Leadership team takes shape in Fonterra elections, farmers and outdoor groups unite on land access concerns, and authorities consider major insecticide change.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

 

Leadership team takes shape in Fonterra elections

Dairy farmers across New Zealand have made their voices heard in the latest Fonterra elections, with results now confirmed for key leadership roles across the cooperative.

At the board level, experienced hands have been trusted to return, with current Chairman Peter McBride and Director John Nicholls maintaining their positions through the shareholder vote.

The cooperative's regional representation takes on a fresh outlook, with new faces joining experienced leaders across the council. Charlotte Lawn brings new energy to the Hawke's Bay region, while Megan Cushnahan will continue her work representing Central Districts West.

Looking northward, Peter Giesbers and Greg Collins continue their roles in Northland. Don Hammond remains the trusted voice for Northern Bay of Plenty farmers, while Karyn Johnson continues her work for Central Taranaki.

The mainland regions welcome both new and familiar faces. Simon Tripe returns for Tasman-Marlborough, while Daniel Joho takes on new responsibilities in Central Canterbury. Mark Cressey maintains his connection with South Canterbury farmers, and Jolene Germann steps into her role representing Western Southland.

Mike Pavletich and Richard Stalker will oversee directors' remuneration matters for the cooperative.

These leaders begin their new roles following Fonterra's Annual Meeting tomorrow.

 

Farmers and outdoor groups unite on land access concerns

Rural landowners and outdoor recreation advocates are joining voices to address mounting concerns about access to New Zealand's countryside. Both groups want clearer rules about their rights and responsibilities when recreational users enter rural land.

Federated Farmers spokesperson David Birkett says many rural families want to maintain their tradition of allowing responsible access to their land. However, unclear health and safety regulations leave many wondering exactly where their obligations begin and end.

The current rules, meant mainly for managing workplace safety, create uncertainty when it comes to recreational activities like hunting, tramping, and climbing. Edwin Sheppard from the Climbing Access Trust says this lack of clarity increasingly leads rural landowners to limit access, reducing opportunities for New Zealanders to enjoy their own backyard.

A dozen outdoor recreation organisations have now united to address these concerns. Their alliance includes major groups like the Deerstalkers Association and New Zealand Fish & Game Council, working together to maintain traditional access to rural areas.

Rural landowners maintain they're ready to identify known hazards on their land but need assurance they won't face liability for recreational activities beyond their control. They argue visitors must take reasonable responsibility for their own actions while enjoying the countryside.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is now reviewing all recommendations. They aim to create clear guidelines that work for both rural communities and recreational users, ensuring New Zealand's outdoor traditions continue while giving landowners needed certainty.

 

Authorities consider major insecticide change

Farmers are being asked to contribute their views on the use of an important agricultural insecticide, as the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) launches a review that could lead to significant changes in crop management.

The EPA is examining the future of chlorpyrifos, a chemical currently used to manage insect threats in grain crops and during biosecurity emergencies. The review comes amid mounting international attention about the chemical's environmental and health considerations.

Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager Dr Shaun Presow wants to hear directly from rural communities about their real-world experience with this chemical. His team aims to understand the practical implications any changes might have on New Zealand's agricultural operations.

While current rules already limit chlorpyrifos use to trained agricultural specialists, international regulators have introduced new findings that warrant careful consideration. Canadian authorities have already moved to restrict the chemical, while European nations maintain different management approaches.

Consultation is open until mid-February next year and arrives ten years after New Zealand's last major review of the chemical, which resulted in tighter controls and removed it from general consumer access.

 

Meat industry leadership roles open for nominations

Beef and Lamb New Zealand is inviting nominations for key leadership roles. 

Two director roles need filling, representing the Western North Island and Central South Island regions. Current directors Scott Gower and Nicky Hyslop indicate they'll stand again, while welcoming other candidates who might bring fresh thinking to the board table.

These roles carry additional weight as successful candidates will also join the New Zealand Meat Board, increasing their ability to influence industry direction. 

The organisation also needs talent for its Directors Independent Remuneration Committee, which makes recommendations about board member payments based on market conditions and time commitments.

Meanwhile, farming families can also influence industry direction through the annual meeting remit process. This allows rural communities to raise major matters affecting meat producers and seek changes to current policies.

Farmers interested in any of these roles need to submit their nominations by early December. 

Those wanting to take advantage of mail-in voting should ensure they're registered on the electoral roll by mid-January, though online voting registration remains open longer.

 

Canterbury Show returns stronger than expected

The Canterbury A&P Show has made a remarkable comeback, with rural and urban unity to ensuring the historic event continues its legacy this week. Under the leadership of Sir David Carter, the show has overcome challenges to deliver what organisers say will be a larger event than initially hoped.

The renamed Christchurch Show runs from Thursday to Saturday, and will feature more than three hundred trade exhibitors.

Livestock entries have exceeded expectations, with over six hundred sheep entered and strong numbers across cattle, dairy, and alpaca categories.

Visitors can look forward to tractor pulling competitions and drone demonstrations alongside classic events like wood chopping, shearing contests, and the highly social boar breeders' competition.

Event partners and the city council have stepped forward to ensure this important rural showcase continues its one hundred and sixty year tradition of bringing country and city together.

 

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