Mail service overhaul raises concerns for rural kiwis, fatigue awareness campaign launches for rural contractors, and Surfing for Farmers is back to support rural wellbeing.

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!

 

Mail service overhaul raises concerns for rural kiwis

Rural New Zealanders could soon see significant reductions to their postal service as mail volumes continue to plummet nationwide. New Zealand Post has proposed sweeping changes to its service obligations, including cutting rural mail delivery from 5 days per week down to just 3.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reports that mail volume in New Zealand has dropped by a staggering 813 million items over the past 20 years. Further declines are expected, with volumes predicted to fall to around 100 million by 2028 - an 80% decrease.

MBIE's James Hartley says these drastic changes in mail usage require NZ Post to re-evaluate its operations to ensure long-term commercial viability. 

The proposed options include reducing urban mail delivery from 3 days per week to just 2, while rural delivery would drop from 5 days to 3. Additionally, the minimum number of postal outlets nationwide would be slashed from 880 to only 500.

Hartley acknowledges the outsized importance of mail services for rural New Zealanders, who often rely on the postal network for essential needs like bill payments and prescription deliveries. He says the government is seeking feedback on how these potential changes would impact communities.

Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith will ultimately decide on any updates to NZ Post's service obligations after the public consultation process concludes on December 10th. 

Operational details about implementing changes would then be determined by NZ Post itself.

 

Fatigue awareness campaign launches for rural contractors

Rural contractors are being reminded about managing fatigue during the busy harvest season as Rural Contractors of New Zealand launches a new toolkit to help both employers and employees prioritise safety.

CEO Andrew Olsen says long hours and high demands can lead to dangerous fatigue levels, especially when operating heavy machinery, and that even minor impairment from tiredness can have severe consequences.

The toolkit provides guidance on recognizing and addressing fatigue. It encourages open communication between contractors and their clients, ensuring expectations align with worker capacity. 

Olsen emphasises that while equipment may operate around the clock, the people running it need appropriate downtime. Attempting to power through exhaustion increases the risk of accidents harming the operator or those around them.

The campaign aims to shift industry norms and make fatigue management a standard priority. 

To access the toolkit head to ruralcontractors.org.nz

 

Otago dairy farmers prepare for annual compliance checks

As calving season wraps up, Otago's more than 400 dairy farmers are being reminded that annual compliance inspections by t he Otago Regional Council will start soon.

The inspections focus on ensuring farms meet standards for effluent storage and application, along with proper management of silage, waste, and water use.

Compliance Monitoring Team Leader, Mike Cummings says the education-focused program has run successfully for years, providing an opportunity for open dialogue between farmers and regulators. However, he cautions that where needed, appropriate enforcement action will be taken.

The Otago region is home to 462 dairy farms, and last season the council's compliance team completed 400 dairy inspections across the region.

Farmers are also being reminded that by December, all farms with less than 40 days of effluent storage will require a resource consent for land application. Many will also need consents for their storage facilities.

 

Taranaki dairy farmers involved in ancient herb trial

Taranaki dairy land is yielding a new commercial opportunity, as regional growers lead the nation in cultivating angelica, an ancient medicinal and culinary herb. The initiative has emerged through Venture Taranaki's groundbreaking agricultural diversification initiative.

Traditional dairy operators are now harvesting this crop, which attracts premium revenues reaching up to eighty dollars a kilogram through its use in luxury goods manufacturing. Multiple local enterprises, including artisan gin makers and natural health companies, are accessing regional production.

The regional trial, which has received MPI investment, demonstrates remarkable timing as agricultural enterprises navigate changing market demands. Venture Taranaki's Michelle Bauer says the initiative extends beyond identifying new growing alternatives, aiming to create entire value chains linking local growers directly with manufacturing and retail markets.

Venture Taranaki emphasises this initiative enhances rather than alters traditional agriculture. The agency is now examining multiple additional trials, exploring other high-value natural ingredients well-matched to regional growing conditions.

 

Surfing for Farmers is back to support rural wellbeing

The popular Surfing for Farmers programme will return for its eighth season on November 5th, offering farmers a chance to step away from the demands of rural life and recharge by the sea. This year, sessions will be held at 25 beaches across New Zealand, providing a free and accessible escape for those working in the primary sector.

Founder and chairman Stephen Thomson says the programme’s success lies in its simplicity and impact with more farmers joining every year and it makes a real difference for rural communities, especially in tough times. Over 8,000 farmers and growers are expected to join the 13 to 15-week programme this season, which is designed to help participants reconnect and recharge.

All surf lessons, equipment, and refreshments are provided at no cost, ensuring everyone can take part, regardless of financial situation. 

For more details, including session times and locations, visit the Surfing for Farmers Facebook page or website surfingforfarmers.com

 

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