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Navigating tariffs: a perspective
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“I’m
That is the perception some may have at the imposition by the USA of a 15 per cent tariff on New Zealand exports, while some of our principal trading partners, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, get only a 10 per cent tariff.
The rationale for our higher tariff, we are told, is that, unlike Australia and the United Kingdom, we export more to the United States than we import. One way of looking at that, somewhat to our disadvantage, is that we, and I mean mainly our primary industries, are more successful at exporting and possibly have better products than those two countries and other countries that have secured lower tariffs.
I think it’s going to stay that way, and here’s why: we produce a premium product; in the case of red meats, wool and wine, probably among the best in the world.
Yes, we may see a downturn at the lower end of the US market, but at the higher end — the premium end — I think
we will hold our own because those who appreciate quality will be, as they are now, prepared to pay for it.
Those people know that New Zealand produces some of the best food and wine in the world. Our farmers and vintners do us proud. While they maintain their quality output, that will be our main hedge and protection from that higher tariff.
In a related vein, I was intrigued to learn about a new book, The Have and Have Yachts by Evan Osnos. The book discusses the growing discontent among America’s affluent elite with the current socio-political climate, leading many to seek alternative places for living and investment. Notably, New Zealand is increasingly becoming their destination of choice, valued for its green landscapes and pristine environment.
In conclusion, while the tariff may present challenges, I am confident that New Zealand’s exceptional reputation and quality products will enable us to navigate these obstacles successfully.
so proud of New Zealand’s agricultural credentials, which are fully on display throughout the country at the Fieldays and local A&P shows.
Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
Farm environment awards open
Entries for the 2026 Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards are now open, with farmers and growers across the region invited to enter and share their stories.
The awards, facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET), recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in sustainable farming and growing within the primary sector.
NZFET general manager Sarah Harris said the programme is designed to encourage and support farmers and growers at every stage of their journey.
“The awards are about celebrating progress, not perfection, and sharing ideas across sectors and regions, farmers learning from farmers. They are also a great opportunity to reflect on what you’ve achieved, gain feedback for future growth, and connect with like-minded farmers and growers who are passionate about looking after the land for future generations.”
Taranaki dairy farmer Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust was awarded this year’s regional supreme title. Brendan went on to be named the National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing at the NZFET’s National Sustainability Showcase in June.
He said the process of entering the awards was rewarding in itself.
“We entered the awards to showcase our property, but, more importantly, to have external parties come in and review what we were doing, and really reset our strategy around where we want to go over the next five to seven years.
“It’s been a great opportunity for our farming business, and it’s actually just the right thing to do.”
Each year, the awards provide a platform to showcase a wide range of farming and growing operations, with judges evaluating the entire farm system.
Soil and water management, climate and biodiversity initiatives, animal welfare, waste management, team and community wellbeing, and business planning are all taken into consideration.
The awards also feature a Catchment Group Showcase, highlighting the impact of rural communities working
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together to improve water quality, protect biodiversity and achieve sustainable land management outcomes.
A wide network of agribusinesses, sector organisations and regional councils support the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) programme. Many of these provide valuable feedback and technical insights to entrants as part of the judging process.
Entries for the 2026 BFEA will close in October. The initial farm visits will take
place later this year, with regional awards held in March and April next year.
The 11 regional supreme winners will gather at the trust’s National Sustainability Showcase in Christchurch, in July 2026. One of these will be named the recipient of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy and become the National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing for 2026.
Entries and nominations can be made online at bfea.org.nz.
The 2025 Taranaki BFEA Regional Supreme Winner Brendan Attrill of Caiseal Trust was also named National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing at NZFET’s National Sustainability Showcase
THREE GENERATIONS PRODUCING HONEY
BY DENISE GUNN
Three generations have been involved in the family-owned and operated Eltham Honey, earning a trusted reputation and becoming a household name.
Trevor Rowe’s interest in beekeeping began as a hobby. He and his wife Gay decided to develop that hobby into a business, establishing Eltham Apiaries in 1965.
The couple’s daughter Sonia grew up in the business, working alongside her family in the honey sheds. As the business grew, so did its reputation for producing clover honey. Eltham Apiaries soon became a household name.
When Bryon Bluett expressed an interest in dating Sonia, he said Trevor had an unusual policy.
“As Sonia was the eldest daughter, if anyone wanted to date her, he would have to do a day with Trevor and the bees,” said Bryon.
So, Bryon worked with Trevor for a day and quite enjoyed it.
“I was working as an electrician for Kiwi Dairy at that time. Since completing my apprenticeship, I had worked there for 13 years.”
When Bryon and Sonia married, they moved to Hāwera, living there for nine years. Meanwhile, Trevor was getting close to retirement, but injured his back.
“One summer holidays, I gave him a hand with the bees. I liked that at the end of the day, you had a truckload of product to show for your work,” said Bryon.
“I was at a point in my career that I was ready for a change. Sonia and I talked, and prayed about it.
“The deciding factor was that we both felt we should move into the honey business at the same time. We had a peace that this was the right path to take.”
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Sonia in Eltham Honey’s on-site store
The Rowe’s 50-acre block of land was subdivided, and Bryon and Sonia moved on to part of that property. Eltham Honey’s factory and shop is all on the same site.
bird’s-eye view of a hive
“We moved in here in 1994 as a partnership in the business. Sonia’s dad stayed on to train me.”
Trevor stayed on for the next two years, and then slowly moved back from the business. He passed away in the year 2000.
The couple found that as primary industries go through ups and downs, and cycles, producing honey was no exception.
“Going through the early 2000s, we were doing things solo and went through some tough times. Sonia had to find another job, and I did some electrical contracting jobs to supplement income.”
From 2010 onwards, the honey market gained traction, making the business more manageable.
“We have stayed to our core principles. If the hives are healthy, then they will produce what the environment allows them to produce.”
He said the hives need to be looked after in the same way you would an athlete.
“You want them at the peak of their performance when the honey flows. It’s not just about the flower in the field; you also need moisture levels and the ground temperatures right.”
In 1988, Eltham Apiaries began to develop and perfect comb honey. The business now supplies a lot of their comb honey to Japan, and also to other stores in New Zealand.
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“We sell to 100% Pure, which export to agents in Japan.”
Several years ago, the Bluett’s son Isaac expressed an interest in the business. A joiner by trade, Isaac accompanied Bryon a few times to see if enjoyed the bees.
“He coped really well with that,” said Bryon. “We took him on for 18 months as a worker and then he decided that’s what he wanted to do. That’s also when we changed the business name to Eltham Honey, and changed from partnership to company to help with succession.”
Isaac has since moved to Hamilton, but continues involvement as a silent shareholder.
“Having the third generation involved provides a way of the business continuing.”
All of Eltham Honey’s hives are located within a 50km radius from the business’s base. Mānuka and bush-blend honey have been added to the line.
“We do everything from hive to pot. We know where the honey has come from.
“The mānuka honey we sell is tested to MPI standard and export standard. You need to trade on a good name.”
Bryon said it is hard work and there’s a lot of labour involved in it, but he likes producing a good quality product that is sought after.
“Beekeeping for us over 30 years has had challenges, but what in life doesn’t.”
Eltham Honey’s hives are all located within a 50km radius of the business’s base
SHEEPDOG TRIALS A FAMILY TRADITION
IWe continue sharing the story of Whangamōmona farmers and brothers, Steve and Dan Murphy, who finished another successful sheepdog trials season, topped off with winning national and North Island titles.
n addition to decades of successful sheepdog trials, Steve and Dan have given back to the sport in many ways, including judging and course inspections.
As a member of the North Island inspection committee, Dan checks out the four courses before an island or New Zealand championship begins to ensure it’s up to standard.
Steve is a club judge, but since being appointed to the New Zealand Judges Selection Panel, hasn’t judged as many. He has judged one island championship and two New Zealand championships. Dan recently retired from judging due to eye problems, but was a club judge for many years. He has also judged one island and two New Zealand championships.
Eight people on the New Zealand Judges Selection Panel select judges for the island and national championships. In his role on the panel, Steve travels around to different centres in the North Island to assess judges and provide guidance. He always takes his dogs with him to compete at those trials, too.
“Both Steve and I, Dan and Kathy attend as many island and New Zealand championships as we can, and have done so for many years,” said Charmaine.
Occasionally Steve and Dan breed litters from their dogs.
“Either they have a good bitch, and ask someone who has a good dog if they can put her to him, or someone may have a bitch wanting to use their dog,” said Charmaine.
“A pup or two is kept from the litter. It must have a great nature, and if it shows
potential, it is broken-in and worked for future farm use and, hopefully, trialling.”
Steve mustering ewes
BY DENISE GUNN
Although not all dogs shape-up for trialling, they may still be great farm dog. If a dog isn’t going to make the grade for Steve or Dan, they give the pup or young dog away to someone who needs a farm dog. This follows their father’s tradition of never selling a pup or dog.
Charmaine said many pups they have bred have gone on to make top trial dogs. Steve’s award-winning dog Edge is a grandson of his favourite heading dog Hawk.
“Hawk was a once-in-a-lifetime dog,” said Steve. “I could send him up any hill, giving him directions along the way and Hawk would take them flawlessly.”
A huntaway named Rum is Dan’s favourite.
“He was a very intelligent dog. Even though he was black and white (they are normally black and tan), he was the closest thing to a complete dog he had ever owned.
“Dan also had a heading dog named DJ who was an outstanding farm dog. He just knew what was happening all the time. He too, was a once-in-a-lifetime dog.”
When training dogs, the brothers agree the most important aspect is that the dog is willing to work and wants to learn.
“If possible, a little training frequently in a small area,” said Steve. “When progress has been made in the training paddock, they are then taken to work on the farm without expecting too much from them. They will learn as time goes on.”
Dan considers consistency from a young age is the key.
“Try to be mates with your dog but you also need to be the boss — a friendly boss. It’s important to be mates at the end of a session,” he said.
“If problems arise, the handler needs to work out whether it’s the dog or themselves attributing to it.
“You have to get inside their head sometimes. You might just have to tackle things a different way or work the dog slightly differently.”
The Murphys all enjoy the camaraderie of the dog trial scene, and the brothers like to watch a good dog and handler in action having a great run.
“Taranaki Centre is a very close-knit centre with everyone getting on very well, sharing pointers and being very supportive,” said Steve.
“Sometimes, you may only catch up with some dog triallists once a year at a New Zealand championship, but you just pick up the friendship from where you left off last time. It’s a brilliant sport to be a part of.”
From left: Dan and Steve Murphy with some of their dogs
Steve and Dan Murphy waiting for their runs in the Zig-Zag Hunt at Hanmer Springs in May
Summerset Pohutukawa Place
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I’ve landed in the right spot
“Maria, my wife and my co-pilot in life, came up with the bright idea of moving to Summerset. It’s worked out brilliantly,” says resident Hans Nagelkerke, sharing why he made the move to a Summerset village sooner, rather than later.
“With our entire family living in Holland and the two of us getting on in age, we realised that we needed more support. We’ve lived in the area for nearly 31 years, and loved our community, so moving into the village didn’t feel like a massive adjustment at all.
“We literally picked up where we left off at a different address, except now we have a whole community looking out for us. I’m a retired Air New Zealand engineer and recreational pilot, so my passion is anything to do with flying.
“My weeks are pretty full, working as a guide at the Air Force Museum of NZ, as an instructor at Flight Experience’s flight simulator and I also drive the van for Age Concern, another worthy cause to spend spare time.
“So, living at Summerset just makes it easier to come and go as I please. The way I like to describe it to my friends is: ‘Imagine living in a five-star hotel but with your own furniture’.
“It’s also great knowing my wife has all the support she needs and her close circle of friends at the village. She’s never been happier. Although, she does have to put up with my personal flight simulator occupying an entire spare room now.
“Look, I’ve never been one to push advice on anybody. It’s not my style, but I do encourage friends to come and visit and see for themselves what the good life can look like.”
If you’d like to know more about the Summerset life, or find a village near you, visit summerset.co.nz.
Online general practitioner care
Online consultations with registered healthcare professionals are now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting
By visiting the website, you can choose a provider and book your appointment (or join a queue, depending on your provider) for an online consultation with a registered healthcare professional for care that is not serious or life-threatening. This includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment and health advice for you or your whānau.
Before using Online GP Care you should check if you can get an appointment with your usual healthcare provider. You should always see them first if you can.
While subsidies for some people are available, you can find the fees (casual rates) for each provider on their website and outlined below, including lower charges for children, young people and Community Service Card holders.
You will need a debit or credit card to pay, and your Community Services Card if you have one.
For online video consultations through a smartphone or computer, you will need access to the Internet.
For online appointments it is good to have:
• a quiet place for privacy
• a list of questions you want to ask, or the most important issues you want to discuss
• (you will likely only have 15 minutes for your appointment)
• something to write things down
• your medication list
• a support person if you want one — they can join from wherever they are
• At the start of your appointment you:
• may be asked to confirm your identity (name and date of birth)
• may be asked to confirm you are happy to go ahead with an online appointment
• should introduce any support people you have with you
The importance of coenzyme Q10
by John Arts, Abundant Health Ltd
I recently wrote about coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). I regularly have contact from readers about CoQ10, especially from those wanting help with the side effects of statin cholesterollowering medication.
Studies show that statins can reduce circulating CoQ10 by as much as 50%. The side effects are so common, they are called statin myopathy and statin neuropathy. The main side effects are muscle and tendon pain. Muscles and nerves have huge energy requirements and reducing cell energy can have devastating effects on muscles and nerves.
Reductions in CoQ10 can affect mood, memory and general cognitive function. In most cases, two months of a naturally fermented CoQ10 will improve muscle and brain function, and allow people to get the benefits of the medication without side effects.
The chemical structure of CoQ10 allows it to move high-energy electrons within our cell mitochondria where energy is made. CoQ10 collects these electrons and moves them to an enzyme called ATP synthase to make the energy we need.
I recommend CoQ10 for several reasons, most commonly for statin support. I also add CoQ10 for those fatigued without medical causes and for
those with cardiovascular, autoimmune and neurodegenerative problems. For example, I include at least 200mg for those with polymyalgia rheumatica and higher doses for those with MS.
For statin support, I use a high-quality naturally fermented CoQ10, and for autoimmune or neurodegenerative support, a mitochondrial support formula that includes high-grade CoQ10 with several energy co-factors. The first improvement felt by those with these conditions is usually a lift in energy and general wellbeing.
Those with autoimmune or neurodegenerative problems should be working to a personalised diet and supplement plan complementary to their regular medical treatment. Most people feel a real difference within three months.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
THE BUZZ ABOUT BEES
As bee month approaches, New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity (NZBB) North Island operations manager Dwayne Hill talks about the advantage of hives on farms and safe apiarist practices.
With all beekeepers and hives in New Zealand required to be registered by NZBB under the Biosecurity Act 1993, the company is a source of information with farmers and apiarists alike.
“It is no secret that bees pollinate pastures, and a big component of pastures before urea was the likes of clover,” said Dwayne.
“Having dairy farmed before, I know that clover comes with its fair share of problems, like bloating, among other issues.”
While urea is one way for farmers to apply nitrogen to the soil, clover and natural pollination provide a more costeffective and sustainable method. The technique also makes farms an attractive possibility to beekeepers wanting to place hives on the land.
“For farmers, thinking about certain areas of their farm, which could be regenerated back to clover, pollination is
BUZZING WITH BENEFITS
BY AMY FIFITA
a natural process that the bees will do.
Clover puts more long-term benefit into the soil than urea does, and has a slow release of nitrogen over time.
“It is symbiotic to have bees, they can pollinate your trees, flowers and farm.
Bees won’t hang around an unhealthy area, so it gives landowners a snapshot of their land around their farm.
“Bees are not innately aggressive. They generally don’t hassle the cattle, unless they get in and knock them over; they are not a big fan of horses and don’t like dogs, but for many farmers, they don’t notice them.
“Most sprays on farms are insecticides or herbicides that don’t affect the bees, but hives may have to be removed if spraying an orchard.”
A farm can gain more benefits than the natural ones. Often, beekeepers offer landowners compensation, financially or with jars of honey.
“Beekeepers are less migratory than they used to be, so there is more demand, especially in Taranaki, for locations to leave the hives all year, or close to profitable flowers like mānuka.
“Ninety per cent of mānuka hives in New Zealand would end up in Taranaki every year, from December to March, to collect mānuka because it was the last region that the tree would flower. Of those 90% of mānuka hives, only 10% remained in Taranaki.
“Now, a lot of companies are opening branches in Taranaki or leaving their hives here full-time, so there are more openings for landowners and beekeepers to have bees and profit from that.”
With the benefits bees bring, another side of the industry includes taking care of American foulbrood (AFB).
“We are dealing with a pest in the beehive known as the American foulbrood (AFB), a bacterial disease predominantly
spread by beekeepers. From the 8,000 beekeepers, about 550 last year reported AFB, equating to roughly 2,500 cases.
Photo Credit: Murray Rixon
After stirring an American foulbroodinfected cell, bees often begin licking the material, emptying it within hours
“All hives that get AFB must be burnt within seven days of discovery. From a farming standpoint, that means a beekeeper may have to burn a hive onsite, but some hold an agreement with us allowing them to burn the hive at a better location.
to burn at a better location, so hives need to be bee-proofed
“Any hive that is burnt with AFB must be buried, so any honey that didn’t burn, the bees no longer have access to it, so it doesn’t spread to the next hive. It is nontransferable to other animals and humans.”
Dwayne encourages farmers to call NZBB on 0800 232 767 or email info@
nzbb.org.nz, about derelict or neglected hives or concerns about beekeepers on their property.
“It is worth noting that somebody else may gain access to the hive without the beekeeper being there. If you’ve got a robust health and safety form for the
beekeeper to sign, then the inspector should be signing it, too.
“We do inspections and removals, so in cooperation with beekeepers and farmers, we wouldn’t go and check hives, which required us to drive through milking areas while you’re milking cows.”
Photo Credit: Chris Crook
Photo Credit: Chris Crook
Dwayne Hill, New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity North Island operations manager
SPOTLIGHT ON NEW PLYMOUTH
by Liz Clark
A contemporary art showcase
New Plymouth has many outstanding treasures drawing visitors to the township, among them is the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and its addition, the Len Lye Centre.
The Govett-Brewster had its beginnings in 1962, when local resident Monica Brewster (nee Govett) transferred £50,000 in stocks, funds, shares and securities to the City of New Plymouth. The fund was to establish and develop a public art gallery. Brewster was also involved in women’s rights and was a wellknown patron of the arts.
In 1967, Australian John Maynard was appointed director to develop the future contemporary art gallery. Working with local architect Terry Boon, he oversaw the conversion of the former Regent cinema building. Maynard would go on to develop a collection policy focussing on new forms of art and sculpture to foster the development of artists from New Zealand and the Pacific Rim.
The gallery opened on February 22 1970 with Leon Narbey’s exhibition, Real Time. It was described by art critic Hamish Keith as ‘setting New Zealand art off to the kind of start it should have in the seventies … Real Time has as its basic mechanism real life, and that itself is a major breakthrough’.
In 1998, the gallery was extended to provide exhibition and storage space for the
and
a dedicated educational area. The expanded area was designed by local architectural firm Boon Cox Goldsmith Jackson.
Designed by architect Andrew Patterson of Pattersons Associates, the Len Lye Centre was opened in July 2015, and is the first gallery in the country to celebrate a single New Zealand artist. The
contemporary building became home to the archives and studio collections of the Len Lye Foundation. Len Lye (1901–1980) had a passion for motion, energy and the possibility of composing them as a form of art. After journeys in the South Pacific, Lye moved to London and then New York, where he became known as an intensely creative film-maker and kinetic sculptor.
Currently, the art gallery has two exhibitions running, including Direct Bodily Empathy – Sensing Sound. It explores sound as a medium, and the dimensions of sympathetic resonance, attuning with shared vibration, embodied knowledge, and the physical act of deep listening. Visit govettbrewster.com for more information.
The Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth was opened in 2015
Len Lye Foundation Collection
provide
SPOTLIGHT ON NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth flood defences upgraded
The Taranaki Regional Council has strengthened flood defences protecting The Valley in New Plymouth.
A major storm hit the region in early July, followed by a second weather event eight days later. The Waiwhakaiho River was inundated, and a 45-metre stretch of berm adjacent to the stopbank near Mitre 10 Mega was washed away.
The $350,000 project, which got underway before the second weather event hit, included adding 1,800 tonnes of rock and bank contouring.
TRC director-operations Dan Harrison said the area had suffered severe erosion when river flows rose dramatically. New rocks are an additional safeguard for homes and businesses in the retail and business area.
“There was a huge amount of rainfall, and waterways right across Taranaki rose with some having unusually high river flow levels. So, it wasn’t all that surprising to have some erosion on banks and berms,” he said.
“When the waters receded, it was clear this area was vulnerable to further erosion, so we got work started and we’re delighted to have the project completed in about a month. We’re confident this has improved flood
protection for homes and businesses in the area.”
On Thursday, July 3, a maximum river flow of 417m³/second was recorded in the Waiwhakaiho River at Egmont Village, while the Waitara River was 1,275m³/second.
The gauge near the upgraded site at the lower Waiwhakaiho River recorded around 420m³/second before it was damaged by the floodwaters. Work in the area will also include adding some rocks near to the monitoring site to protect the equipment during future high river flows.
Mr Harrison said funds for the $350,000 works have come from the North Taranaki River Control Scheme reserve, and $50,000 is also being used from this reserve to fund repairs to the flood protections at the Hangatahua/ Stony River.
“We’ll be looking to do some repair work on the Hangatahua in the summer months as there was some damage to a rock bank during the high river flows. We’ll be replacing about 150 tonnes of rock, which shows the ferocity of the river on July 3 and 4.”
From left: AA Contracting’s Will Adlam and Taranaki Regional Council rivers officer Daniel Lumb check out the upgrades to the Waiwhakaiho River flood defences
by Andy Bryenton
Machine age comes to Melbourne
The huge Agritechnica farming machinery and equipment festival usually takes place in Hanover, Germany, but last week a satellite event, the FutureAG conference and exhibition, was closer to New Zealand than ever before.
Agritechnica Asia is coming to Thailand next year, but for August 2025 the world’s premiere showcase of farming machines set up in Melbourne Australia, putting Kiwi companies in close proximity to the action.
The big names at the conference in Melbourne were talking about similar things to their counterparts at our own Mystery Creek Fieldays. How AI and automation are poised to change the game on farms, and how data is a resource as vital as soil and water for the modern farmer. That’s translated through to some of the machines on display, and the topics of conversation in a series of FutureAG talks.
An example came last Thursday, when a workshop invited grain farmers to engage with the state of the art in automating their farms. Then there are the guest speakers, with a predominance of tech-related luminaries taking the stage. These include Carolina Ferreira, founder of AI weather data company Octopusbot, CropX managing director Eitan Dan, and the executive director of
the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia, Gary Northover.
A tech demo stage operates throughout the event, debuting everything from a new kind of bale spreader, which can break out round bales in less than a minute each, to solar power for remote water pumps, AI detection of fungal infections, robotic plant sprayers, camera eyes for agricultural robots and more-efficient deep-soil probes.
It’s also notable that this big event, associated with the juggernaut that is Agritecnica, was host to several Australian universities, which are actively developing technology and fresh ideas for the rural sector.
The Melbourne Showgrounds is not too far away for Kiwi innovators, such as those who have made their mark at successive Fieldays Innovation Awards, to get amongst this tech-focussed discussion, which takes the idea of farm automation beyond the physical reality of tractors and machinery, and into the realms of AI-boosted strategic data management
The FutureAG event, in Melbourne last week, brought Agritechnica, the world’s biggest showcase of farming machinery, closer to New Zealand than ever before
and resource allocation. With the keynote speaker of the entire FutureAG conference focussing on green efficiency in agriculture, something Kiwi farmers do very well indeed, there could come a time
in the not-too-distant future when such an event comes to these shores.
Meanwhile, Agritechnica’s home event, in Germany, will occur this November, and Agritechnica Asia is set for May in Bangkok.
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by Andy Bryenton
The pursuit of happiness
Winter rain has caused havoc in some parts of the nation, but there’s one definite outcome from the dousing the season has brought — mud.
While it’s a hassle for some, it’s a playground for others, and fans of off-road action view the brown stuff with a mixture of respectful trepidation and unalloyed delight. There’s something about getting covered in mud, while deploying massive horsepower that brings out the little kid in some petrolheads, and those that make off-roading machines are switched on to the grin-inducing power of it all.
CFMoto certainly gets it. The rising force in off-road power slammed into the EICMA festival at the end of 2024 with a bevy of new machines, but standing out among the pack was the Z10 SSV, an off-road racer built for speed over any terrain. It’s only 845kg, and packs a three-pot four-stroke mill that runs naturally aspirated, kicking out 143 horsepower. That might be less grunt than some competitors, but it’s a lighter weight as well. In fact, those figures pretty much match the specs of some very fun old-school sports cars, but the Z10 can deploy them off-road.
Then again, you could go even lighter and more nimble with CFMoto’s Zforce 1000 EPS Sport R. It’s a handful of a
name, but it represents several levels of evolution from the standard Zforce 1000, turning it into a real mud-slinging and trailcrushing weapon. You know that they’re serious about going literally anywhere with oxygen when they send it from the factory with a winch attached.
While there’s no Kiwi price listed for the Z10 yet on the New Zealand CFMoto website, the Zforce EPS Sport R has one, and it’s a bit shocking. That’s because
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it’s fully one-third of the price of some competitors’ sport-segment off-roaders. Once again, it’s not a product aimed to win the horsepower and muscle race at the topend of the market, but it is designed to be a blast on any surface, mud included. If that’s your aim, buying three of these to have adventures with all your family and mates might look better than just getting one.
In all seriousness, CFMoto has pushed up the bar for the features and performance you can expect for your dollar in this segment. Both the Z10 and the smaller Zforce 1000 EPS Sport R have things like digital dashboards, limited-slip diffs, standout mag wheels and comfy seats. If you want to have fun in the mud this winter, the range is worth a closer look. They might just need a power wash after you take them for a test drive.
CFMoto revealed the aggressively-styled Z10 at EICMA last year
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by Andy Bryenton
New rules for deer farmers
The first of the government’s updated codes of welfare for livestock has been published, and it’s for deer.
The code had not been updated since 2007. The first look at the upgraded standards is not only a revelation to the deer farming industry, but also a bellwether for the forthcoming codes for other kinds of livestock.
The good news is that Deer Industry New Zealand reports no fundamental changes to the standards, with most alterations made to provide clarity, transparency and a clearer understanding of the rules. DINZ opines that the already high standard of animal welfare in Kiwi deer farming means that there’s not a lot of adjustment to make, despite there being 60 new minimum standards.
“It is great to see the updated code of welfare for deer get across the line. The understanding of animal welfare is always improving, and much can change in almost 20 years,” says DINZ CEO Rhys Griffiths.
“As someone who has come from the markets side of DINZ, it is something we have been hearing for a while now. Our customers want assurances that our animals are farmed ethically and to a high standard that puts welfare at its core.
“Deer farmers already take great pride in how they treat their animals, but to have this updated code now reflect the continuous improvement of our farmers, which is something consumers are demanding more and more, can only be a good thing.”
The agriculture ministry’s Andrew Hoggard says the new standard balances the protection of farmed deer with economic and operational practicalities on the farm.
“New Zealand has a strong reputation for animal welfare, and it’s important that we continue to rank highly for animal welfare standards. It’s also important that our animal welfare codes are practical and that the costs being imposed are
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proportional to the anticipated benefits,” said Mr Hoggard.
“The work by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) to review the code involved close consultation with key players in the deer industry, and a number of changes were made as a result of their input. This revised code shows that when we work together, we can achieve a balance and robust outcomes for industry.”
Codes of conduct for sheep and beef cattle went out for consultation in May, with Beef + Lamb New Zealand making a consultation submission on behalf of its constituents. The release of rules for deer points to pragmatism in the government’s approach, which is heartening for other livestock sectors. The new standards for deer can be found at mpi.govt.nz/deer.
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New rules governing animal welfare on deer farms come into effect in September, the first of a series of new livestock codes of welfare
by Andy Bryenton
Farmers gaining confidence in economy
The winter of consumer discontent has been brightened for the coalition government by news that farmers, at the front lines of economic regeneration, have expressed a boost in confidence.
While the ANZ Roy Morgan consumer confidence index dropped four points in early 2025, rival bank Westpac has recorded small gains in this field recently, and inflation held steady at 2.7 per cent. That’s not a particularly rosy outlook, especially in the face of a continuing cost-of-living crisis, but the bellwether for a return to economic strength has always been seen by the ruling National Party as the farming sector.
That’s why Agriculture Minister Todd McClay was enthusiastic to share the
results of the latest Federated Farmers’ confidence survey late in July; a poll, which puts farming optimism up to +33 per cent. That’s a stark contrast to the -66 per cent, recorded at the end of the former Labour administration’s tenure, after the public relation disasters of SNA mapping, the ute tax and intimations of freshwater regulatory overreach.
“After years of rising costs and uncertainty, our focus is on giving farmers the tools to do what they do best — lead the world in producing high-quality food and fibre. That means
replacing the Resource Management Act, changing national direction, including the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, and launching a contestable wellbeing fund to support rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay said.
The minister praised the approximately 360,000 Kiwis engaged in primary production on the land, and took the time to criticise extensive regulatory pressures as a ‘war of farmers’, which he says his colleagues in the coalition have cancelled.
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“It’s pleasing to see policy changes returning value to the farm gate,” he said. “This government has worked hard to change the settings, but there’s still more to do to ensure farmers can deliver growth for all New Zealanders.”
The measure of confidence in the Feds’ poll may be grounded in policy alterations to an extent, but record profits at the farm gate are also in the mix. A quarter of farmers now expect to increase production in the next year, two-thirds are operating with a profit, and there’s even indications that stress and its associated health issues are on the wane.
While the government touts an eightyear high for farmer confidence, Mr McClay’s assertion that there is a lot left to do rings as true as any of the statistics he’s shared. There is a lot to do to convert these green shoots in the primary sector into palpable prosperity in the main street and in homes, ahead of an election, which will be defined by the cost of living.
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Todd McClay has revealed a big boost in farming confidence, which points toward a turnaround in the economy
New Zealand dairy shares with the world
by Andy Bryenton
The fourth International Precision Dairy Farming Conference is coming this December, and for the first time it will be held here in New Zealand.
As well as showcasing the advances made by Kiwi farmers, the three-day symposium is focussed on sustainable dairy growth, a topic lawmakers and farmers have debated thoroughly and is set to become a global issue. Twenty-four nations will send delegates who are experts in the science, practice, business and theory of dairy farming to Christchurch, when the conference begins.
“By combining world-class science with practical farmer experience, our goal is to help farmers get the best out of their systems, such as increased productivity, improved animal care or greater environmental gains,” says DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown. Her organisation has been key to arranging the event, which boasts 120 submissions on cutting-edge dairying science and technology, a suite of farm visits showing new innovations in action, and keynote speakers from several prestigious universities.
These include the UK’s Professor David Rose, a leader in the role of social science for precision dairy research, the University of Wisconsin’s assistant professor Joao Dorea, who will speak on artificial
intelligence in dairy farming, and Dr Claudia Kamphuis from the Netherlands, who will address digital twins and the use of drones in grazing systems.
Top Kiwi farming firms, such as Halter, CowManager, and DeLaval (platinum, gold, and silver event sponsors, respectively) will present their latest innovations to this global audience as well.
“Helping farmers unlock more value from their land, animals and time is at the core of what we do. We’re excited to support this event because it’s all about impact on the ground,” says Halter CEO Craig Piggott.
Local farmers are warmly invited to attend this landmark conference. Registrations are encouraged now to
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attend, and are also open to researchers, students and dairy sector professionals. Visit precisiondairyfarmingconference.nz/ registration to get involved.
Dairy farming luminaries from around the world are coming to New Zealand for the industry’s biggest conference
