Category: New Zealand Government – Business

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Expanded scholarship programme to grow on-the-ground support for farmers and growers

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is expanding a scholarship programme for tertiary students as part of its efforts to boost on-the-ground support for farmers and growers.

“Ensuring farmers and growers are assisted to adapt to change will help contribute to the government’s ambitious goal of doubling the value of exports within 10 years,” MPI’s director of On Farm Support Dr John Roche says.

“Farmers’ ability to access support hinges on having a highly skilled primary industry advisory sector with the capacity to provide specialised on-the-ground extension services and advice.

“We have decided to offer our On Farm Support Science Scholarships for a second year and to widen eligibility for the programme.

“6 scholarships, worth a total of $30,000, are on offer for the 2025 academic year to tertiary students enrolled in relevant agriculture, horticulture, science, or viticulture degrees.

“We are seeking applications from students who have a genuine interest in joining the agricultural and horticultural advisory sector.

“Applicants must be studying at Massey, Lincoln, Otago, or Waikato universities, or the Eastern Institute of Technology or Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and have completed their first year of study.

“The profession can be hugely rewarding, especially if you like getting out in an orchard or paddock and supporting farmers to improve business performance with advice backed by science and analysis.”

Scholarship recipients receive mentoring and development opportunities from MPI’s On Farm Support team as part of the programme.

One of the inaugural 2024 scholarship recipients, Nerissa Edwards, is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University in Palmerston North. She urges students to apply.

“I have found the scholarship programme hugely beneficial,” Ms Edwards says.

“My On Farm Support mentor has helped me build connections within the advisory sector, leading to an internship with a local advisory company. I am grateful for these relationships and excited to see what opportunities arise when I graduate this year.”

Another 2024 scholarship recipient, Jed McCready, is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University in Canterbury. He says the scholarship has had unexpected benefits.

“Having the majority of my tuition fees covered this year has removed a huge amount of pressure and enabled me to focus on my studies,” Mr McCready says.

“Being mentored by a member of the On Farm Support team has been a valuable part of the scholarship. I’ve been fortunate to attend events, talk with farmers, and grow my networks. It has shown me the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations in the field.”

Applications for the MPI On Farm Support Science Scholarships opened on 19 August 2024 and close at 5pm on 16 September 2024.

Successful recipients will be chosen by an evaluation panel made up of representatives from across MPI.

On Farm Support science scholarships

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

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Landmark sentencing puts safety advisors on notice

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

A traumatic brain injury suffered by a Taranaki worker has led to the first sentencing of a consultancy under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

Safe Business Solutions (SBS) consultants gave paid health and safety advice to the employer of Grant Bowling, who was knocked unconscious by the bucket of an agricultural vehicle in August 2020. He suffered two brain bleeds, permanent loss of taste and smell, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

SBS had identified a “desperate need” for a traffic management plan and had undertaken to provide one, but hadn’t done so by the time of the collision six months later. A WorkSafe investigation found no steps were taken to manage the risks of uncontrolled traffic, aside from a small sign about speed at the entrance.

“In this case, the consultants offered active and ongoing management of health and safety risks, but did not deliver work they said they would,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West.

“One-way systems, clear separation between vehicles and people, designated crossing points, and speed bumps are measures which could have avoided the incident and the very serious consequences Mr Bowling still lives with.”

WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and organisations to manage their health and safety risks to keep workers safe.  If they do not manage these risks, we hold them responsible.

“Businesses paying for specialist health and safety advice need to know both they and their consultants have responsibilities under the law. You need the right consultant helping in the right way to get the right outcomes for workers,” says Paul West.

The Health and Safety Association (HASANZ) is the source of professionals who can give expert advice.

Read about the 2022 sentencing in this case
Read WorkSafe’s guidelines on managing workplace traffic
Find an advisor on the Health and Safety Association register(external link)

Background: 

  • Safe Business Solutions was sentenced at New Plymouth District Court on 16 August 2024.
  • A fine of $70,000 was imposed, and reparations of $28,403 were agreed
  • Safe Business Solutions was charged under sections 36(2), 48(1) and 48(2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
    • Between 16 July 2019 and 24 August 2020, at New Plymouth, being a PCBU having a duty to ensure so far as reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of other persons, including Grant Bowling, was not put at risk from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking, namely providing health and safety services, failed to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed any individual to a risk of death or serious injury.
  • The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively, you can:

Phone: 021 823 007 or

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

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Bone broth recalled to protect consumers

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting The Little Bone Broth Company in its recall of all batches and dates of its bone broths due to incomplete information on its food process controls.

“The concern with these broths is that the company has produced them without having complete information on its food process controls. This means there is incomplete evidence of food safety hazards being correctly managed,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Although there have been no reports of related illness, we are taking this precautionary approach because broth produced without the necessary food safety measures could make people sick.”

The product range includes:

  • Premium Free Range Chicken Broth 500ml
  • Premium Grass Fed Beef Broth 500ml
  • Premium Free Range Chicken Green Thai Curry Broth 500ml

“These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out.”

The broths are sold at selected supermarkets and retailers throughout New Zealand.

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for more information and photographs of the affected product.

The Little Bone Broth Company brand Premium Free Range Chicken Green Thai Curry Broth, Premium Free Range Chicken Broth and Premium Grass Fed Beef Broth

If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16 for free advice.

The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.

“As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with The Little Bone Broth Company to prevent this problem recurring,” Mr Arbuckle said.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur.  Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS food recall page.

Recalled food products list

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

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New Zealand Food Safety supporting Police investigation

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety continues to support the Police in their investigation of methamphetamine disguised as branded lollies, says New Zealand Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle.

“People with Rinda-branded pineapple lollies should not consume them and report any of the lollies to the Police,” says Vincent Arbuckle.

“Based on a check of import data and review of retailers there is no evidence that Rinda-branded pineapple lollies, or other products from the brand, are sold by New Zealand retailers.

“There is no indication of a wider food safety issue, but as always we would take quick action should an issue arise,” says Mr Arbuckle.

This is an ongoing criminal investigation, and any inquiries should be directed to the Police.

What to do:

  • If you have one of the Rinda branded items, contact Police on 105 or 111 quoting the file number 240813/5919.
  • If you are concerned you may have consumed one of these lollies and are feeling unwell, go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently. 
  • You can also call the national poison line on 0800 764 766.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

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Changes to company law proposed

Source: Companies Office – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Changes to company law proposed

Cabinet has agreed to update company law in New Zealand. These changes are expected to take place in two phases.

Key aspects of the first phase of changes include:

  • Modernising, simplifying and digitising the Companies Act to reduce compliance costs for companies and the Registrar.
  • Creating identification numbers for directors and general partners. This will make it easier to associate individuals with companies or limited partnerships and link those individuals’ corporate activities.
  • Allowing company directors and shareholders to record an address for service on the Companies Register, rather than their residential address. This will help address privacy and safety concerns.

The Law Commission will carry out work on the second phase of changes. This work will include a review of:

  • directors’ duties,
  • directors’ liability,
  • offences and penalties, and
  • more effective enforcement.

Published on , last updated on .

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Four deaths prompt quad bike warning

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

WorkSafe is urging rural New Zealand to refocus on the risk of quad bike roll-overs, which have tragically killed four farmers across the country in the past three weeks.

WorkSafe is investigating all four fatalities, the first of which occurred on 18 July in Wairarapa. It was followed by another on 22 July in Canterbury, one on 26 July in Southland, and most recently in Northland on 30 July. All four incidents coincided with the start of lambing and calving season.

“Our sympathy is with every family and community mourning these sudden deaths. Although our investigations are in their early stages, the trend is worrying enough for us to sound the alarm already,” says WorkSafe principal inspector Graham Bates.

“Doing a risk assessment of your terrain and tasks must be the top priority before getting on a quad bike. This is a time of year when we are experiencing variable weather and growth, and variable ground conditions. Sloped surfaces and steep terrain can be especially problematic and have sadly been a factor in some of the recent cases.”

Farm vehicle incidents are one of the top two causes of workplace deaths in Aotearoa, which is why agriculture is a priority sector under WorkSafe’s new strategy. We are targeting the biggest risks and working with the sector to improve health and safety in agriculture.

“Farming consists of a never-ending list of tasks and constant reprioritisation. However, we cannot let those challenges contribute to loss of life or injury. The people with the most power to influence this are those on the ground each day doing the work,” says WorkSafe’s Graham Bates.

Our recommendations for reducing the risks of harm on farm include:

  • Consider installing a crush protection or rollover protection device on your quad bike.
  • Choose the right vehicle for the job and ensure that the driver is competent.
  • Always use your seatbelt and helmet.
  • Consider undergoing quad bike training.
  • Prioritise maintenance. That should cover attachments, good tyres and brakes.
  • Remember tired people make mistakes.
  • Ensure that the vehicle is safely stopped and brakes are fully engaged before getting off.
  • Don’t be afraid to seek assistance when you need to – neighbouring farmers are always more than willing to lend a hand.

Read WorkSafe’s guidelines on safe use of quad bikes

Media contact details

For more information you can contact our Media Team using our media request form. Alternatively, you can:

Phone: 021 823 007 or

Email: media@worksafe.govt.nz

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Cost recovery for new or restarting international airports

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is consulting on proposed new regulations under the Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) 2014 Act (the Airports Act). If an airport chooses to start or re-start international flights, the Airports Act enables the Government to recover costs incurred by MPI and the New Zealand Customs Service. These costs can be recovered from the airport.

It is appropriate to consider cost recovery for starting or restarting international flights, as travellers and airports receive the benefits from these flights. MPI proposes to recover these costs through proposed regulations under the Airports Act, or by using a mix of new regulations and existing cost recovery methods.

If new regulations were made, they would help manage the Crown’s financial risk. They could also provide greater certainty to airports that may be considering offering international services on the potential costs associated with providing international flights.

Cost recovery plays an important role in funding services which the government provides, such as biosecurity and customs processing of travellers on international flights at airports.

Your feedback is essential for helping make decisions on cost recovery for biosecurity and border services. MPI needs to understand what impacts the proposals may have on you, your business, and your community.

Consultation opens on 7 August and closes at 5pm on 28 August 2024.

Discussion document

Cost recovery for new or restarting international airports [PDF, 859 KB]

Related documents

Cost recovery for new or restarting international airports fact sheet [PDF, 376 KB]

Release of discussion document: Cost recovery regulations for the airports (cost recovery for processing of international travellers) Act 2014 – Cabinet paper [PDF, 1.6 MB]

Current legislation

Airports (Cost Recovery for Processing of International Travellers) 2014 Act – NZ Legislation

Making your submission

Send your feedback to us by 5pm on Wednesday 28 August 2024. Email your submissions to BSP@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can send your submission by post to:

Biosecurity System Policy
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

What to include

Include the following in your submission:

  • the title of the consultation document
  • your name and title
  • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation)
  • your phone number
  • your email address.

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

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Work-related health newsletter – August 2024

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

Read our August 2024 work-related health update.

In this edition:

  • WorkSafe’s new strategy and Chief Executive
  • Manual handling training is not an effective control
  • Managing hazardous manual tasks
  • Manual handling risk assessments
  • Psychosocial survey of healthcare workers
  • Workplace exposure standards consultation
  • Safeguard awards winners
  • ACC helping build health, safety and wellbeing culture
  • Upcoming learning and networking opportunities

Read the full newsletter(external link)

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Application for a mātaitai reserve surrounding Moutohorā Island and the Rurima Island Group, Bay of Plenty

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Your views sought

In 2011, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa (Ngāti Awa) applied for a mātaitai reserve surrounding Moutohorā Island (Whale Island), and the Rurima Island Group in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Fisheries New Zealand want to receive updated views on the application.

Ngāti Awa and Fisheries New Zealand will hold a public meeting to discuss the application and invite submissions on the proposal from the local community.

This is the first of 2 consultation rounds that will be held about the application.

Find out about the second consultation

What area is being proposed?

The proposed area includes the New Zealand fisheries waters around Moutohorā Island (Whale Island), and the Rurima Island Group (Rurima, Moutoki, and Tokata), with the offshore boundaries extending to approximately 500 metres. The total proposed area is approximately 7.6 square kilometres.

History of this application

In 2011, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa (Ngāti Awa) lodged the Rurima – Moutohorā mātaitai reserve application. At that time, the proposed offshore boundaries extended to 1 nautical mile.

Fisheries New Zealand consulted on the application 3 times between 2012 and 2016, resulting in Ngāti Awa reducing the size of the proposed area to address concerns of commercial fishers.

In 2018, the then Minister for Oceans and Fisheries deferred a decision on the application due to its potential impact on commercial fishers. Ngāti Awa stated that further reductions of the proposed area would erode their capacity to exercise customary rights and impair their ability to meet their obligation of kaitiakitanga over their important customary fishing grounds. 

In 2024, Ngāti Awa and Fisheries New Zealand agreed to proceed with the application with the offshore boundaries extending to approximately 500 metres.

Ngāti Awa and Fisheries New Zealand are consulting on the application to ensure the local community are given the opportunity to provide contemporary views on the application.

Consultation documents

Map of proposed Rurima and Moutohorā Island mātaitai reserve [doc: 64470]

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti awa mātaitai application [doc: 64467]

Note 1: Te Rae o Kohi Mātaitai Reserve was established in 2018.

Note 2: The list of nominated kaitiaki will be updated.

Public meeting planned for Whakatāne

The local community is invited to attend a public meeting to discuss the application.

Time: 5.30pm.
Date: Wednesday 21 August 2024.
Venue: Te Whare o Toroa (Wairaka) Marae, 97 Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne.

Making your submission

Submissions from the local community close at 5pm on Monday 16 September 2024.

Email your submission to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can post your submission to:

Fisheries management – Spatial allocations
Fisheries New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

Public notices about this consultation

Public notices about the meeting with the local community and the call for submissions are scheduled to appear in the Whakatāne Beacon on 31 July and 14 August 2024.

A second consultation is planned

After the local community consultation period has closed, Fisheries New Zealand will hold a second consultation.

This will invite written submissions from persons having a fishing interest in the stock or stocks in the proposed area.  

The second consultation will be advertised in the same newspapers and on this website.

About mātaitai reserves

A mātaitai reserve is an identified traditional fishing ground which tangata whenua have a special relationship with. Mātaitai reserves are limited to fisheries waters and do not include any land area. Mātaitai reserves do not change any existing arrangements for access to private land.

Mātaitai reserves also do not affect private landowners’ land titles, or their ability to exercise resource consents for such things as taking water or extracting gravel or sand. Resource consents are managed under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Mātaitai reserves do not change the existing recreational fishing rules however commercial fishing is banned in a mātaitai reserve.

Mātaitai reserves do not have any impact on whitebait or trout fishing.

Find out more about mātaitai reserves

Fisheries (Kaimoana Customary Fishing) Regulations 1998 – NZ Legislation

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

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Henderson Dairy raw milk recalled due to Listeria concerns

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

Henderson Dairy is recalling specific batches of its Farm Fresh Raw Milk as the product may contain Listeria.

“The concern with this unpasteurised milk is that it may contain Listeria, a foodborne bacterium that can make you sick,” says New Zealand Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop.

“Listeriosis infection can be serious among pregnant people, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”

The affected products, sold by Henderson Dairy, are:

  • 1 litre Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 240724 with use-by 280724
  • 1 litre Farm Fresh Raw Milk batch code 260724 with use-by 300724.

“These products should not be consumed. Return them to Henderson Dairy for a refund or, if that’s not possible, throw them out.”

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for the latest information about the recall and photographs of the affected products.

Henderson Dairy brand Farm Fresh Raw Milk (unpasteurised) 1 Litre

“Listeria differs to other harmful bacteria in that it can grow at refrigerator temperatures, so you have to be very careful about the foods you eat, or provide to others, if you or they are in a vulnerable group,” says Ms Bishop.

“It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the newborn baby.”

Infection in healthy adults is unlikely to be severe, at most causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms within a few days of eating contaminated food. For those in the vulnerable groups, it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks – or even longer – before symptoms appear.

If you have consumed any of this product and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 61 11 16 for free advice.

“Drinking raw milk carries inherent risks, as it may contain harmful bacteria that are killed through the pasteurisation process.”

The products under recall were identified through routine testing, and there have been no reports of associated illness.

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Henderson Dairy to understand how the contamination occurred and prevent its recurrence,” Ms Bishop said.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur.  Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts.

More information on how to subscribe

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.