep 2021   /

Hospitality NZ pleads for help as operators reach “breaking point”

Many hospitality businesses will fail due to the lockdown unless the government provides targeted support, says Hospitality New Zealand.


Bonamia testing process for oysters strengthened
1 Sep 2021   /

Bonamia testing process for oysters strengthened

Biosecurity New Zealand says it is strengthening its testing processes for the oyster parasite Bonamia ostreae after a review found that human error contributed to incorrectly interpreted results being reported for Foveaux Strait in March.


Nelson to leave MPI to lead DOC
1 Sep 2021  

Nelson to leave MPI to lead DOC

Penny Nelson is leaving the Ministry for Primary industries to become the Department of Conservation’s director-general and chief executive.


Level 3 to last at least a week for NZ south of Auckland – PM
31 Aug 2021  

Level 3 to last at least a week for NZ south of Auckland – PM

Northland can move to level 3 this Thursday but Auckland will stay in level 4 lockdown until 14 September.


Kuriger gets agri, Grigg takes trade and export in National Party reshuffle
31 Aug 2021  

Kuriger gets agri, Grigg takes trade and export in National Party reshuffle

The National Party has appointed new spokespeople to a range of portfolios related to New Zealand’s food system.


Govt injects $7m into food security networks
31 Aug 2021  

Govt injects $7m into food security networks

The government has provided an extra $7m for food security networks operating at Covid-19 alert level 4.


PM: Govt in “really close contact” with supermarkets over lockdown challenges
30 Aug 2021   /

PM: Govt in “really close contact” with supermarkets over lockdown challenges

The government is in “really close contact” with the country’s supermarkets to support them through lockdown challenges, says PM Jacinda Ardern.


NZ south of Auckland to move to level 3 at midnight Tuesday
27 Aug 2021  

NZ south of Auckland to move to level 3 at midnight Tuesday

However, Auckland could stay at level 4 for a further two weeks.


Bakery, coffee sales change has MTA boiling
26 Aug 2021   /

Bakery, coffee sales change has MTA boiling

The Motor Trade Association has expressed its frustration at a rule change made by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment that prevents service stations selling hot drinks and bakery food.


Resurgence Support Payment opens for businesses
25 Aug 2021  

Resurgence Support Payment opens for businesses

The government’s Covid-19 Resurgence Support Payment is now open for application.


Apples, wine, honey exports win in proposed UK free trade deal
24 Aug 2021   /

Apples, wine, honey exports win in proposed UK free trade deal

Apple wine and honey tariffs to be slashed, but no particulars yet for the red meat sector.


NZ stays at level 4 until Friday, Auckland until next Tuesday
24 Aug 2021  

NZ stays at level 4 until Friday, Auckland until next Tuesday

PM Jacinda Ardern says there are 14,000+ contacts, some of whom are in the South Island.


APEC economies commit to 10-year food security roadmap
24 Aug 2021  

APEC economies commit to 10-year food security roadmap

Agriculture and food ministers from APEC economies have committed to delivering a new roadmap to guide efforts to boost food security over the next ten years, according to agriculture minister Damien O’Connor.


Govt restarts childcare scheme for frontline workers
23 Aug 2021   /

Govt restarts childcare scheme for frontline workers

The government is restarting childcare for workers in Alert Level 4 businesses and services, which was available during last year’s national lockdown, education minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed.


PM: Nation to stay in level 4 lockdown until Tuesday night
20 Aug 2021  

PM: Nation to stay in level 4 lockdown until Tuesday night

We do not yet know the full scale of this Delta outbreak, says Jacinda Ardern.


“We’ve been down this track before” – food sector responds to level 4 demands
18 Aug 2021  

“We’ve been down this track before” – food sector responds to level 4 demands

Retailers and manufacturers stand up lockdown protocols to cater for customers and protect workers.


Delta Covid cases rise to 10, hospo outlets places of interest
18 Aug 2021  

Delta Covid cases rise to 10, hospo outlets places of interest

Coromandel’s Star and Garter Hotel is among more than a dozen hospitality, tourism, and retail outlets named locations of interest.


Govt activates wage subsidy, resurgence support for businesses
18 Aug 2021  

Govt activates wage subsidy, resurgence support for businesses

The government will activate the Covid-19 Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) and the Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) to support businesses during the nationwide lockdown.


Primary industries “well placed” to deal with lockdown – MPI’s Smith
18 Aug 2021   /

Primary industries “well placed” to deal with lockdown – MPI’s Smith

More than 180 primary sector leaders joined a virtual meeting with agriculture minister Damien O’Connor this morning.


ComCom approves Fonterra’s milk price forecast
17 Aug 2021   /

ComCom approves Fonterra’s milk price forecast

Fonterra’s calculation of the base milk price it will pay farmers in the 2020/21 dairy season is consistent with the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA), says the Commerce Commission.


Low hanging F&B opportunities in UAE – NZTE research
16 Aug 2021   /

Low hanging F&B opportunities in UAE – NZTE research

The United Arab Emirates presents a fertile market for New Zealand food and beverage exports particularly for fruit and honey products, according to new research from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.


Industry relief, qualified welcome for plan to re-open border
13 Aug 2021   /

Industry relief, qualified welcome for plan to re-open border

Business travel, the ability to access skilled staff, and the hospitality sector will all benefit from a successful implementation.


NZ potato industry valued at $1.16bn
13 Aug 2021   /

NZ potato industry valued at $1.16bn

The value of the New Zealand potato industry sits at $1.16bn, up 58% since targets were set in 2013, according to Potatoes New Zealand.


Primary production workforce inquiry opens for public submissions
13 Aug 2021  

Primary production workforce inquiry opens for public submissions

The Primary Production Committee is calling for public submissions on its inquiry into the future of the workforce needs in the primary industries of New Zealand.


Businesses invited to test travel pilot to prep for border re-opening – PM
12 Aug 2021   /

Businesses invited to test travel pilot to prep for border re-opening – PM

New Zealand will start a phased border re-opening in early 2022, says Jacinda Ardern.


Investor Q&A: NZGCP’s Aspire Fund
10 Aug 2021   /

Investor Q&A: NZGCP’s Aspire Fund

With deployments in ventures like Rockit and Sunfed, NZ Growth Capital Partners outlines what it looks for in food and agritech.


New regs on stream for whitebait season
9 Aug 2021  

New regs on stream for whitebait season

The 2021 whitebaiting season is about to kick off with new regulations rolling out over three whitebaiting seasons following two years of public engagement.


Industry, environmental groups at loggerheads over bottom trawling
5 Aug 2021  

Industry, environmental groups at loggerheads over bottom trawling

The seafood industry has criticised environmental groups for calling on bottom trawling to be banned.


Plant & Food’s David Hughes on the institute’s post-Covid commercial push

Plant & Food’s David Hughes on the institute’s post-Covid commercial push

CEO David Hughes is looking for partners in emerging areas such as orchard automation and urban horticulture.


RSE relief for industry, hopes for thousands of seasonal workers…
3 Aug 2021   /

RSE relief for industry, hopes for thousands of seasonal workers…

The horticulture and viticulture sectors are breathing a collective sigh of relief at the government’s decision to streamline the entry of seasonal workers from the Pacific.


“We support any move to improve grower returns” – HortNZ on ComCom report
30 Jul 2021   /

“We support any move to improve grower returns” – HortNZ on ComCom report

HortNZ will support “any move to ensure that growers get a better return on their investment, so that they will continue to invest in fruit and vegetable growing meaning New Zealanders can eat healthy, locally produced food”. 


Rebalance of supplier, supermarket bargaining power required – report
29 Jul 2021   /

Rebalance of supplier, supermarket bargaining power required – report

Separating NZ’s supermarket duopoly from wholesaler subsidiaries like Gilmours could help suppliers, says the Commerce Commission’s grocery sector draft report.


ComCom: Supermarket shake-up needed
29 Jul 2021   /

ComCom: Supermarket shake-up needed

A third major player could be introduced to compete with Foodstuffs and Countdown, according to the strongest draft report recommendation.


Kiwis will flock to a new supermarket brand – expert
29 Jul 2021   /

Kiwis will flock to a new supermarket brand – expert

The introduction of a new, lower priced competitor into the grocery market would see shoppers abandon stalwarts Countdown and Foodstuffs in droves, according to one industry expert.


ComCom: Grocery duopoly not working for suppliers or consumers
29 Jul 2021   /

ComCom: Grocery duopoly not working for suppliers or consumers

The Commerce Commission backs a mandatory industry code of conduct and allowing suppliers to bargain collectively with supermarkets.


MPI’s failure to prosecute mass chicken deaths “unacceptable” – SAFE
29 Jul 2021   /

MPI’s failure to prosecute mass chicken deaths “unacceptable” – SAFE

SAFE has accused the Ministry for Primary Industries of “failing in its duty to enforce animal welfare” by not prosecuting a farm where a power outage suffocated and killed 180,000 chickens.


NZFGC ups ante, highlights “extreme demands” on eve of ComCom report
28 Jul 2021   /

NZFGC ups ante, highlights “extreme demands” on eve of ComCom report

NZFGC boss Katherine Rich repeats calls for a mandatory Grocery Code of Conduct on the eve of the draft ComCom report being released.


Hawke’s Bay’s $18m Foodeast – ‘where the magic will happen’
26 Jul 2021  

Hawke’s Bay’s $18m Foodeast – ‘where the magic will happen’

The new innovation hub will fill a “glaring gap in the food bowl of New Zealand,” says the project’s boss.


Salmonella poultry testing extended
26 Jul 2021  

Salmonella poultry testing extended

New Zealand Food Safety is extending a programme of testing to determine the extent of Salmonella Enteritidis in poultry flocks in New Zealand and to reduce the risk to consumers.  


Sick leave doubled to 10 days a year
26 Jul 2021  

Sick leave doubled to 10 days a year

Legislation doubling employees’ minimum sick leave entitlement to 10 days came into effect on Saturday 24 July.


Govt invests $1.56m in food waste projects
23 Jul 2021   /

Govt invests $1.56m in food waste projects

The government is pumping a total of $1.56m into five projects to help address food waste.


NZTE sees healthy Japan F&B opportunities
22 Jul 2021   /

NZTE sees healthy Japan F&B opportunities

Japanese demand for premium products, products that are safe, sustainable, and trustworthy fits NZ’s F&B profile.


Feedback sought on catch limits for east coast tarakihi
20 Jul 2021  

Feedback sought on catch limits for east coast tarakihi

Fisheries New Zealand is inviting feedback on proposed changes to catch limits and settings for tarakihi stocks on New Zealand’s east coast.


ComCom preparing to release draft grocery sector report
19 Jul 2021   /

ComCom preparing to release draft grocery sector report

A draft report as part of a year-long review of NZ’s highly concentrated grocery sector will be made public next Thursday morning.


HortNZ sees potential GAP in freshwater, carbon changes
19 Jul 2021  

HortNZ sees potential GAP in freshwater, carbon changes

Government policy on freshwater and greenhouse gases must support the horticulture industry and not add unnecessary cost and compliance, according to HortNZ.


Visa changes bring certainty for businesses – industry
16 Jul 2021   /

Visa changes bring certainty for businesses – industry

Changes to the essential skills visa will bring more certainty to accommodation and hospitality businesses struggling to fill vacancies, say industry groups.


Parts of economy too reliant on low skilled, foreign workers – Robertson
14 Jul 2021   /

Parts of economy too reliant on low skilled, foreign workers – Robertson

Too many jobs are being created in the low-wage economy, says the finance minister.


Restaurant director fined for exploiting worker
14 Jul 2021  

Restaurant director fined for exploiting worker

The director of Auckland restaurant Kiran Cuisine has been ordered to pay full arrears of $75,026.18 in unpaid minimum wage, leave, and holiday pay to a former employee, as well as a further $50,000 in penalties.


FMA clears Fonterra on write-downs
12 Jul 2021   /

FMA clears Fonterra on write-downs

The Financial Markets Authority has found no evidence to press forward with action against Fonterra regarding the timing of accounting write-downs for Beingmate Baby and Child Food Co and the China Farm assets.


FGC to support members on folic acid plan
9 Jul 2021  

FGC to support members on folic acid plan

The New Zealand Food & Grocery Council said it will support its members to transition to the mandatory addition of folic acid to bread by 2023, following the governments announcement yesterday.


Plant & Food Research details strategy
9 Jul 2021  

Plant & Food Research details strategy

Plant & Food Research has published a new statement of corporate intent describing its strategy, key initiatives and performance measures for 2021/22. It also forecasts activity out to 2023/24.


Govt to help industry make $1.6m transition to mandatory folic acid
8 Jul 2021  

Govt to help industry make $1.6m transition to mandatory folic acid

Bakers will have two years to start adding the B vitamin folic acid to their non-organic bread-making wheat flour.


ComCom updates Fonterra milk price calculation framework
7 Jul 2021   /

ComCom updates Fonterra milk price calculation framework

The Commerce Commission has updated its approach paper outlining the framework it applies when reviewing both how Fonterra sets its annual base milk price and the Milk Price Manual used to set the base milk price.


RMA replacement must consider food security – HortNZ
6 Jul 2021  

RMA replacement must consider food security – HortNZ

The legislation that replaces the Resource Management Act must ensure that New Zealand can sustainably grow fresh, healthy food for domestic consumption, according to Horticulture New Zealand.


Inquiry welcome, industry transition “challenging” – Seafood NZ
5 Jul 2021   /

Inquiry welcome, industry transition “challenging” – Seafood NZ

Seafood NZ has welcomed the government’s inquiry into foreign workers but warns getting more Kiwis involved in the sector will be a challenge.


Govt launches inquiry into migrant labour in seafood sector
2 Jul 2021   /

Govt launches inquiry into migrant labour in seafood sector

Former Sanford COO Greg Johansson will help conduct the inquiry.


Plastics ban: A welcome and a worry from FGC
29 Jun 2021   /

Plastics ban: A welcome and a worry from FGC

The association welcomes government’s moves to phase out problem plastics and some single-use plastics within four years, but warns that a smooth transition by some food producers could be hindered by global freight issues.


Plastics ban: A sticky issue for industry
29 Jun 2021   /

Plastics ban: A sticky issue for industry

The packaging and produce sectors were blindsided by government’s 2023 plastic fruit stickers deadline, warn on costs, complexity.


Plastics ban: Supermarket sweep already under way
29 Jun 2021   /

Plastics ban: Supermarket sweep already under way

New Zealand’s two major supermarket groups say they are already taking steps to transition away from unnecessary and unwanted plastic use ahead of the government’s new measures to clamp down on single-use and difficult-to-recycle plastic by 2025.


NZ to ban hard to recycle packaging, raft of single-use plastic items…
28 Jun 2021   /

NZ to ban hard to recycle packaging, raft of single-use plastic items…

The government is banning difficult to recycle food and drink packaging and a raft of single-use plastics by 2025.


…while the UK details its ban on unhealthy food advertising
28 Jun 2021   /

…while the UK details its ban on unhealthy food advertising

The UK government has released more detail around its plans to ban online adverts of unhealthy food and restrict advertising on TV until after 9pm.


NZFGC submits organics feedback
25 Jun 2021   /

NZFGC submits organics feedback

MPI is consulting on issues such as the requirement for evaluation of organic food producers, proposed organic management plans, and the need for a listed public register of organics companies.


Feedback sought on fisheries catch limits
24 Jun 2021  

Feedback sought on fisheries catch limits

Fisheries New Zealand is calling for feedback on proposed changes to catch limits and other settings across a range of fisheries for the new fishing year, beginning 1 October.


Unlock capacity constraints to seize export opportunity – NZTE’s Craig Armstrong
22 Jun 2021   /

Unlock capacity constraints to seize export opportunity – NZTE’s Craig Armstrong

New Zealand’s food industry is in a prime position to capitalise on Covid-era export opportunities but must overcome capacity challenges on home soil first.


Trawl fishing limited, scallop dredging frozen in new Hauraki Gulf proposals
22 Jun 2021  

Trawl fishing limited, scallop dredging frozen in new Hauraki Gulf proposals

Fisheries management is one of eight areas of focus in the new strategy released on Tuesday morning.


Bycatch reduction, fishing vessel cameras will help protect albatross – govt
22 Jun 2021  

Bycatch reduction, fishing vessel cameras will help protect albatross – govt

The government says reducing bycatch and the rollout of cameras on to shopping vessels will arrest a decline in the Antipodean albatross population, which is falling by 5% per year.


First UK, next EU – could 2021 be a watershed year for food exporters?
21 Jun 2021  

First UK, next EU – could 2021 be a watershed year for food exporters?

New Zealand’s food exporters can expect a free trade agreement in principle with the UK in August and “substantive progress” on an EU deal by the end of the year, says trade and export growth minister Damien O’Connor.


Govt invests $68m for fishing cameras, requires all catch brought to shore
18 Jun 2021  

Govt invests $68m for fishing cameras, requires all catch brought to shore

The government has committed $68m to fit up to 300 inshore commercial fishing vessels with on-board cameras by 2024 and will also require all catch to return to shore.


Hawke’s Bay shellfish warning
18 Jun 2021   /

Hawke’s Bay shellfish warning

The Ministry for Primary Industries has warned the public against collecting shellfish in Hawke’s Bay due to high toxin levels detected in shellfish samples from Pania Reef.


SFF Futures investments top $111m across 138 projects
17 Jun 2021  

SFF Futures investments top $111m across 138 projects

Food firms like Pic’s Peanut Butter have helped chip in $139m taking total investment to quarter of a billion dollars.


SFF Futures backs $22m project
17 Jun 2021  

SFF Futures backs $22m project

The Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund is contributing $8.98m to a $22.23m project to investigate plantain’s potential to help farmers protect waterways and improve freshwater quality.


Govt’s 2019 tarakihi decision wrong – High Court
17 Jun 2021   /

Govt’s 2019 tarakihi decision wrong – High Court

Forest & Bird has won a High Court legal decision confirming tarakihi catch limit decisions must put sustainability before the commercial interests of the fishing industry.


Apple industry winter employee funding
15 Jun 2021  

Apple industry winter employee funding

NZ Apples and Pears Inc is encouraging apple industry employers to draw on new government funding to keep their workers employed during the winter season.


$50k HVN funding puts plums in spotlight
15 Jun 2021   /

$50k HVN funding puts plums in spotlight

The High-Value Nutrition Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga National Science Challenge has provided a $50,000 development grant to Hastings-based research and project management collaborator Foot Steps to investigate the Damson plum.


Emissions transition could cost food processing up to $200m annually
10 Jun 2021  

Emissions transition could cost food processing up to $200m annually

The industry needs to convert the equivalent energy used by one or two very large dairy factories every year to meet the 2050 net zero emissions goal.


Mixed reception from industry for climate change report
10 Jun 2021  

Mixed reception from industry for climate change report

The Climate Change Commission’s final report has been met with mixed reaction from food industry groups.


Deer milk trial secures $244k from HVN
9 Jun 2021  

Deer milk trial secures $244k from HVN

A clinical trial that could underpin the development of deer milk as a new industry in New Zealand has secured $244,000 of funding from the HVN Challenge.


APEC trade ministers pledge action on agri tariffs
8 Jun 2021  

APEC trade ministers pledge action on agri tariffs

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation ministers responsible for trade have acknowledged the need for action to address trade tariffs in the agricultural sector at the 12th World Trade Organisation ministerial conference.


Covid exposes NZ fisheries’ dependence on foreign labour – govt
4 Jun 2021  

Covid exposes NZ fisheries’ dependence on foreign labour – govt

Covid-19 has highlighted the dependence of parts of the fishing sector on foreign workers, says the government.


New whitebaiting rules to help stocks – govt
3 Jun 2021  

New whitebaiting rules to help stocks – govt

New whitebaiting rules will help preserve stocks of the delicacy, says acting conservation minister Ayesha Verrall.


O’Connor leads virtual trade mission to Japan
2 Jun 2021  

O’Connor leads virtual trade mission to Japan

Trade minister Damien O’Connor will lead a ‘virtual’ trade mission to Japan this week to promote New Zealand’s relationship with one of its largest trading partners.


Nods from Queenstown to food standards, supply chain woes, secure trade lanes
1 Jun 2021   /

Nods from Queenstown to food standards, supply chain woes, secure trade lanes

Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison have concluded their meeting at the resort – was there anything in it for food and beverage?


As NZ backs Aus in China trade dispute, a warning for F&B from another sector
1 Jun 2021   /

As NZ backs Aus in China trade dispute, a warning for F&B from another sector

Can the country’s food exporters learn lessons from another sector heavily exposed to a single source of income?


OIO approves $3.5m New Plymouth sale
1 Jun 2021  

OIO approves $3.5m New Plymouth sale

The Overseas Investment Office has given the green-light to the sale of a New Plymouth goat farm to a partnership owned by descendants of American Peter H Kuyper.


EDNZ 2021: What the govt gets right – and wrong – for food producers
31 May 2021   /

EDNZ 2021: What the govt gets right – and wrong – for food producers

NZ’s strict controls are a double-edged sword for global food companies looking to invest, says Gelita.


Marae food safety tool kit pilot launched
27 May 2021  

Marae food safety tool kit pilot launched

Te Kete Haumaru Kai – the Food Safety Kit – pilot has been launched at Moerewa’s Te Rito Marae, by minister for food safety Dr Ayesha Verrall.


Consumers more aware of rights, wary of salespeople – survey
26 May 2021  

Consumers more aware of rights, wary of salespeople – survey

Consumers are becoming more aware of their rights and more sceptical of information provided by salespeople, according to a government survey.


New public-private effort on digital uptake for SMEs
26 May 2021   /

New public-private effort on digital uptake for SMEs

A new public-private partnership has been launched to improve access to digital technology and training for small businesses, to take advantage of new opportunities through e-commerce.


Sick leave doubles to 10 days
25 May 2021   /

Sick leave doubles to 10 days

The government has passed the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill, doubling employees’ minimum sick leave entitlement to 10 days each year.


Budget 2021: Industry welcomes funding, with caveats
24 May 2021  

Budget 2021: Industry welcomes funding, with caveats

The Ticker talks to industry leaders for their take on the government’s Budget 2021.


Budget 2021: Food Innovation Network secures $18m
21 May 2021  

Budget 2021: Food Innovation Network secures $18m

Finance minister Grant Robertson says a new transformation plan is being developed for the food and beverage sector.


Budget 2021: Food industry wishlist
20 May 2021  

Budget 2021: Food industry wishlist

Industry players want today’s Budget to support them through the transition to a post-Covid environment.


Shiok Meats eyes Kiwi and Aussie BBQ’s for its cell-grown shrimp
19 May 2021  

Shiok Meats eyes Kiwi and Aussie BBQ’s for its cell-grown shrimp

The Singapore-based cultured food startup has reached out to NZ food regulators ahead of its planned product launch.


No going back to cheap migrant labour for industries like horticulture – govt
18 May 2021  

No going back to cheap migrant labour for industries like horticulture – govt

The pandemic has highlighted NZ’s reliance on temporary migrant labour, says the government.


Inquiry opens into future primary industry workforce needs
18 May 2021  

Inquiry opens into future primary industry workforce needs

Parliament’s Primary Production Committee has initiated a select committee inquiry into the future of the workforce needs in the country’s primary industries.


E Tipu 2021: Green goes mainstream for investors
17 May 2021   /

E Tipu 2021: Green goes mainstream for investors

With even institutional investors wanting green metrics, there has been a convergence of mainstream and impact investment in the agrifoodtech community.


PM to lead trade delegation to Aus, signals shift from low skilled migrants
14 May 2021   /

PM to lead trade delegation to Aus, signals shift from low skilled migrants

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern will lead a trade mission to Australia in early July.


Govt gives helping hand for food & fibre skills
14 May 2021  

Govt gives helping hand for food & fibre skills

The government has established six new Workforce Development Councils, including one for people, food and fibre. to support the vocational education system.


Merchant card fees to be cut
13 May 2021   /

Merchant card fees to be cut

The Government is set to introduce new legislation to restrict merchant fees, in a move which could save businesses up to $74m each year.


Māori business identifier goes live
13 May 2021  

Māori business identifier goes live

An initiative which allows Māori businesses to identify themselves Māori business on the New Zealand Business Number register has gone live.


E Tipu 2021: “Our food system is broken” – Polman
12 May 2021  

E Tipu 2021: “Our food system is broken” – Polman

The former Unilever CEO declares the world’s food system “broken from all dimensions” – but also suggests ways of fixing it.


Food innovation funding ready to roll – MPI
11 May 2021   /

Food innovation funding ready to roll – MPI

MPI is seeking more applicants from the food sector for SFF Futures funding.


Industries welcome RSE boost, concerns over costs continue
11 May 2021   /

Industries welcome RSE boost, concerns over costs continue

But there are concerns over the costs of the scheme for employers.


Boma NZ’s E Tipu 2021 is a go
11 May 2021  

Boma NZ’s E Tipu 2021 is a go

Described as the biggest food and fibre event of the year, the Boma NZ Agri Summit kicks-off in Christchurch this morning.


Q&A: Dean Tilyard on Finistere’s new $40m  Aotearoa Fund
10 May 2021  

Q&A: Dean Tilyard on Finistere’s new $40m Aotearoa Fund

The Ticker sits down with Finistere’s investment manager to find out what NZ opportunities he will be looking for.


…but exporters still face “challenging” times, despite food strength
10 May 2021  

…but exporters still face “challenging” times, despite food strength

Kiwi exporters are operating in a turbulent environment but food exporters are proving a bright spot, says trade minister Damien O’Connor.


Dairy lobbies for tariff free UK FTA
10 May 2021   /

Dairy lobbies for tariff free UK FTA

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand is calling for a trade deal with the UK which comprehensively removes agricultural tariffs.


OANZ puts call out for MPI organics workshop
10 May 2021   /

OANZ puts call out for MPI organics workshop

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand is urging its member to attend upcoming Ministry for Primary Industries organic regulation and standards workshops.


NZ, the emerging protein sector and the future – report
7 May 2021   /

NZ, the emerging protein sector and the future – report

Aotearoa risks being left behind by its international peers in the increasingly competitive emerging protein sector.


Perspectives: Agrifood, innovation and Manawatu’s global goal
6 May 2021  

Perspectives: Agrifood, innovation and Manawatu’s global goal

CEDA boss Linda Stewart on how AgriFood Week supports Manawatu’s ambition to be one of the world’s top three agrihubs by 2025.


NZ International Business Awards 2021 entries open
6 May 2021   /

NZ International Business Awards 2021 entries open

Nomination’s have opened for the annual award with new categories for 2021.


Year-round shellfish ban begins at Auckland
4 May 2021  

Year-round shellfish ban begins at Auckland

The gathering shellfish is no longer permitted at east Auckland’s Cockle Bay/Tuwakamana beach.


NZ AgriFood Week kicks off for 2021
3 May 2021  

NZ AgriFood Week kicks off for 2021

Delegates from around the country are converging on the Manawatu for the 2021 New Zealand Agrifood Week.


Southland scoped for salmon farming
30 Apr 2021  

Southland scoped for salmon farming

The Cawthron Institute to work with Fisheries NZ and DOC on assessment.


New T&G Envy orchard gets go-ahead
30 Apr 2021  

New T&G Envy orchard gets go-ahead

OIO approves T&G Global purchase of an 11-hectare Hawke’s Bay site to grow more Envy apples.


Goat farm investment gets OIO green-light
30 Apr 2021  

Goat farm investment gets OIO green-light

A Taiwan-listed multinational pharmaceutical company is to invest $3.5m to convert a Waikato dairy farm to goat milk production.


EPA seeks glyphosate info after honey worries
29 Apr 2021  

EPA seeks glyphosate info after honey worries

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Food waste roadmap plots route to 2030
29 Apr 2021  

Food waste roadmap plots route to 2030

Researchers and campaigners call on government to use plan to halve food waste by 2030.


Foodstuffs rejects exploitation and duopoly claims in grocery probe…
27 Apr 2021   /

Foodstuffs rejects exploitation and duopoly claims in grocery probe…

The supermarket giant says it is “surprised” at the allegations because it values its suppliers.


…as the FGC hits back at ‘incomplete, incorrect, and unsubstantiated’ claims
27 Apr 2021   /

…as the FGC hits back at ‘incomplete, incorrect, and unsubstantiated’ claims

The government’s probe into the $21bn grocery sector heats up as rivals open fire in cross-submissions.


Frozen potato chips inquiry – dumping yes, threat no
23 Apr 2021   /

Frozen potato chips inquiry – dumping yes, threat no

The dumping of frozen fries from Europe is not a threat to local industry, says a draft government report.


The top problems faced by F&B exporters – report
21 Apr 2021  

The top problems faced by F&B exporters – report

Gaining brand awareness and establishing relationships are the top barriers Kiwi food and beverage exporters face.


Watch: Moana NZ, Sanford back Māui dolphins drone project
21 Apr 2021  

Watch: Moana NZ, Sanford back Māui dolphins drone project

The fishing companies have thrown their support behind a new project using drones to help efforts to bring the species back from the edge of extinction.


Zero Waste Network pushes for beverage container return scheme
21 Apr 2021  

Zero Waste Network pushes for beverage container return scheme

“The Government has invested 18 months of work into figuring out how a container return scheme would work, but unfortunately vested industry groups are pushing hard to exclude glass from the scheme.”


Hospo staff on Govt’s oversupply list
19 Apr 2021  

Hospo staff on Govt’s oversupply list

Cafe workers, fast food cooks and kitchen hands are now on the Government’s oversupply list for all regions except Queenstown Lakes and Mackenzie Districts.


California’s Finistere targets NZ food tech startups with $40m fund
16 Apr 2021  

California’s Finistere targets NZ food tech startups with $40m fund

The vehicle has attracted a $14m commitment from New Zealand Growth Capital Partners.


Iwi beverage business wins $54k R&D funding boost
16 Apr 2021   /

Iwi beverage business wins $54k R&D funding boost

The funding will see the functional drink company deep dive into indigenous ingredients.


Govt must act to save productive land – HortNZ
16 Apr 2021  

Govt must act to save productive land – HortNZ

The Government must act now to retain remaining highly productive land for fruit and vegetables.


Organics plan to scale-up $723m NZ sector
15 Apr 2021   /

Organics plan to scale-up $723m NZ sector

A strategy is in the pipeline to help accelerate an already-booming industry.


Westland presses go on $3.2m Hokitika project
15 Apr 2021  

Westland presses go on $3.2m Hokitika project

The project will reduce the factory’s carbon emissions by 7%.


Fed Farmers ‘surprised’ at live export ban
15 Apr 2021  

Fed Farmers ‘surprised’ at live export ban

The Government will phase out the export of livestock by sea.


Perspectives: Time for some agility around changes to daily bag limits
14 Apr 2021  

Perspectives: Time for some agility around changes to daily bag limits

Seafood NZ argues that law changes to reduce recreational bag limits must be made.


Plant-based ice cream start-up makes accelerator finals
13 Apr 2021   /

Plant-based ice cream start-up makes accelerator finals

A new plant-based ice cream is one of five business start-ups moving through to the final stage of Venture Taranaki’s business accelerator, the PowerUp Ideas Competition.


MPI seeks feedback on NZ Food Notice changes
13 Apr 2021  

MPI seeks feedback on NZ Food Notice changes

The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback on proposals to amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice.


NZ ‘silenced’ in trans-Tasman GE Forum – GE Free NZ
13 Apr 2021  

NZ ‘silenced’ in trans-Tasman GE Forum – GE Free NZ

NZ’s ministerial engagement in the trans-Tasman GE Food Standards approval process has been silenced, says GE Free NZ.


Jaded shoppers take aim at supermarkets – Consumer NZ
9 Apr 2021  

Jaded shoppers take aim at supermarkets – Consumer NZ

The results of survey will feed into ComCom’s probe of the country’s $21bn grocery sector.


Coal boiler ban and co-investment as govt pushes decarbonisation
9 Apr 2021  

Coal boiler ban and co-investment as govt pushes decarbonisation

The government has moved to ban new low to medium temperature coal burners from next year.


Hospitality NZ welcomes extension to immigration bill
9 Apr 2021   /

Hospitality NZ welcomes extension to immigration bill

Chief executive Julie White said the extension would help struggling businesses find trained staff.


Govt funds food & fibre mentoring, career development and innovation
8 Apr 2021  

Govt funds food & fibre mentoring, career development and innovation

The government is continuing to plough money and resources into the food and fibre workforce.


HortNZ: Incentives, investment needed for low emissions future
6 Apr 2021  

HortNZ: Incentives, investment needed for low emissions future

The industry association says horticulture can play a key role in the country’s climate change strategy.


Kiwifruit Vine Health boss moves to top MPI role
6 Apr 2021   /

Kiwifruit Vine Health boss moves to top MPI role

The chief executive of Kiwifruit Vine Health is leaving the biosecurity organisation after three years to take up a top job with the Ministry for Primary Industries.


Extended immigration powers will help labour shortages – Govt
6 Apr 2021  

Extended immigration powers will help labour shortages – Govt

Temporary Covid-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, in part to help industries facing labour shortages.


Leaft launches $20m plant protein programme with SFF Futures backing
31 Mar 2021   /

Leaft launches $20m plant protein programme with SFF Futures backing

The plant protein startup secures $8m from MPI for a five-year R&D programme.


Rāhui to protect Bluff oysters from Foveaux Strait parasite
31 Mar 2021  

Rāhui to protect Bluff oysters from Foveaux Strait parasite

The no take zone does not affect the availability of Bluff oysters.


B+LNZ worries over methane emissions targets
30 Mar 2021  

B+LNZ worries over methane emissions targets

The industry group says there are “limits to what the sector can continue to achieve”.


RA opposes proposed LPG, gas ban
30 Mar 2021  

RA opposes proposed LPG, gas ban

Restaurant Association of New Zealand is opposing a proposed ban on new gas or LPG connections by 2025.


HortNZ “thrilled” to back biosecurity bill
29 Mar 2021   /

HortNZ “thrilled” to back biosecurity bill

If passed, the legislation would require that all aircrafts entering NZ provide biosecurity information to people onboard by both a video and in writing.


Fisheries management report gets lukewarm industry welcome
25 Mar 2021  

Fisheries management report gets lukewarm industry welcome

The seafood industry promises constructive engagement on some of the report’s “challenging” recommendations.


Industry breaks promises in tarakihi deal – Forest and Bird
25 Mar 2021  

Industry breaks promises in tarakihi deal – Forest and Bird

Forest and Bird has accused the inshore tarakihi fishing industry of failing to adhere to voluntary measures it promised in a 2019 tarakihi catch limit deal.


HortNZ:  Food security just as important as housing
24 Mar 2021  

HortNZ: Food security just as important as housing

The association fears new housing policy will see productive growing land lost to urban creep.


Iwi requests closure of Coromandel coast to scallop harvesting
24 Mar 2021  

Iwi requests closure of Coromandel coast to scallop harvesting

Ngāti Hei Trust has asked the government to close parts of the eastern Coromandel coast for two years.


Govt unveils support package for hort sector
23 Mar 2021  

Govt unveils support package for hort sector

The Government has introduced a wellbeing support package for hard-hit fruit growers.


SAFE calls out Govt on chickens
23 Mar 2021   /

SAFE calls out Govt on chickens

The Government is “failing to stop the suffering of hundreds of millions of chickens”, says animal rights group SAFE.


New food alliance launched to increase food security

New food alliance launched to increase food security

Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance has been established to increase food security and reduce food waste.


Govt failing horticulture sector – Nats
18 Mar 2021   /

Govt failing horticulture sector – Nats

The Government is failing to support New Zealand’s horticulture sector as it faces a worker shortage crisis, according to the National Party.


Govt defers Intensive Winter Grazing regulations
18 Mar 2021  

Govt defers Intensive Winter Grazing regulations

The Government has deferred the introduction of Intensive Winter Grazing practice regulations for a year.


Govt urged to ban ‘throw away’ paper, plastic products
17 Mar 2021  

Govt urged to ban ‘throw away’ paper, plastic products

Our Seas Our Future is calling on prime minister Jacinda Ardern to ban single-use paper and plastic products.


Commercial whitebait venture secures $2m govt investment
16 Mar 2021  

Commercial whitebait venture secures $2m govt investment

Whitebait farming could soon become a reality with a $7m project garnering government support.


First Look: MPI’s proposed organic certification process for F&B
16 Mar 2021   /

First Look: MPI’s proposed organic certification process for F&B

Organic food businesses will have to take part in a five-step process in order to gain organic certification under new proposals.


Which Covid-induced shopping habits does Foodstuffs think are here to stay?
12 Mar 2021  

Which Covid-induced shopping habits does Foodstuffs think are here to stay?

The supermarket giant is already seeing a reversal in some lockdown shopping trends – with others becoming more entrenched.


ACT calls out Govt’s “dismal failure” to support growers
12 Mar 2021   /

ACT calls out Govt’s “dismal failure” to support growers

“Hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for apple, wine and other growers was a near certainty.”


Brewers Association wants excise tax cut by 50%
12 Mar 2021   /

Brewers Association wants excise tax cut by 50%

The Brewers Association of New Zealand is calling on the Government to half the rate of excise tax paid on kegs.


Greens push to stop “dirty” bottom trawling
8 Mar 2021   /

Greens push to stop “dirty” bottom trawling

The Green Party is calling on the Government to urgently stop “dirty, degrading fishing practices” in areas most vulnerable to destruction.


Organic products bill a boost for exporters – GE Free NZ
1 Mar 2021  

Organic products bill a boost for exporters – GE Free NZ

The Organic Products Bill is going through its final stages in parliament.


Significant evidence of exploitation of food producers – NZFGC
1 Mar 2021   /

Significant evidence of exploitation of food producers – NZFGC

In its submission to ComCom, the NZFGC says there is also considerable use of buyer power to exclude competition.


Govt opens Covid business support package
23 Feb 2021   /

Govt opens Covid business support package

The Government has activated the Resurgence Support Payment, in its latest round of Covid-19 support packages.


Honey export revenue reaches $425m – MPI
22 Feb 2021   /

Honey export revenue reaches $425m – MPI

Ongoing strong demand and expansion into new markets could see another successful year for NZ honey exports.


INZ “disrupting” NZ’s food supply chain – ACT
22 Feb 2021   /

INZ “disrupting” NZ’s food supply chain – ACT

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Govt extends visitor visas
22 Feb 2021   /

Govt extends visitor visas

The Government has eased visa restrictions for visitors already in New Zealand as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause havoc overseas.


Kiwifruit sector agrees to $40m settlement over Psa
17 Feb 2021  

Kiwifruit sector agrees to $40m settlement over Psa

The sector had brought a claim for $450m plus interest.


HortNZ calls on Govt to protect productive land
17 Feb 2021  

HortNZ calls on Govt to protect productive land

Horticulture New Zealand is calling on the Government to establish protection for highly productive land.


Natural Health Products NZ slams ‘shockingly out of date’ legislation
18 Dec 2020  

Natural Health Products NZ slams ‘shockingly out of date’ legislation

The industry body aired its frustrations at a committee meeting on Thursday.


Nash to decide future of NZ Food Innovation Network
16 Dec 2020  

Nash to decide future of NZ Food Innovation Network

The shape and funding of the national network, which has helped brands like Otis Oat Milk, is under review.


Grocery sector probe timeline questioned by MBIE
16 Dec 2020   /

Grocery sector probe timeline questioned by MBIE

The ministry warns that ComCom’s market study of supermarkets is likely to take longer than a year.


SFF Futures backs $25m grower and farm initiative
16 Dec 2020  

SFF Futures backs $25m grower and farm initiative

The Future Ready Farms programme is being led by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.


New research aims to boost longevity of bees for growers
15 Dec 2020  

New research aims to boost longevity of bees for growers

New research backed by MPI could help bee hives live longer and be more efficient.


Merchant, card fees could be chopped in new Govt review
11 Dec 2020  

Merchant, card fees could be chopped in new Govt review

Stuart Nash says smaller businesses are predominantly bearing the brunt of merchant service fees.


Will food exporters benefit from RCEP? Here’s MFAT’s take
9 Dec 2020  

Will food exporters benefit from RCEP? Here’s MFAT’s take

It was India’s participation that made the deal attractive to start with, which is no more.


Exporters get one-stop-shop for biosecurity threats
4 Dec 2020  

Exporters get one-stop-shop for biosecurity threats

Online tool identifies pests, threats for exporters selling Kiwi produce to the world


Govt diversity drive to benefit Māori F&B firms
4 Dec 2020  

Govt diversity drive to benefit Māori F&B firms

The government sets supplier diversity target for its $42bn goods and services budget.


Seafood NZ likes new school of thought for pregnancy diets
4 Dec 2020  

Seafood NZ likes new school of thought for pregnancy diets

It follows new food safety guidance issued by the government.


Diet diversity prompts updated food safety guidance
3 Dec 2020  

Diet diversity prompts updated food safety guidance

The new research covers food groups ranging from seafood to berries.


Kiwis offered $1000 seasonal work incentive
1 Dec 2020   /

Kiwis offered $1000 seasonal work incentive

Up to $200 a week for accommodation costs is on offer, plus a $1000 payment for some.


Summer RSE worker decision a “positive start”
30 Nov 2020   /

Summer RSE worker decision a “positive start”

Growers are relieved by the government’s announcement that a cohort of Registered Seasonal Employer workers will arrive in the New Year.


New Year border exemption for Pacific RSE workers
27 Nov 2020   /

New Year border exemption for Pacific RSE workers

Horticulture and wine growers across the country will see labour shortages ease.


Ardern: No RSE worker entry before Christmas
25 Nov 2020  

Ardern: No RSE worker entry before Christmas

In a blow to the horticulture sector, the PM says this year’s seasonal labour shortage will not be solved before Christmas.


Pest potential: New facility to research green seaweed
23 Nov 2020  

Pest potential: New facility to research green seaweed

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ACT slams Govt’s RSE response as Aus dangles cash for Kiwi workers
19 Nov 2020  

ACT slams Govt’s RSE response as Aus dangles cash for Kiwi workers

The Australian government says it will give Kiwi workers $2000 to take up a short-term contract there.


Pork producer calls for labelling change despite Covid delay
18 Nov 2020  

Pork producer calls for labelling change despite Covid delay

Harrington’s Smallgoods is urging the Government to make country-of-origin labelling a priority.


Govt launches review into NZ supermarket prices
18 Nov 2020   /

Govt launches review into NZ supermarket prices

The Commerce Commission will conduct the investigation to see if Kiwis are paying more than they should be.


Primary, meat industries to profit from RCEP
17 Nov 2020  

Primary, meat industries to profit from RCEP

Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand’s primary industries will “directly benefit” from the new trade deal.


Northland berry business first to repay PGF loan
13 Nov 2020  

Northland berry business first to repay PGF loan

It’s the first of around 100 PGF loans and equity investments worth over $600m to be paid back.


HortNZ seeks “constructive” relationship with Govt
12 Nov 2020  

HortNZ seeks “constructive” relationship with Govt

Horticulture New Zealand says it is keen to work constructively with the new Government, including minister Damien O’Conner who has been given the new trade and export growth portfolio.


Petition urges support for plant-based agri
10 Nov 2020  

Petition urges support for plant-based agri

With the likes of Sir David Attenborough advocating for it, plant-based eating is becoming less of a trend, and more of a to-do.


New Govt ministers unveiled
3 Nov 2020  

New Govt ministers unveiled

David Parker has been appointed minister of the newly named Ministry for Oceans and Fisheries, formerly known as the Ministry of Fisheries.


Fisheries Ministry name change ‘fantastic’ for sea – Greenpeace
3 Nov 2020   /

Fisheries Ministry name change ‘fantastic’ for sea – Greenpeace

It was announced yesterday by Jacinda Ardern that the title would be changed.


Horticultural initiative gets $1.6m PGF loan
2 Nov 2020   /

Horticultural initiative gets $1.6m PGF loan

Tairāwhiti’s Wi Pere Trust is receiving a PDU loan from the latest round of Provincial Growth Funding.


Iwi-owned processor secures $1.2m for expansion
6 Oct 2020  

Iwi-owned processor secures $1.2m for expansion

An iwi-owned Taranaki food processing company has secured a $1.2m Provincial Growth Fund loan to expand its operations to Whanganui.


Fonterra posts $1.3bn turnaround, reports $659m profit
18 Sep 2020  

Fonterra posts $1.3bn turnaround, reports $659m profit

Fonterra has posted an after tax profit of $659m for the year to July 2020, a $1.3bn turnaround from the $605m loss it made the previous year.


Data highlights impact of Auckland lockdown
16 Sep 2020  

Data highlights impact of Auckland lockdown

Economic activity across Auckland and the country has bounced back to levels experienced under Covid-19 alert level 1, says finance minister Grant Robertson.


Nelson Food Factory opens
15 Jun 2020   /

Nelson Food Factory opens

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