A new team a MBIE is being established with a response to ComCom’s grocery market study one of its first priorities.
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.
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.
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.
The govt wants to accelerate the decarbonisation of freight and encourage the use of more electric trucks.
The government has started dispute settlement proceedings against Canada regarding its implementation of dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs) under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trade and Export MORE »
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.
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.
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.
The government should regulate access to the wholesale market or set-up a state-owned wholesaler, says the consumer organisation.
The government should regulate access to the wholesale market or set-up a state-owned wholesaler, says the consumer organisation.
The Brewers Association, Brewers Guild of New Zealand, and Hospitality New Zealand are calling on the government to cut its keg beer tax.
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”.
Parliament’s Primary Production Committee is calling for submissions on the Fisheries Amendment Bill.
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.
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.
A milk business has been fined $30,000 for not following the rules that regulate the supply and sale of raw milk.
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.
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.
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.
DB Breweries, ANZCO and Southern Paprika are among the latest recipients of the $69m GIDI fund, boosting food firms’ total support to $46m.
The government is investing $7.44m to help New Zealand’s apple industry become a world leader in sustainable production practices.
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.
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 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.
Finance minister Grant Robertson has underlined the government’s commitment to boost competition following a 30-year high in inflation.
The government has launched its supply chain consultation document to help future-proof New Zealand against disruption.
The Ministry for the Environment has issued its 2022 guide for organisations to measure and report on emissions.
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.
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.
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.
Bars, cafes, and restaurants will be able to fill up again with capacity and seating rules lifted, says Chris Hipkins.
Under-pressure meat processors are among business that will benefit from an increase in the class border exceptions and caps.
The majority of New Zealand’s fish stocks are performing well, according to Fisheries New Zealand’s latest status report.
Government proposals would require organisations to take action if they become aware of modern slavery or worker exploitation.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will lead a trade mission to Singapore and Japan from 18-24 April.
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.
NZ shelves could run dry of vodka following the imposition of significant tariffs on Russian products.
The Ministry for the Environment has released its position statement on compostable packaging as part of the government’s National Plastics Action Plan.
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.
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.
It means capacity limits for indoor gatherings, events and hospitality venues remain capped at 200 people.
The Commerce Amendment Bill, which aims to deter anti-competitive conduct, has passed its third and final reading in parliament.
Depleted scallop fisheries at Northland, Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel will close on 1 April.
Transforming recycling with the government’s Container Return Scheme.
The government has entered the mussel hatchery business acquiring equity in an iwi-run venture and committing up to $6m.
Capacity limits for outdoor events will lift completely this weekend and increase to 200 indoors for hospitality venues.
The project will provide Southern Fresh with year-round production of baby leaf salads, herbs, and vegetables.
The government will cut road user charges by 36% across all legislated rates from late April to late July 2022.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand is urging the government to put limits on the ability of fossil fuel companies to plant trees on productive farmland.
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.
Vegetable prices will continue to surge ahead if the government doesn’t help growers find ways to lower costs, according to Horticulture New Zealand.
The government brings forward border reopenings for visitors from Australia and visa waiver countries like the US and UK.
There’s criticism of the government’s proposed container return scheme, but beverage giant Coca-Cola looks to support it under certain conditions.
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.
The government has laid out its proposed CRS, and claims manufacturers and retailers will be able to pass on costs to the consumer.
But it’s no ‘silver bullet’ for industries struggling to cope with labour shortages.
There are hopes a new market watchdog could apply significant pressure on the country’s supermarket duopoly to act fairly.
Eat New Zealand has secured up to $275,000 of government funding to support its multi-day Feast Matariki festival.
The duopoly pledge to work with the government to implement the Commerce Commission’s final recommendations.
The Commerce Commission is labelled “out-of-touch” for releasing its report while supermarkets are struggling with Omicron impacts.
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.
Chair Anna Rawlings defends the report as “robust” and says it is up to the government to decide what to implement.
NZFGC labels the grocery report a victory for suppliers, but says it is now up to the government to respond.
Code of conduct, collective bargaining and disputes resolution scheme all recommended by Commerce Commission.
The commission stepped back from measures like creating a new independent wholesaler.
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 food firms face stricter rules around the availability, affordability, accessibility, and marketing of food and drinks.
Businesses struggling with Omicron have received the first payment from the government’s financial support scheme.
The deal, signed by Damien O’Connor in the UK overnight, will save NZ exporters $37m a year on tariffs.
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.
t to phase 3 of the Omicron response and an adjustment to conditions in the government’s financial support package announced on Monday.
Rapid antigen tests will also become more widely available in March.
Hospitality New Zealand is warning many of the hardest-hit businesses in the sector may be ineligible for the government’s new support package.
It will help but many in hospitality may still have to shut, say industry groups.
Three payments capped at $24k each will be available for hard-hit businesses.
Waikato-based Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust is to receive more that $2m to develop a new horticultural programme and education hub.
The prominent hospitality brand has called on the government to throw a lifeline to the sector.
Food sector stakeholders have labelled the government’s rapid antigen test distribution plan “unreliable” as concerns grow over access to RATs.
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.
Upgrades to New Zealand’s free trade agreement with China will enter into force on 7 April.
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.
The National Party says households are going backwards and pay packets are failing to keep up with the rising cost of food.
Beverage makers say the timing could not be worse for a rise in the alcohol excise tax.
The business sector is critical of a move to raise the minimum wage 6% during the expected Omicron wave.
The Government is making $200,000 available to support farmers and growers after major flooding in the South Island.
The supply of RATs remains a concern for some industries, while NZFGC calls the exemption scheme a ‘pragmatic step’.
Critical worker close contacts can keep going to work instead of isolating if they return a negative RAT under the new scheme.
Pressure is mounting on the government to support a global treaty to protect the oceans.
Industries will know by the end of this week which of them are considered critical, says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The government has cited New Zealand King Salmon’s difficulties to illustrate that the RMA needs reform.
Farmers and primary producers are getting financial assistance to prepare for an Omicron outbreak.
F&B stakeholders including HortNZ and NZKFG are still waiting to see if exporters are considered critical businesses.
A multi-million-dollar investment is to look at how hemp can be made into food packaging and other innovations.
While it opens for more workers, it comes too late for some and does not do enough to address labour shortages for others.
But they will still need to go into self-isolation, says Jacinda Ardern.
Hospitality New Zealand says the sector also deserves financial assistance to cushion the blow from the Covid-19 pandemic.
By requisitioning rapid antigen tests, has the government exposed food industry directors to claims of recklessness?
The Kraft Heinz Company chair Mike Pretty is to share a Sydney factory Omicron case study with the government.
The government has ordered a further 36 million rapid antigen tests (RATs) to help the country deal with a widespread Omicron outbreak.
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.
Jacinda Ardern says the country will remain in red “for some weeks” to combat the spread of Omicron.
The government will consider providing more targeted help for the most affected sectors.
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.
FSNI’s CEO makes a last-ditch attempt to sway the outcome of the Commerce Commission’s market study into the retail grocery sector.
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.
The initiative with AgReseach seeks evidence that regenerative practices can make a positive difference in sustainable food production.
Taranaki – King Country MP Barbara Kuriger retains the opposition agriculture spokesperson role but picks up the shadow biosecurity portfolio.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is investing $650,000 over four years to help stamp out invasive marine pests and help the aquaculture industry.
The government has released a new report into coastal shipping as part of its drive to strengthen New Zealand’s domestic supply chain.
Exclusion from the government’s $37.5m summer reactivation scheme fro Auckland “another kick in the guts” for struggling hospo morale.
Support up to $24,000 will be available for businesses in Auckland, Northland and Waikato as those regions transition to the new traffic light Covid-19 Protection Framework. The one-off transition payment MORE »
Much of the top half of the North Island will start the new Covid-19 Protection Framework on Friday at red.
The free NZ Pass Verifier app to scan and verify My Vaccine Passes is now available for businesses and events to download.
Employers will soon be able to use a tool from the government the assess whether they need to have their staff vaccinated.
Submissions for the government’s Emissions Reduction Plan must be lodged by tomorrow, Wednesday 24 November.
Businesses will open under the new Covid-19 Protection Framework on Friday 3 December but no region will start in green.
The pilot project aims to enable locally grown hemp food products to compete with imported goods.
The government must set a date for when Auckland’s borders will be lifted and hospitality venues can re-open, says Hospitality New Zealand.
The Ministry for the Environment has launched an online calculator for food producers to obtain an estimate of their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.
More than 160,000 people have visited the New Zealand Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai since it opened on 30 September.
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.
The top half of the Far North has gone into Covid-19 alert level 3 after two unlinked community cases were detected.
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.
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.
New entrants, existing players and would-be investors are all wary of the power wielded by the grocery duopoly, the Commerce Commission hears.
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.
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.
Two cases from one household have been detected in the city.
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.
Mandating vaccination for hospitality staff is welcome but it could present challenges and extra costs, say industry groups.
Staff vaccination will soon be compulsory for hospitality, events, and other close-contact businesses.
The government is boosting payments to businesses affected by the Delta outbreak as the country transitions to a new Covid-19 Protection Framework.
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.
New Zealand’s largest kiwifruit grower has upgraded its profit guidance for FY21.
The deal will eliminate tariffs on all NZ honey, wine, kiwifruit, onions, and a range of dairy and meat products.
In an open letter to Parliament, the unlikely allies call on MPs to support a “strong intervention” into NZ’s grocery market.
The National Party has launched its Back in Business recovery plan it says will “save livelihoods and unleash our economy”.
The Restaurant Association has welcomed a move by the government to introduce an enhanced business support package.
The government is seeking feedback on proposals for a new waste strategy and options for legislation.
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 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.
The government has extended working holiday and supplementary seasonal employment work visas by six months.
Views are being sought on the industry’s bill for the $68m scheme.
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.
Northland and Waikato might be able to move to level 2 this Thursday midnight.
The new business would be a top three wholesale pie company in NZ but it wouldn’t weaken competition, says George Weston Foods.
The government is meeting business leaders today to discuss a rollout of rapid antigen tests to help keep workplaces safe.
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.
Kaikōura’s pāua fishery, which has been closed since the November 2016 earthquakes disrupted local seabeds, is to reopen.
Targetted support for the hospitality sector is desperately needed if businesses in Auckland are to survive, say industry groups.
PM Jacinda Ardern outlines the government’s new three-step plan to ease restrictions in the city.
Stores have reduced hours and shifted to level 3 protocols after parts of the region entered lockdown overnight.
Silver Fern Farms says securing a $1m grat from the government will help the company end coal use by 2030.
Meadow Mushrooms, Talley’s and Mataura Valley Milk among latest recipients of $70m GIDI fund.
The 2021 Resident Visa could allow around 17,000 workers in the food and accommodation sectors to stay in NZ.
Businesses can now apply to take part in the government’s self-isolation pilot scheduled to start in October.
The Brewers Association of New Zealand is calling on the government to provide targeted support for hospitality.
Measures are being taken to help businesses resolve disputes over commercial rent, says the government.
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.
One-way, quarantine-free travel for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from Vanuatu will be allowed from 4 October, says the government.
Hoki, blue cod, hapuku and bass are among the fish species to have their catch limits reduced in new rules announced today. The changes affect 15 fish stocks around the country MORE »
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.
The Kiwi Bottle Drive has launched an ad campaign to encourage the government to immediately implement a beverage container return scheme.
PM Jacinda Ardern says the rest of NZ will remain at level 2 but the indoor cap of 50 people will lift to 100.
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.
The Commerce Commission has received an application from the New Zealand Tegel Growers Association seeking authorisation for collective bargaining with Tegel Foods.
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.
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.
Food firms want wide stakeholder buy-in to a code that provides a framework for behaviour and confidence for investment decisions.
Hospitality New Zealand has called on the government to provide clarity over eligibility for the wage subsidy.
The plan was expected to be released by this December.
CEO Chris Quin says the co-op will make changes but he disputes ComCom’s estimate of the supermarket group’s profitability.
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.
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.
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.
The latest update to Delta locations of interest in Auckland sees more supermarkets added to the Ministry of Health’s list.
Cabinet will decide this afternoon whether to reduce the Covid-19 alert level 4 setting for Auckland.
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.
The Restaurant Association and Hospitality New Zealand are calling on the government to provide targeted support for struggling hospitality businesses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Smart food packaging, a NZ tree syrup industry, and open ocean aquaculture secure significant research funding.
The Restaurant Association is urging the government to come up with targeted support that reflects the dire situation of its members.
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.
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.
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.
The 50-person limit on indoor venues will hurt already struggling operators, say industry groups.
The Commerce Commission has updated its information regarding country of origin labelling as part of the Consumer Information Standards (Origin of Food) Regulations 2021.
However, the move comes with new restrictions including lower caps on the number of customers a venue can host.
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.
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.
Many hospitality businesses will fail due to the lockdown unless the government provides targeted support, says Hospitality New Zealand.
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.
Penny Nelson is leaving the Ministry for Primary industries to become the Department of Conservation’s director-general and chief executive.
Northland can move to level 3 this Thursday but Auckland will stay in level 4 lockdown until 14 September.
The National Party has appointed new spokespeople to a range of portfolios related to New Zealand’s food system.
The government has provided an extra $7m for food security networks operating at Covid-19 alert level 4.
The government is in “really close contact” with the country’s supermarkets to support them through lockdown challenges, says PM Jacinda Ardern.
However, Auckland could stay at level 4 for a further two weeks.
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.
The government’s Covid-19 Resurgence Support Payment is now open for application.
Apple wine and honey tariffs to be slashed, but no particulars yet for the red meat sector.
PM Jacinda Ardern says there are 14,000+ contacts, some of whom are in the South Island.
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.
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.
We do not yet know the full scale of this Delta outbreak, says Jacinda Ardern.
Retailers and manufacturers stand up lockdown protocols to cater for customers and protect workers.
Coromandel’s Star and Garter Hotel is among more than a dozen hospitality, tourism, and retail outlets named locations of interest.
The government will activate the Covid-19 Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) and the Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) to support businesses during the nationwide lockdown.
More than 180 primary sector leaders joined a virtual meeting with agriculture minister Damien O’Connor this morning.
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.
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.
Business travel, the ability to access skilled staff, and the hospitality sector will all benefit from a successful implementation.
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.
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.
New Zealand will start a phased border re-opening in early 2022, says Jacinda Ardern.
With deployments in ventures like Rockit and Sunfed, NZ Growth Capital Partners outlines what it looks for in food and agritech.
The 2021 whitebaiting season is about to kick off with new regulations rolling out over three whitebaiting seasons following two years of public engagement.
The seafood industry has criticised environmental groups for calling on bottom trawling to be banned.
CEO David Hughes is looking for partners in emerging areas such as orchard automation and urban horticulture.
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.
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”.
Separating NZ’s supermarket duopoly from wholesaler subsidiaries like Gilmours could help suppliers, says the Commerce Commission’s grocery sector draft report.
A third major player could be introduced to compete with Foodstuffs and Countdown, according to the strongest draft report recommendation.
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.
The Commerce Commission backs a mandatory industry code of conduct and allowing suppliers to bargain collectively with supermarkets.
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 boss Katherine Rich repeats calls for a mandatory Grocery Code of Conduct on the eve of the draft ComCom report being released.
The new innovation hub will fill a “glaring gap in the food bowl of New Zealand,” says the project’s boss.
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.
Legislation doubling employees’ minimum sick leave entitlement to 10 days came into effect on Saturday 24 July.
The government is pumping a total of $1.56m into five projects to help address food waste.
Japanese demand for premium products, products that are safe, sustainable, and trustworthy fits NZ’s F&B profile.
Fisheries New Zealand is inviting feedback on proposed changes to catch limits and settings for tarakihi stocks on New Zealand’s east coast.
A draft report as part of a year-long review of NZ’s highly concentrated grocery sector will be made public next Thursday morning.
Government policy on freshwater and greenhouse gases must support the horticulture industry and not add unnecessary cost and compliance, according to HortNZ.
Changes to the essential skills visa will bring more certainty to accommodation and hospitality businesses struggling to fill vacancies, say industry groups.
Too many jobs are being created in the low-wage economy, says the finance minister.
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.
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.
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 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.
Bakers will have two years to start adding the B vitamin folic acid to their non-organic bread-making wheat flour.
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.
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.
Seafood NZ has welcomed the government’s inquiry into foreign workers but warns getting more Kiwis involved in the sector will be a challenge.
Former Sanford COO Greg Johansson will help conduct the inquiry.
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.
The packaging and produce sectors were blindsided by government’s 2023 plastic fruit stickers deadline, warn on costs, complexity.
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.
The government is banning difficult to recycle food and drink packaging and a raft of single-use plastics by 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fisheries management is one of eight areas of focus in the new strategy released on Tuesday morning.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Food firms like Pic’s Peanut Butter have helped chip in $139m taking total investment to quarter of a billion dollars.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Climate Change Commission’s final report has been met with mixed reaction from food industry groups.
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.
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-19 has highlighted the dependence of parts of the fishing sector on foreign workers, says the government.
New whitebaiting rules will help preserve stocks of the delicacy, says acting conservation minister Ayesha Verrall.
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.
Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison have concluded their meeting at the resort – was there anything in it for food and beverage?
Can the country’s food exporters learn lessons from another sector heavily exposed to a single source of income?
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.
NZ’s strict controls are a double-edged sword for global food companies looking to invest, says Gelita.
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 are becoming more aware of their rights and more sceptical of information provided by salespeople, according to a government survey.
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.
The government has passed the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill, doubling employees’ minimum sick leave entitlement to 10 days each year.
The Ticker talks to industry leaders for their take on the government’s Budget 2021.
Finance minister Grant Robertson says a new transformation plan is being developed for the food and beverage sector.
Industry players want today’s Budget to support them through the transition to a post-Covid environment.
The Singapore-based cultured food startup has reached out to NZ food regulators ahead of its planned product launch.
The pandemic has highlighted NZ’s reliance on temporary migrant labour, says the government.
Parliament’s Primary Production Committee has initiated a select committee inquiry into the future of the workforce needs in the country’s primary industries.
With even institutional investors wanting green metrics, there has been a convergence of mainstream and impact investment in the agrifoodtech community.
Prime minister Jacinda Ardern will lead a trade mission to Australia in early July.
The government has established six new Workforce Development Councils, including one for people, food and fibre. to support the vocational education system.
The Government is set to introduce new legislation to restrict merchant fees, in a move which could save businesses up to $74m each year.
An initiative which allows Māori businesses to identify themselves Māori business on the New Zealand Business Number register has gone live.
The former Unilever CEO declares the world’s food system “broken from all dimensions” – but also suggests ways of fixing it.
MPI is seeking more applicants from the food sector for SFF Futures funding.
But there are concerns over the costs of the scheme for employers.
Described as the biggest food and fibre event of the year, the Boma NZ Agri Summit kicks-off in Christchurch this morning.
The Ticker sits down with Finistere’s investment manager to find out what NZ opportunities he will be looking for.
Kiwi exporters are operating in a turbulent environment but food exporters are proving a bright spot, says trade minister Damien O’Connor.
The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand is calling for a trade deal with the UK which comprehensively removes agricultural tariffs.
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand is urging its member to attend upcoming Ministry for Primary Industries organic regulation and standards workshops.
Aotearoa risks being left behind by its international peers in the increasingly competitive emerging protein sector.
CEDA boss Linda Stewart on how AgriFood Week supports Manawatu’s ambition to be one of the world’s top three agrihubs by 2025.
Nomination’s have opened for the annual award with new categories for 2021.
The gathering shellfish is no longer permitted at east Auckland’s Cockle Bay/Tuwakamana beach.
Delegates from around the country are converging on the Manawatu for the 2021 New Zealand Agrifood Week.
The Cawthron Institute to work with Fisheries NZ and DOC on assessment.
OIO approves T&G Global purchase of an 11-hectare Hawke’s Bay site to grow more Envy apples.
A Taiwan-listed multinational pharmaceutical company is to invest $3.5m to convert a Waikato dairy farm to goat milk production.
The Environmental Protection Authority is calling for information on the use of the herbicide glyphosate in New Zealand in a move that could have ramifications for New Zealand $490m honey MORE »
Researchers and campaigners call on government to use plan to halve food waste by 2030.
The supermarket giant says it is “surprised” at the allegations because it values its suppliers.
The government’s probe into the $21bn grocery sector heats up as rivals open fire in cross-submissions.
The dumping of frozen fries from Europe is not a threat to local industry, says a draft government report.
Gaining brand awareness and establishing relationships are the top barriers Kiwi food and beverage exporters face.
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.
“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.”
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.
The vehicle has attracted a $14m commitment from New Zealand Growth Capital Partners.
The funding will see the functional drink company deep dive into indigenous ingredients.
The Government must act now to retain remaining highly productive land for fruit and vegetables.
A strategy is in the pipeline to help accelerate an already-booming industry.
The project will reduce the factory’s carbon emissions by 7%.
The Government will phase out the export of livestock by sea.
Seafood NZ argues that law changes to reduce recreational bag limits must be made.
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.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is seeking feedback on proposals to amend the New Zealand (Maximum Residue Levels for Agricultural Compounds) Food Notice.
NZ’s ministerial engagement in the trans-Tasman GE Food Standards approval process has been silenced, says GE Free NZ.
The results of survey will feed into ComCom’s probe of the country’s $21bn grocery sector.
The government has moved to ban new low to medium temperature coal burners from next year.
Chief executive Julie White said the extension would help struggling businesses find trained staff.
The government is continuing to plough money and resources into the food and fibre workforce.
The industry association says horticulture can play a key role in the country’s climate change strategy.
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.
Temporary Covid-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, in part to help industries facing labour shortages.
The plant protein startup secures $8m from MPI for a five-year R&D programme.
The no take zone does not affect the availability of Bluff oysters.
The industry group says there are “limits to what the sector can continue to achieve”.
Restaurant Association of New Zealand is opposing a proposed ban on new gas or LPG connections by 2025.
If passed, the legislation would require that all aircrafts entering NZ provide biosecurity information to people onboard by both a video and in writing.
The seafood industry promises constructive engagement on some of the report’s “challenging” recommendations.
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.
The association fears new housing policy will see productive growing land lost to urban creep.
Ngāti Hei Trust has asked the government to close parts of the eastern Coromandel coast for two years.
The Government has introduced a wellbeing support package for hard-hit fruit growers.
The Government is “failing to stop the suffering of hundreds of millions of chickens”, says animal rights group SAFE.
Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance has been established to increase food security and reduce food waste.
The Government is failing to support New Zealand’s horticulture sector as it faces a worker shortage crisis, according to the National Party.
The Government has deferred the introduction of Intensive Winter Grazing practice regulations for a year.
Our Seas Our Future is calling on prime minister Jacinda Ardern to ban single-use paper and plastic products.
Whitebait farming could soon become a reality with a $7m project garnering government support.
Organic food businesses will have to take part in a five-step process in order to gain organic certification under new proposals.
The supermarket giant is already seeing a reversal in some lockdown shopping trends – with others becoming more entrenched.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for apple, wine and other growers was a near certainty.”
The Brewers Association of New Zealand is calling on the Government to half the rate of excise tax paid on kegs.
The Green Party is calling on the Government to urgently stop “dirty, degrading fishing practices” in areas most vulnerable to destruction.
The Organic Products Bill is going through its final stages in parliament.
In its submission to ComCom, the NZFGC says there is also considerable use of buyer power to exclude competition.
The Government has activated the Resurgence Support Payment, in its latest round of Covid-19 support packages.
Ongoing strong demand and expansion into new markets could see another successful year for NZ honey exports.
Immigration New Zealand is doing more harm than good when it comes to the horticulture sector and the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, according to the ACT Party. “A completely inflexible MORE »
The Government has eased visa restrictions for visitors already in New Zealand as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause havoc overseas.
The sector had brought a claim for $450m plus interest.
Horticulture New Zealand is calling on the Government to establish protection for highly productive land.
The industry body aired its frustrations at a committee meeting on Thursday.
The shape and funding of the national network, which has helped brands like Otis Oat Milk, is under review.
The ministry warns that ComCom’s market study of supermarkets is likely to take longer than a year.
The Future Ready Farms programme is being led by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
New research backed by MPI could help bee hives live longer and be more efficient.
Stuart Nash says smaller businesses are predominantly bearing the brunt of merchant service fees.
It was India’s participation that made the deal attractive to start with, which is no more.
Online tool identifies pests, threats for exporters selling Kiwi produce to the world
The government sets supplier diversity target for its $42bn goods and services budget.
It follows new food safety guidance issued by the government.
The new research covers food groups ranging from seafood to berries.
Up to $200 a week for accommodation costs is on offer, plus a $1000 payment for some.
Growers are relieved by the government’s announcement that a cohort of Registered Seasonal Employer workers will arrive in the New Year.
Horticulture and wine growers across the country will see labour shortages ease.
In a blow to the horticulture sector, the PM says this year’s seasonal labour shortage will not be solved before Christmas.
A $13m funding boost has seen a new aquaculture facility open in Tauranga which will explore the various benefits of green seaweed, a prominent pest in the local harbour. As MORE »
The Australian government says it will give Kiwi workers $2000 to take up a short-term contract there.
Harrington’s Smallgoods is urging the Government to make country-of-origin labelling a priority.
The Commerce Commission will conduct the investigation to see if Kiwis are paying more than they should be.
Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand’s primary industries will “directly benefit” from the new trade deal.
It’s the first of around 100 PGF loans and equity investments worth over $600m to be paid back.
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.
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.
David Parker has been appointed minister of the newly named Ministry for Oceans and Fisheries, formerly known as the Ministry of Fisheries.
It was announced yesterday by Jacinda Ardern that the title would be changed.
Tairāwhiti’s Wi Pere Trust is receiving a PDU loan from the latest round of Provincial Growth Funding.
An iwi-owned Taranaki food processing company has secured a $1.2m Provincial Growth Fund loan to expand its operations to Whanganui.
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.
Economic activity across Auckland and the country has bounced back to levels experienced under Covid-19 alert level 1, says finance minister Grant Robertson.
A new hub for budding food businesses in the Nelson region has launched. The Food Factory aimed to provide entrepreneurs with a collaborative environment to develop their products, under-secretary for MORE »
