Category: Farming

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Fast-tracked hydro to boost West Coast resilience

Source: New Zealand Government

A fast-tracked renewable energy project on the West Coast will strengthen regional electricity supply and improve resilience, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say.

In August 2025, Westpower Limited lodged a substantive application to build and operate a 23MW hydro scheme in the Waitaha Valley, about 38km south of Hokitika. The project includes a weir and a 1.5km tunnel to a two-turbine powerhouse.

“The Waitaha Hydro project has taken around 20 years to progress. Westpower Limited sought Department of Conservation concessions in 2014. Following a publicly notified process and a hearing in 2016, the Minister for the Environment declined the application in 2019,” says Mr Bishop.

“In 2022, Westpower applied to DOC seeking that the 2019 decision be reconsidered. That reconsideration process was suspended when the project obtained a listing in the FTAA and was subsequently withdrawn by Westpower.

“Fast-track meant this project received all the necessary approvals in around five months from the appointment of an expert panel.”

Poutini Ngāi Tahu is a key partner in the project, working alongside Westpower to support local economic development and ensure the hydro scheme benefits the West Coast community.

“Westpower estimates the scheme will generate enough renewable electricity to power around 12,000 homes each year and prevent up to 129,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. This is about the same as taking roughly 69,000 cars off the road annually,” Mr Jones says.

“The West Coast faces some of the highest electricity costs in New Zealand, largely due to its distance from major generation sources and dependence on a 550km-long transmission line. Increasing local generation is expected to help ease these pressures over time.

“The scheme could also contribute to New Zealand’s wider energy system by helping to manage dry-year risks affecting hydro generation elsewhere in the country.”

“Construction is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region, with total investment estimated between $160m and $200m. Around 71 full-time equivalent jobs will be created over the three-year construction period,” Mr Bishop says. 

“Local MP Maureen Pugh has been a strong advocate for this project, and I know she will be very pleased about progress being made.” 

Notes to editors

For more information about the project:  Waitaha Hydro

Fast-track by the numbers: 

  • 18 projects approved by expert panels.
  • 19 projects with expert panels appointed.
  • 45 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
  • 43 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure.
  • 149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval.
  • On average, it has taken 126 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 

  • Arataki [Housing/Land] 
  • Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
  • Green Steel [Infrastructure]
  • Homestead Bay [Housing/Land]
  • Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]   
  • Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land]
  • Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying]
  • Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying]
  • Maitahi Village [Housing/Land]
  • Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land]
  • Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land] 
  • Southland Wind Farm Project [Infrastructure]
  • Sunfield [Housing/Land] 
  • Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy]
  • Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure]
  • Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying]
  • Waitaha Hydro [Renewable energy]
  • Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]

Expert panels have been appointed for: 

  • Ashbourne  
  • Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project 
  • Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
  • Central and Southern Block Mining Project
  • Delmore
  • Downtown Carpark Site Development
  • Haldon Solar Farm
  • Hananui Aquaculture Project
  • Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme
  • Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works
  • Mahinerangi Wind Farm
  • North West Rapid Transit
  • Pound Road Industrial Development
  • Ryans Road Industrial Development
  • State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
  • Stella Passage Development
  • The Point Mission Bay
  • The Point Solar Farm
  • Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/17/fast-tracked-hydro-to-boost-west-coast-resilience/

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NZ’s medicinal cannabis ecosystem hopes to harvest value-add opportunities

Source: Radio New Zealand

Southern Medicinal has converted the old Mataura paper mill into a medicinal cannabis and hemp growing, testing and processing facility. Supplied / Southern Medicinal

The budding medicinal cannabis sector is struggling to put down roots and another specialist processing factory is set to close.

But regulators considering current rules and a new industry collective offer some promise to reduce New Zealand’s reliance on imported medicinal bud.

There was a buzz of excitement when medicinal cannabis was legalised then regulated in 2020 with a view towards growing a domestic sector and serving patients here and abroad.

However since then, a number of firms have shut their doors, including Greenfern Industries, Cannasouth and most recently, Helius Therapeutics.

The latter is planning to close its East Tāmaki factory, affecting 65 workers. It is one of only a few medicinal cannabis factories nationwide that holds a specialist processing certification called “Good Manufacturing Practice” (GMP).

Harvesting cannabis flowers at Puro’s Kēkerengū farm on the Kaikōura Coast. SUPPLIED/PURO NZ

Medicinal Cannabis Council executive director Sally King said under current rules, because most producers did not hold that certification, they could only put out raw bud ingredients, not processed products like more lucrative cannabis capsules.

“In New Zealand, what we’re doing quite a lot of here is we are exporting those ingredients which are made into higher quality, more dose-specific formats,” she said.

“That’s where the real growth is.”

She said medicinal cannabis, as for many other primary industries, struggled to keep value-add manufacturing on home soil.

“What would be great, would be if we could manufacture and add value onshore for offshore markets, but it is a bit of a challenge.”

King said enabling more on-shore processing would give doctors more product options for patients, improving competition and possibly bringing down prices.

“For all primary industries, the greatest question we have is ‘how do you add the value in export?’ I think it’s an important question for medicinal cannabis too.”

Cannabis flower at Rua Bioscience’s facility in Mangaoporo, Te Tairāwhiti. Rua Bioscience

Scale advantage for international manufacturers – Rua Bioscience

NZX-listed company, Rua Bioscience of Ruatoria sold its GMP factory in Tairāwhiti in 2023 to instead focus on exports, due in part to challenges associated with GMP manufacturing.

This week, it celebrated gaining new market access for its East Coast-sourced live cultivar clones into key market Canada for further processing there.

Aotearoa largely imported medicinal cannabis flower products, led by Canada, which built a multi-billion dollar local industry since legalising recreational use in 2018.

Chief executive Paul Naske said the extremely high standards of GMP should only be required for the steps after drying harvested biomass, as this would encourage more local supply into more finished products.

“The manufacture of medicine in New Zealand, yeah, it’s not easy, that’s called GMP manufacture.”

He said the company pivoted towards exports in recent years, focussing on genetic innovation and international partnerships.

“New Zealand doesn’t have a massive depth of medical manufacture in the country. We import a lot of medicine, by simple fact because it’s costly and large offshore manufacturers have a greater scale.”

Industry hopes for further regulatory change

Naske recently inked a letter with suggested regulation changes to the Minister for Regulation, David Seymour – who also investigated industrial hemp’s regulations.

These included the requirements for stability or shelf-life testing, GMP requirements, and requirements for European Union-bound exports that faced re-testing once on-shore.

It also wanted performance targets for verification assessments and for regulator staffing levels to increase.

Regulation Minister David Seymour visiting the Hemp NZ Food Factory in Ashburton in December last year. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Seymour said he referred the letter on to the Ministry of Health as the previous government set up a medicinal cannabis agency to deal with this area of regulation.

“I will be asking them to report on whether they can make these changes and if not, why not?”

He said [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/497357/medicinal-cannabis-industry-growing-as-regulation-overhaul-given-green-light

cutting red tape] had sped up the export licensing process, as the number of applications also increased.

“Now they are in the process of implementing changes to make the process even faster.”

There were 26 applications that took 22 working days to process in 2022/23.

Then in 2024/25, the 65 applications took 10 working days to process.

Seymour said Medsafe’s export licensing regime review last year meant applications became electronic as opposed to paper copies.

He said export volume of cannabis flower increased from 49 kilograms in 2021 to 2310kg in 2025.

“We need to get money into the country. Not everybody likes this stuff, but there’s a market for it.”

Early season growth at Puro’s Kēkerengū farm on the Kaikōura Coast. SUPPLIED/PURO NZ

A Medsafe spokesperson said it was committed to issuing export and import licences promptly, and was considering further feedback from industry on regulations.

“We have to strike the right balance between allowing industry to operate efficiently while also ensuring New Zealanders are accessing quality products,” it said in a statement.

In 2024, following feedback from the industry, it removed the requirement for exports to meet New Zealand’s minimum quality standards and removed duplicate requirements for assessing and verifying the products and ingredients.

It said it was also exploring possible alternative methods for stability testing, and GMP existed to ensure patients could access quality products.

“It’s important that when people use medicinal cannabis products, they can be confident they are consuming a medicine which has the stated amount of ingredient, is stable, and is free from harmful contaminants for example.

“Maintaining appropriate manufacturing requirements ensures New Zealanders can access quality products and allows us to uphold New Zealand’s reputation for producing high quality goods overseas.”

New grower collective created

Meanwhile, company Ora Pharm launched a new grower collective this week called NZ Grow Co to improve collaboration across cultivation, processing and marketing.

Ora Pharm chief executive Zoe Reece said the sector was looking to move beyond its early, fragmented phase.

“Regulatory clarity is critical to unlocking investment and participation,” she said. “What we are seeing now is the opportunity to build a more coordinated, export-focused industry that delivers real economic value.”

It said it was working with around two-thirds of licensed cultivators and had a new extraction facility in north Waikato, that was in the process of trying to obtain an EU GMP certification.

Harvest was now underway for New Zealand’s outdoor medicinal cannabis farmers, including the country’s largest grower Puro NZ.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/16/nzs-medicinal-cannabis-ecosystem-hopes-to-harvest-value-add-opportunities/

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Still time to nominate native forest champions

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

There is still time to nominate outstanding native forest initiatives for the 2026 Growing Native Forest Champions Awards, with nominations closing on Friday 17 April. 
 
Now in their second year, the awards recognise individuals and organisations leading the establishment and restoration of native forests across Aotearoa New Zealand. They celebrate practical, on the ground efforts that support biodiversity, strengthen land resilience, and deliver enduring environmental and economic benefits. 
 
The awards showcase the leadership of landowners, farmers, iwi, forestry organisations, and community groups who are integrating native forests into their land management in meaningful and innovative ways. From erosion control and climate resilience to long term sustainable land use, permanent native forests play a vital role – and these awards highlight those making it happen. 
 
Belinda Miller, forestry support regional manager at Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, says the awards reflect growing momentum for native forest planting and restoration nationwide. 
 
“We’re seeing strong enthusiasm from landowners and communities who are integrating native forests into their landscapes in practical, forward-thinking ways. These awards recognise that leadership and help share stories that inspire others,” she says. 
 
The Growing Native Forest Champions Awards align with the Government’s broader objectives to support sustainable land use, improve environmental outcomes, and strengthen regional economies. They also complement existing initiatives that encourage permanent native forests and long-term land stewardship. 
 
Award categories recognise excellence across innovation, environmental impact, and community or iwi-led initiatives. Categories include Trees on Farms, Lifestyle Block Owner, Large scale Restoration Project, Forestry Company, Mana Whenua, and Catchment or Community Group. 
 
Finalists and winners will be celebrated at a national awards ceremony at Fieldays from 10 to 13 June, providing a high-profile platform to share their stories with the rural sector and the wider public. 
 
Nominations close on Friday 17 April 2026. 

To celebrate the great work in your community being done to grow native forests, visit Growing Native Forests Champions  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/16/still-time-to-nominate-native-forest-champions/

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Marine farmers using AI to find out what’s happening under water

Source: Radio New Zealand

A live feed of the data captured by the UWAI Robotics underwater drone. RNZ / Samantha Gee

At the top of the South Island, in the centre of New Zealand’s aquaculture and fishing industries, artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to provide better information about what’s going on under water.

Scientists and engineers are working together to develop new tools that give marine farmers better metrics, in a bid to push growth in the sector.

Tim Rensen is one of the founders of UWAI Robotics, a Christchurch-based company that’s built an underwater drone that uses artificial intelligence and advanced imaging to scan mussel lines, so farmers can see their crops in real time.

“What we are working on at the moment is being able to tell farmers what the condition of their mussels is, because at the moment they have to shuck them open to look at the quality of the meat, but we are looking at that, looking at what other biofouling is growing on the lines and what have the conditions been.”

UWAI Robotics co founder Tim Rensen deploying the underwater drone to scan mussel lines on a farm in the Marlborough Sounds. RNZ / Samantha Gee

Once the drone is in place on a mussel farm using sensors and GPS, it scans the lines and provides a video stream to a laptop on the surface, capturing images of thousands of individual mussels.

The data was then instantly analysed using AI and Rensen said it had taken eight years of development to get to this point.

“It is about distilling all of this raw data into a few key metrics like count, size, the variability on the line, we could be looking at whether the mussels are clumping together or if they are well distributed,” Rensen said.

They can provide insights on expected yield, when to reseed and harvest, with the aim of providing even more information as the technology develops.

In Havelock, the Greenshell Mussel Capital of the World, Mills Bay Mussels operations manager Maegan Blom said checking the quality of the shellfish usually involved hauling lines out of the water and opening mussels to inspect them.

“Those quality decisions that you make when you are checking the crop for harvest are really crucial to maintain the value of the product. If you tell your customer what you have got for them and then it arrives at their factory and it is different, that is really not good.”

The company, which supplies fresh live mussels, mussel meat products and health supplements to the domestic market, has marine farms in the Marlborough Sounds and Golden Bay.

A Mills Bay Mussels farm in Kenepuru Sound. RNZ / Samantha Gee

She said it had been fascinating to see Rensen use the underwater drone on a Mills Bay farm in Kenepuru Sound, and then almost instantly supply her with a graph showing the size of the mussels.

“It’s not necessarily quicker, but the accuracy of the information is just incredible so you can make better decisions.”

Blom said had imagined technology like what UWAI Robotics was developing and was excited to see what was already being used in other industries being adapted for use in marine farming.

She said there was lots that couldn’t be controlled when farming in the ocean, so it was important to focus on what could be. Quality data collected over time would enable better operations, previously learnt through years of experience.

“You can control things like when you seed your lines, the density, where you put your farms, what time of the year you harvest, but then there’s things you can’t control, how much food’s in the water, the weather, what happens in the natural environment with predators like when the snapper are going to come and eat the mussels.

“With good information you can actually start to draw conclusions, patterns, trends and become a more efficient mussel farmer.”

In Nelson, marine tech company Seaweave have developed camera systems, sensors and artificial intelligence for use in the aquaculture and fishing industries.

The UWAI Robotics underwater drone which is called Crabby. RNZ / Samantha Gee

Chief executive Chris Rodley said not only was it hard to see what was happening in a marine farm, but access to those sites was weather dependant.

“If a big storm comes to Tasman Bay and the farmers they can’t go out on their vessels to check the farm, they can’t even go out the next day because the weather is so bad, they can’t see it from land and how do we help those guys put their head on the pillow and actually sleep at night?”

He said the benefits were two fold, visual data was available in real time, but could also be interpreted over time to identify patterns and trends.

“Number one, what’s going on in real time on the farm, what’s the water quality like, are there any issues with lack of food, or a huge weather event that dumps a bunch of freshwater into the harbour.”

He said AI was changing the way that data was accessed.

Seaweave CEO Chris Rodley. Supplied

“What if you could talk to your farm, if you could ask it, ‘what is going on right now?’ and your farm could simply answer.

“In the past that was difficult and now we just put that data into a model and it can be queried and that’s exciting.”

Seaweave first started working with mussel farmers and had since moved into other areas, including wild caught fisheries.

Last year, Seaweave signed an agreement with the Bioeconomy Science Institute to further develop AI imaging applications for fish in aquaculture, which Rodley said it was like facial recognition for fish.

He said nine fish species were currently recognisable. It means individual fish can be identified, assessed for breeding programmes and monitored underwater.

The underwater drone scanning mussel lines on a Marlborough Sounds farm. RNZ / Samantha Gee

Rodley said New Zealand had some of the best seafood in the world, but because of its distance from key markets, so there was a need to focus on quality and telling the story behind the product.

“We can identify individual [fish] as they travel through the supply chain at various points and that’s huge for population modelling and management.

“Linking that to the end consumer allows us to create a huge amount of value.”

It’s hoped the technology will help the aquaculture industry reach its goal of quadrupling its annual revenue to reach $3 billion by 2035.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/15/marine-farmers-using-ai-to-find-out-whats-happening-under-water/

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The Work Project Opens New Floor at Parkview Square

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2026 – The Work Project (TWP) has announced the opening of a new floor at Parkview Square Singapore, expanding its luxury coworking and meeting room offerings to one of the city’s most iconic Art Deco-inspired landmarks at the Bugis fringe of the CBD.

The Work Project Opens New Floor at Parkview Square

The Work Project at Parkview Square: A New Landmark for Premium Coworking

TWP’s newest space occupies Level 7 of Parkview Square, located at the Bugis fringe of Singapore’s Central Business District. Building on its existing presence at Level 10, this expansion deepens TWP’s footprint within one of the city’s most architecturally celebrated addresses and reinforces its commitment to design excellence and premium hospitality.

Parkview Square, distinguished by its cinematic Art Deco-inspired facade and home to the renowned Atlas Bar, provides a compelling backdrop for TWP’s vision of a refined, future-ready work environment tailored for forward-thinking businesses and global teams.

Sheena Goh, Head of Sales of The Work Project said: “Parkview Square stands out from the rest of the buildings in the vicinity by being intentionally historic and cinematic, housing the famous Atlas Bar. Our TWP office in Parkview is designed with the Art Deco inspired designs in mind, catering to the increasing demand for premium and sophisticated workspaces in an iconic building.”

Premium Workspaces and Meeting Rooms Designed for Singapore’s Most Discerning Businesses

The Work Project at Parkview Square offers a curated range of workspace solutions, including private offices, dedicated desks, and collaborative areas. Thoughtfully designed with high-quality materials, ergonomic furnishings, and Art Deco-inspired aesthetics, the space reflects TWP’s hallmark approach to luxurious and functional work environments.

The floor also features fully equipped meeting rooms available for rental, serving as a premium meeting space for businesses across Singapore. For enterprises and entrepreneurs seeking a quality coworking space in Bugis, TWP at Parkview Square offers a well-appointed address supported by the brand’s established approach to workspace design and member experience.

https://theworkproject.com/sg
https://www.facebook.com/theworkproject
https://www.instagram.com/twp_theworkproject/

Hashtag: #TheWorkProject

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/15/the-work-project-opens-new-floor-at-parkview-square/

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L’Occitane en Provence Announces the Return of Its Iconic Amande Sublime Collection, Redefining Daily Shower as a Conscious Ritual

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 April 2026 – In a world that rarely slows down, a shower remains one of the few uninterrupted pauses in the day, a moment that belongs entirely to the self. With the return of its iconic Amande Sublime collection, L’Occitane en Provence reimagines this everyday routine as a mindful ritual, where sensorial pleasure meets responsible beauty.

Amande Sublime Collection: Softening Shower Oil, Supple Skin Oil, and Smoothing Milk Concentrate

At the heart of the collection is Almond, a precious ingredient deeply tied to Provence and to L’Occitane’s longstanding commitment to biodiversity, responsible sourcing, and circular beauty.

From Provence to the Shower: The Almond Story of Renewal

Once abundant across Provence, Almond trees nearly disappeared from the landscape in the mid‑20th century due to changing agricultural priorities and climate challenges. Since 2000, L’Occitane has worked closely with local farmers to help revive this fragile crop, supporting the replanting of more than 500,000 Almond trees in southern France and contributing to the regeneration of local ecosystems.

Sourced from Provence, L’Occitane’s Almonds are cultivated using agroecological practices that prioritise soil health, biodiversity and long‑term resilience. By working directly with producers, including multi‑generation Almond growers at the Valensole plateau – Jean-Pierre Jaubert, the Maison ensures both the quality of its ingredients and the preservation of Provençal heritage.

A Circular Approach to Ingredients — Nothing Wasted

L’Occitane’s philosophy extends beyond sourcing to using every part of the Almond:

  • Almond Oil gently cleanses and nourishes the skin
  • Almond Milk helps hydrate and improve skin suppleness
  • Finely Crushed Almond Shells are repurposed for gentle exfoliation

This holistic use of the ingredient reflects a circular mindset – maximising benefits while minimising waste and reinforces L’Occitane’s commitment to responsible production.

The Icon Reimagined: Amande Sublime Softening Shower Oil

A global bestseller, the Amande Sublime Softening Shower Oil transforms from a silky oil into a delicate milky lather on contact with water, cleansing gently while enveloping the skin in the comforting scent of fresh Almonds.

Formulated with 40% natural-origin oils, including Almond and grapeseed oils, the shower oil leaves skin feeling soft and supple after every use. The formula contains 99% biodegradable ingredients and is available in a refill format that helps reduce packaging weight by up to 81% compared to standard bottles, offering a more conscious way to enjoy everyday indulgence.

Beyond the Shower: A Complete Almond Body Ritual Reimagined

The ritual continues with targeted body care products designed to support skin comfort and elasticity:

  • Amande Sublime Supple Skin Oil, formulated with 50% Almond oil, helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by up to 44%, leaving skin firmer and more refined after regular use
  • Amande Sublime Smoothing Milk Concentrate delivers lasting hydration, helping to nourish and soften the skin while improving overall texture and comfort

Both products are also available in refill formats, encouraging long‑term use with reduced environmental impact.

Design Inspired by Nature

Accompanying the collection is a refreshed packaging design inspired by the delicate curve of an inverted Almond, reflecting softness, fluidity and sensoriality. The signature black cap pays homage to L’Occitane’s iconic apothecary heritage and is engraved with the Maison’s monogram, a subtle link between tradition and modern refinement.

A Certified Commitment to Conscious Beauty

As part of the L’Occitane Group, a certified B Corporation since 2023, the Amande Sublime collection embodies the Maison’s commitment to balancing pleasure with purpose from responsible ingredient sourcing to waste‑reducing packaging and long‑term biodiversity programmes.

Held in Kuala Lumpur, the Everyday Ritual Redefined with L’Occitane Amande Sublime event reimagined a familiar bathroom moment as an immersive sensorial journey, engaging the senses of sight, scent, texture, touch and taste through the comforting world of Almond. Guests were guided through a ritual of cleansing, pausing and nourishing the skin, reflecting on how everyday routines can be transformed into moments of intention.

“Today, self‑care is not about adding more steps, but about finding meaning in moments we already have,” said Ms Elida Wong, General Manager of L’Occitane Southeast Asia & India. “The shower is one of the few daily rituals that allows us to pause. With the Amande Sublime collection, we hope to transform this moment into an experience that feels both sensorial and intentional.”

More Product Information:

https://my.loccitane.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@loccitanemy?lang=en

Hashtag: #RedefineYourShowerMoment #LOccitaneMY #LOccitaneEnProvence

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/15/loccitane-en-provence-announces-the-return-of-its-iconic-amande-sublime-collection-redefining-daily-shower-as-a-conscious-ritual/

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Minister welcomes Landcorp special dividend

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will receive a $10 million special dividend from Landcorp Farming Limited today, State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“We expect our state-owned enterprises to operate efficiently, maintain strong balance sheets, and return value to New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

“Including this payment, Landcorp will have returned a total of $25 million in dividends to the Crown in the 2025/26 financial year, reflecting Shareholding Ministers’ expectations for appropriate capital returns.

“Every dollar returned to the Crown is available to support the Government’s investment in the public services New Zealanders rely on, including schools, hospitals, roads, and frontline services like Police. That is central to our plan to deliver better outcomes for Kiwis.”

“It also demonstrates confidence in Landcorp’s financial position and its ability to deliver consistent value for taxpayers.”

Mr Brown says the dividend follows a capital payment from Fonterra and highlights the strength of Landcorp’s recent turnaround.

“I’m pleased to see the continued improvement in Landcorp’s performance, with recent half-year results pointing to a strong full-year outcome, supported by improved operations and favourable commodity prices.

“This progress reflects disciplined management, a sharper operational focus, and a clear commitment to delivering value for taxpayers.”

Landcorp received a $9.5 million capital repayment as a shareholder in Fonterra. The special dividend represents a pass-through of this non-operating receipt and sits outside Landcorp’s ordinary dividend policy.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/15/minister-welcomes-landcorp-special-dividend/

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Vietnam-China Agricultural Cooperation in a New Era: From Strategic Vision to a Sustainable and Prosperous Supply Chain

Source: Media Outreach

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation on a state visit to China from April 14 to 17, 2026.

This constitutes a diplomatic event of paramount significance, aimed at concretizing high-level common understandings and further enriching the substance of the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Within this framework, agricultural cooperation is identified as a crucial pillar, contributing to sustainable development and delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.

Strategic Imprint and a Visionary Roadmap for Agricultural Collaboration

The State Visit unfolds against the backdrop of the finest phase of development in relations between the two Parties and two countries. It leaves a profound strategic imprint and bolsters high-level political trust, an essential prerequisite for substantive cooperation across all sectors.

Within the guiding framework of building a “China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future of Strategic Significance,” agricultural collaboration is prioritized as a linchpin, playing a pivotal role in the deep economic integration of the two economies and the safeguarding of national food security.

This vision not only strives for balanced trade and sustainable regional development but also embodies the spirit of being “both comrades and brothers.” It serves as a solid foundation for translating practical commitments into reality and generating robust momentum for the agricultural value chain in this new era of development.

Agriculture: A Dynamic Pillar of Bilateral Trade

The strategic vision and shared perceptions of the two countries’ top leaders generate powerful momentum for promoting trade in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, thereby highlighting the complementarity and comparative advantages of the two economies. Leveraging its abundant tropical agricultural resources, Vietnam is increasingly effective in meeting the diverse and high-quality demands of the Chinese market.
Currently, China remains Vietnam’s largest export market for agro-forestry-fishery products and a leading import partner. Reciprocally, Vietnam maintains its position as China’s largest trading partner within ASEAN. These outcomes clearly demonstrate the efficacy of trade promotion policies and the concerted efforts of both sides to facilitate customs clearance and market connectivity.

Impressive growth is substantiated by concrete figures: in 2024, bilateral trade in agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached US$17.8 billion (a 14.6% increase year-on-year); in 2025, total trade surged to US$20.94 billion (a 17.6% increase), with Vietnam’s exports to China reaching US$15.97 billion, a remarkable 41.1% jump compared to 2024.

These figures not only affirm the growing importance of Vietnamese agricultural products in the Chinese market but also indicate substantial potential to be harnessed through future cooperation. This provides a solid empirical foundation for both sides to continue fostering in-depth collaboration, striving to build a transparent, safe, and sustainable agricultural supply chain that better addresses the needs and expectations of consumers in both countries.

Realizing Commitments and Expanding Market Access

In implementing the common understandings reached by the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and relevant Chinese agencies have coordinated closely to refine the legal framework, dismantle technical barriers, and broaden market access.

To date, the two sides have signed 33 Agreements and Protocols, establishing an increasingly synchronized and favorable legal corridor for the trade of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products.

Consequently, efforts to expand the portfolio of exportable agricultural commodities have yielded significant positive results. Vietnam has standardized technical procedures for 15 fruit and vegetable export items, nine of which are key staples managed under Protocols. Notably, an additional five new Protocols were concluded in 2025 alone.

In the fisheries sector, China has licensed hundreds of Vietnamese establishments to participate in exports, contributing to an expansion in both scale and product diversity.

Currently, both sides are actively advancing negotiations to open markets for numerous promising products. Concurrently, trade and investment promotion activities during the visit are expected to play a vital role in transforming high-level commitments into concrete outcomes, steering agricultural trade toward stable, sustainable, and efficient development.

Standardizing Production Processes to Align with International Benchmarks

To meet the increasingly stringent quarantine and food safety requirements of the Chinese market and other international destinations, Vietnam’s agricultural sector is accelerating production restructuring in tandem with quality standardization. This represents a strategic pivot, shifting the development paradigm from a focus on “quantity” to one prioritizing “quality and value.”

Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is concentrating efforts on establishing and strictly managing a system of planting area codes and packaging facility codes to ensure transparent traceability. Simultaneously, full compliance with food safety regulations, particularly Orders 248 and 249 of the General Administration of Customs of China, has become a mandatory requirement for exporting enterprises.

These endeavors not only help sustain and expand access to the Chinese market but also lay the groundwork for Vietnamese agricultural products to integrate more deeply into global value chains.

Strengthening Investment and Forging a Modern Agricultural Supply Chain in Vietnam

Attracting investment, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is emerging as a key priority in Vietnam-China agricultural cooperation. Vietnam is steadily enhancing its transparent and open investment climate, offering a host of competitive advantages: (i) Locational and Raw Material Advantages: Abundant and stable agricultural inputs, coupled with an increasingly efficient logistics system, exemplified by the “smart border gate” model, optimize transit times and costs; (ii) Attractive Incentive Policies: Projects in high-tech agriculture, deep processing, and green agriculture benefit from preferential corporate income tax rates and favorable land policies; (iii) Gateway to Global Markets: With a network of over 16 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Vietnam stands as a strategic investment destination, enabling Chinese enterprises to capitalize on opportunities to expand exports to major markets under preferential terms. Notably, investment cooperation in cold chain logistics infrastructure and post-harvest preservation technology is anticipated to be a critical factor in reducing losses, enhancing value addition, and bolstering the competitiveness of agricultural products from both nations.

The State Visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam to China is set to generate significant political momentum, propelling bilateral cooperation into a new phase of development. With strategic consensus from the highest levels of leadership and the active engagement of regulatory agencies and the business community, a modern and sustainable Vietnam-China agricultural supply chain is gradually taking shape, promising to elevate value addition, spur economic growth, and contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the region.

Hashtag: #MAE

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/14/vietnam-china-agricultural-cooperation-in-a-new-era-from-strategic-vision-to-a-sustainable-and-prosperous-supply-chain/

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Queenstown’s Ayrburn Screen Hub granted Fast-track approval

Source: New Zealand Government

Fast-track approval has been granted for a screen hub, a full-service film and television production village in Queenstown.  

Waterfall Park Developments Limited lodged a substantive application for the Ayrburn Screen Hub in February 2025. The proposal is for a 7,200m2 film and television hub with studios, offices, and 201 accommodation units on the applicant’s 26-hectare Ayrburn Farm property in the Wakatipu Basin, Queenstown Lakes District.

“Approval has taken around 5 months following the commencement of an expert panel,” Mr Bishop. 

“Waterfall Park Developments Limited expect building Ayrburn Screen Hub to inject about $280 million into the local economy and support around 640 jobs across the wider Otago region. Once operating, it is expected to support about 370 local jobs each year.

“The screen sector makes a significant contribution to the economy. Once complete, Ayrburn will allow Queenstown to attract international productions and provide high-quality facilities for local filmmakers. Purpose-built infrastructure will help New Zealand compete for high value international productions.

“The panel assessed landscape, traffic, noise, servicing, ecology and cultural effects. It found that while some landscape effects would be more than minor, they are not significant, will reduce over time, and could be managed through conditions.

“The panel also gave weight to proposed water quality improvement measures, including riparian planting and sediment controls. It also found the project’s environmental benefits would be regionally significant, specifically through enhancing water quality in Mill Creek and Lake Hayes.

“This is the second project in the Otago Region that has gained fast-track approval.”

Notes to editors
For more information about the project: Ayrburn Screen Hub 
Fast-track by the numbers: 

•    17 projects approved by expert panels. 
•    20 projects with expert panels appointed. 
•    45 projects currently progressing through the Fast-track process.
•    42 projects have been referred to Fast-track by the Minister for Infrastructure. 
•    149 projects are listed in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, meaning they can apply for Fast-track approval. 
•    On average, it has taken 126 working days for decisions on substantive applications from when officials determine an application is complete and in-scope. 

Fast-track projects approved by expert panels: 

•    Arataki [Housing/Land]  
•    Ayrburn Screen Hub [Infrastructure]
•    Green Steel [Infrastructure] 
•    Homestead Bay [Housing/Land] 
•    Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension [Infrastructure]  
•    Drury Metropolitan Centre – Consolidated Stages 1 and 2 [Housing/Land] 
•    Drury Quarry Expansion – Sutton Block [Mining/Quarrying] 
•    Kings Quarry Expansion – Stages 2 and 3 [Mining/Quarrying] 
•    Maitahi Village [Housing/Land] 
•    Milldale – Stages 4C and 10 to 13 [Housing/Land] 
•    Rangitoopuni [Housing/Land]  
•    Southland Wind Farm Project [Infrastructure]
•    Sunfield [Housing/Land]  
•    Tekapo Power Scheme – Applications for Replacement Resource Consents [Renewable energy] 
•    Takitimu North Link – Stage 2 [Infrastructure] 
•    Waihi North [Mining/Quarrying] 
•    Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project [Infrastructure]

Expert panels have been appointed for: 
•    Ashbourne 
•    Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project  
•    Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project
•    Central and Southern Block Mining Project
•    Delmore
•    Downtown Carpark Site Development
•    Haldon Solar Farm 
•    Hananui Aquaculture Project 
•    Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme 
•    Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works 
•    Mahinerangi Wind Farm 
•    North West Rapid Transit
•    Pound Road Industrial Development 
•    Ryans Road Industrial Development 
•    State Highway 1 North Canterbury – Woodend Bypass Project (Belfast to Pegasus)
•    Stella Passage Development
•    The Point Mission Bay 
•    The Point Solar Farm 
•    Waitaha Hydro 
•    Wellington International Airport Southern Seawall Renewal  
 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/14/queenstowns-ayrburn-screen-hub-granted-fast-track-approval/

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Fonterra farmer-shareholders ‘bank the good times’ with Mainland sale payments

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cows at a dairy farm in Waikato. RNZ / Sally Round

It is pay day for dairy giant Fonterra’s 8000 or so shareholding farmer-suppliers from the sale of the co-operative’s Mainland Group consumer business.

The proceeds from the dairy co-op’s multibillion-dollar sale of its Mainland consumer brands business were landing in most shareholders’ bank accounts this week.

The average payout would be about $400,000 from the $4.2 billion sale of the business behind well-known brands including Anchor butter, Kāpiti ice creams and Mainland cheese.

Tuesday marked the official payment date, after the sale was first proposed in August last year.

Gary Reymer has been a dairy farmer for nearly 50 years and farms near Cambridge. RNZ / Andrew McRae

Reducing debt a priority

Waikato farmer Gary Reymer, who had supplied milk to the co-op for nearly 50 years, ran around 500 cows on two farms near Cambridge.

He started with the co-op as a sharemilker in the late 1970s, originally to the New Zealand Dairy Group, before the merger with Kiwi Co-operative Dairies formed Fonterra.

Reymer said it would differ how farmers used their payment, as some were more comfortable into the long-term than others.

“Some will have drinks on them, some will take a bit of travel, some will go for debt reduction, and some will go for capital improvement,” he said.

“For ourselves, it’ll just be consolidating our position, nothing extravagant… debt reduction.”

Reymer was among the 98 percent of shareholders who supported the divestment of Mainland Group, and said it was smart to sell it because the brands were no longer adding value.

“Turning off the brands business was probably the final conclusion over many, many years, decades on the back of discussion,” he said.

“Everybody’s just come to the understanding that it was a really difficult nut to crack, and this is probably the best strategy.”

Reymer said not all was lost, as the deal enabled the co-op to continue supplying the ingredients for the new owner, Lactalis.

“I see it as very much a win-win and I think that’s where the majority of shareholders have got to.

“We’ve lived through farming long enough or farmed for long enough and there’s plenty of cycles, and you’ve got to make sure you bank the good times so you can move to the bad times.”

Fonterra’s Anchor brand butter, showing the label claiming it is ‘100 percent New Zealand grass-fed’. Supplied/ Greenpeace

Debt, farm equipment and family holiday

Meanwhile, for Waikato’s Wallis farming family, the mega-payment was going towards reducing debt, buying new farm equipment and a long-awaited family holiday.

Sixth-generation farmer Ross Wallis ran around 285 cows on 108 hectares with his wife and four kids near Raglan. Wallis joined the co-op in the year 2000 and said the consumer brands business had even been a “bone of contention” since back then.

“I think with consumer goods, it was kind of – you were pulled too many ways, and it was just evident that we’re really not a consumer business. We’re not good at it, for whatever reason that might be.

“But ingredients and business-to-business foodservice, I mean we’re exceptional at and we do really well. We’re probably world leaders in that space.”

In support of the deal, he said his payments were already accounted for.

“There’ll be a good chunk of it going into debt reduction, which is greatly needed. But also we’ve just purchased a tow and fert.”

He said the $34,000 investment into the 1000-litre piece of equipment would help reduce his fertiliser bill.

“With fertiliser prices skyrocketing, we just need to be more efficient at what we’re putting on, and so tow and fert allows you to put on less with more bang for your buck.”

Now only using locally sourced fertilisers, Wallis said the new equipment would allow for a more efficient use of spraying lime, small seeds and the seaweed-based fertilisers he used to improve soil biology.

“We’re [also] going to put a little bit towards an overseas holiday later in the year.”

Wallis said many farmers would likely invest in technology to drive on-farm efficiencies, as he had.

“I think we’ve got some exciting times ahead.”

Deferred maintenance, effluent system and succession

Jonn Dawson, a Morrinsville-based farm management consultant of almost 30 years, said many of his clients will be using the payout to pay down debt as their number one priority.

Dawson said others were also planning on reinvesting the money into their farm operations, with the cowshed especially the basis of all dairy farm operations.

“It’s never hard to spend money on a dairy farm,” Dawson said. “There are often deferred maintenance issues that need to be attacked, things like fencing and milking plant maintenance.”

He said compliance and projects like new buildings or machinery updates were other options.

“There are compliance issues, which you can throw a lot of money at, perhaps upgrades to effluent systems and environmental initiatives,” he said.

“The other thing is that there’s the opportunity for expanding the business, you know, more cows, upgrades to cow sheds.”

Dawson said the payout also represented a chance to consider succession planning, which a few of his clients were looking at.

He said the cash injection will be good for communities which supported dairy farmers, especially in regions like Waikato and Taranaki.

ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley did not expect any consumer spending binge, but obvious moves to pay down debt and do some maintenance and capital spending.

“This is a big one-off payment,” he said.

“It will take time for some of the spending impacts to flow through, but that is going to benefit rural communities. And also, we think it’ll put the dairy farming sector in a more resilient position.”

He said a theme coming through was that older farmers were looking to their departure from the industry.

“It will also set up some dairy farmers for their future as well, particularly if they’re looking at diversifying and putting that money to use in other ways that will help them at that time of life if they move off the farm.”

Meanwhile, the co-op’s president of global ingredients Richard Allen was announced on Monday as the new incoming chief executive, following the resignation of Miles Hurrell, announced last month.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/14/fonterra-farmer-shareholders-bank-the-good-times-with-mainland-sale-payments/

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Politics and Trade – Back the India deal: Business leaders call for cross-party support

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Network and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to back the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, warning the country cannot afford to miss a major economic opportunity.
An open letter published today and signed by 28 exporters and industry associations outlines the significance of getting the deal across the line as global uncertainty, rising protectionism and supply chain disruption continues to reshape international trade.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says trade has long been a strength of New Zealand’s economic policy, and bipartisan support has underpinned our success.
“New Zealand relies on global markets to drive growth, support jobs and lift incomes. That only works when there is consistency and confidence in our trade settings. That’s why we’re making this call to all political parties today.
“This Agreement opens the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and creates real opportunities for New Zealand exporters. We cannot afford to delay this deal.”
The open letter states that the reduction of barriers secured in the Free Trade Agreement will directly benefit sectors including; Horticulture, sheep meat, seafood, wine, honey, wood products, seeds and natural fibres, machinery, digital technology, and services.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan says the Agreement is ultimately about backing the people behind New Zealand’s export economy.
“India is on track to become the world’s third largest economy by 2030. Securing fair access to a market the size of India’s backs our farmers, growers, manufacturers, innovators and service providers, as well as the communities that depend on them.”
Tan says opportunities of this scale are rare, and maintaining New Zealand’s longstanding bipartisan approach to trade is critical in the modern trading environment.
“This Agreement was hard-fought and represents our best chance to secure meaningful access to one of the world’s most important growth markets. Businesses want to see the agreement signed and into force as quickly as possible. Now is the time for Parliament to get behind it.”
The full open letter and supporting material can be found at exportnz.org.nz. Business leaders and other interested parties are encouraged to sign the letter and show support for the deal using the link above.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/13/politics-and-trade-back-the-india-deal-business-leaders-call-for-cross-party-support/

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Govt encourages farmers, growers to be prepared

Source: New Zealand Government

Farmers, growers and rural communities are encouraged to stay up-to-date with weather warnings and prepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say.

Impacts are possible across all of the North Island and Upper South Island from late Saturday to Monday. There may also be some impacts for the Chatham Islands.

MetService is forecasting significant heavy rain and damaging gale-force winds and has issued multiple wind and rain warnings. Farmers, growers, and rural communities are encouraged to stay informed through their forecasts and take necessary precautions.

“Stay safe, be prepared for power and communications outages, and take warnings from forecasters and civil defence seriously,” Mr McClay says.

“It’s important to self-evacuate if you see rising water and to keep out of floodwaters.”

Mr McClay says farmers and growers have shown significant resilience getting through multiple severe weather events already this year, and have taken proactive steps to ensure the welfare of their animals.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is actively monitoring the cyclone and has staff on-the-ground working closely with local emergency management groups and providing support where required.

“This incoming severe weather event will be particularly tough for rural communities who are still in recovery mode and repairing previous damage,” Mr Patterson says.

Mr Patterson is encouraging farmers and growers to prepare by moving stock to higher ground and seek support if they need it.

“Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.”
 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/10/govt-encourages-farmers-growers-to-be-prepared/

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Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/09/greenhouse-gas-emissions-industry-and-household-december-2025-quarter-stats-nz-information-release/

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Controversial Hawke’s Bay dam project gets $14m loan from government

Source: Radio New Zealand

The proposed site for the dam project. RNZ / YouTube

The government is lending $18 million to a controversial dam project in Central Hawke’s Bay.

The Tukituki Water Security Project, formerly the Ruataniwha Dam, is currently undergoing a $6.8m pre-construction feasibility study funded by businesses, water uses and the government.

The new $18 million loan is from the government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, and will be spent on the next phase of work running through to 2027.

It includes detailed engineering and design, and financing and commercial work with a final investment decision expected in 2028.

The proposed project would see a dam built on the Makaroro River, a tributary of the Tukituki River, and the flooding of 22 hectares of conservation land. The dam would be about 83m high in the Makaroro River and create a reservoir of approximately 93 million cubic metres, about seven kilometres long, and with a surface area of approximately 372 hectares.

The Ruataniwha plan was scuppered in 2017 by the Supreme Court, when it deemed a land swap unlawful.

But that could be overridden by the government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill.

Opponents of the dam launched a campaign in 2025 to stop the project, calling the rebranded project “the same pig, but with lipstick on”.

Tukituki Water Security Project chair Mike Petersen previously told RNZ the cost of the new project would not be known until a feasibility study was carried out.

A 2016 Regional Council report indicated the construction cost of the Ruataniwha dam could be $333m, with possible investment cost to farmers an additional $556m* taking it to more than $900m.

Associate Minister for Regional Development Mark Patterson is announcing the new funding loan in Central Hawke’s Bay this morning.

Petersen said the case for water storage in Hawke’s Bay was both urgent and well-evidenced.

“This announcement moves us from asking whether this project is feasible, to answering whether it is viable,” he said.

Petersen noted that the Hawke’s Bay Regional Water Assessment report found that even with significant improvements in water use, efficiency and conservation, by 2040 the region could experience a shortfall between demand and supply of freshwater of nearly 25 million cubic metres.

“Water storage is not a silver bullet when it comes to solving water security, however it must be part of the solution alongside other water efficiency measures. Without improved resilience, our environment, our communities and our economy will all suffer,” he said.

The group plans to lodge its Fast Track application mid-2026, which will include a land exchange with the Department of Conservation, which Petersen said will “both enlarge the area of conservation land and improve ecological values”.

The reservoir would release about 20 million cubic metres with an irrigation footprint of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 hectares.

New NZIER modelling shows the project could increase annual regional GDP by up to $693 million, and up to $452 million a year in additional household spending across the region.

Petersen said it was estimated the dam project will support 200 to 300 jobs during construction, and more than 1800 new permanent jobs once operational.

*The project was slated to get water to the farm gate, with farmers needing to invest in installing additional infrastructure.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/07/controversial-hawkes-bay-dam-project-gets-14m-loan-from-government/

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‘Never have I felt so dependent on … feelings of one administration’: Nicola Willis on Trump and Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nicola Willis speaks after the latest government update on fuel supplies, 6 April. RNZ / Giles Dexter

The finance minister says she has “never felt so dependent on the actions and feelings of one administration and its leaders”, as concerns grow about the fuel shock triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Few ships carrying stock have been allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since Iran effectively closed it just over a month ago, in retaliation for the attacks. That has triggered a global spike in prices at the pump, and New Zealand – wholly dependent on importing refined fuels – has not been spared.

At the weekend, US President Donald Trump issued an expletive-laden threat at Iran, telling it to “open the F*****’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell” or its civilian infrastructure would be attacked. He followed that up on Monday (US time) with a claim the “entire country can be taken out in one night”.

The comments come as Foreign Minister Winston Peters heads to the US to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Asked about Trump’s comments on Tuesday morning, Nicola Willis first was diplomatic.

“We actually want to see all parties acting with restraint, moving toward a negotiated solution so the crisis can end,” she told Morning Report.

“And it’s simply the fact that the longer the conflict goes on, the more severe the impact. And once again, we call on the US, Iran, all actors in this conflict to uphold international law.”

Asked again, she replied:

“Well, I have reflected that never have I felt so dependent on the actions and feelings of one administration and its leaders as New Zealand is right now. And I see the pain that so many New Zealanders are experiencing as a result of this fuel shock, and I wish for it to end.

“And the sad reality is that it’s not in New Zealand’s hands that lies in the hands of countries very far away.”

Steady as she goes

Willis was resisting the temptation to cut fuel taxes and road user charges (RUC) as prices spiked – particularly for diesel – saying it would make no sense to encourage fuel consumption at the same time as calling for restraint.

According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) latest data national fuel stocks are stable, with sufficient stock levels – for now.

Diesel levels have dipped slightly since the last report, while jet fuel and petrol levels have risen slightly. There is now just 17.5 days’ worth of diesel in the country, with more on ships headed this way – 12 outside our exclusive economic zone and four inside.

“We haven’t had any reports of any issues with those shipments that are in international waters,” Willis told Morning Report. “We would expect to get reporting from fuel importing companies if they were seeing any issues with those. They seem to be safely on their way.”

Gaspy figures show diesel is now more expensive than 91 at more than $3.70 a litre, while its users also have to pay RUC.

“That price is really, really tough on many, many businesses in our economy, and also individuals and families who use diesel,” Wilis said. “We’re used to seeing diesel at the pump cheaper than ’91. And of course, what’s happened internationally is that diesel is the most disrupted fuel, both in terms of getting the refined products, but also in terms of the cost escalations that we’ve seen internationally. It’s very much an international phenomenon.

“What we’ve said is that in the first instance, we don’t want to remove fuel tax or road user charges as a measure because it’s such a broad and blunt instrument, particularly if we could be moving into a phase where we’re calling for demand restraint. It doesn’t make sense to also be reducing the price of fuel if you’re calling for demand restraint.

“And we’re conscious, look, we are in a huge amount of debt as a country. We are running a significant deficit already. We need to be financially responsible, which is why we’ve opted for that targeted relief, targeted at low-income families who are really, really up against us.”

Willis said there were no signs of price gouging, whether by petrol suppliers or retailers affected by fuel price increases, but it was being monitored.

“[Removing RUC] would do nothing to the price of diesel at the pump. I think that’s an important thing for people to remember – that price you’re paying at the pump is just the price of diesel.”

Taking RUC off then applying it again when prices dropped would risk inflation, Willis said.

“I wish as much as anyone else that this conflict occurring in the Middle East wasn’t happening in a way that’s creating so much pain for New Zealanders. But there is a price to be paid for everything. And we really have a choice about short-term pain or long-term deeper pain.

“And we saw after Covid, when we let loose the rule book and spinned up a storm, actually, that results in higher inflation in the medium term, big amounts of debt and it’s a hard thing to dig a country out of.”

She said fuel importers had had success in securing refined fuels from outside the Middle East, and extra storage should be ready at Marsden Point by the end of May.

‘Crunch’ on the way if war not resolved

Soaring diesel prices are forcing some farmers to change what they grow and how they grow it. Some are shifting to crops that use less fuel and have started cutting back on fertiliser, moves that could ultimately lower production and increase prices.

Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett told Morning Report on Tuesday farmers were adjusting to the new reality for now, but if the war was not over and usual deliveries resumed by the end of the southern hemisphere winter, there would be a “crunch”.

“Initially supply was a big issue and we are still hearing isolated cases where farmers are running out, but in general the supplies are getting through, but they are certainly being delivered in smaller batches.

“The concern now, I guess, as a lot of farmers stored fuel on the farm, that storage has now been used and the full price impact is coming through now. So we’ll start to have an economic impact from now on.”

Farmers were considering switching to crops that use less fertiliser, he said, and using smaller tractors.

“The thing is here, I guess for farmers, is looking at what can they do to make sure that profitability doesn’t drop away. And that’ll be one of the two questions. One, does it reduce the amount of fuel that’s needed? And two, will it impact on the profitability at the end of the day as well?

“Because while some sectors are going well, other sectors are struggling with their profitability at the moment. Price and supply are obviously an issue… At what point do those stock levels become a real operational risk for what you can produce?”

David Birkett. RNZ/Anisha Satya

Birkett said the timing of the shock was “very lucky”, with much of our crops already planted and the quiet winter period ahead.

“Our next peak demand will be springtime. And that’s probably our next area of concern is, what will the price be like come springtime? So we’re talking August. And what will the price be as well? … The next crunch period will be spring, and I would certainly hope that the war is finished by then. But yeah, no, I don’t think anyone’s holding their breath.”

The price of fertiliser in spring remained a big source of uncertainty.

“We know that the Australian prices of fertiliser have already gone up significantly, so that gives us a bit of an idea of where those fertiliser prices will probably get to. So yeah, both fuel and for us here in New Zealand are pretty linked, and they’re the two which we’re keeping a very close eye on.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/07/never-have-i-felt-so-dependent-on-feelings-of-one-administration-nicola-willis-on-trump-and-iran/

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Morning Report live: Nicola Willis faces questions about fuel stocks, prices and taxes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Nicola Willis speaks after the latest government update on fuel supplies, 6 April. RNZ / Giles Dexter

The finance minister says the country’s fuel supplies are stable, but diesel levels have dipped slightly since the last report.

While New Zealand’s jet fuel and petrol levels have risen slightly, diesel went down from 52.2 days to 51.5 in reserve. As of last Wednesday, 17.5 days’ worth of the diesel was on New Zealand shores, with the rest aboard ships en route.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)’s latest data showed national fuel stocks were stable, with sufficient stock levels – for now.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will speak to Morning Report shortly after 7.15am – listen live here.

‘Crunch’ on the way if war not resolved

Soaring diesel prices are forcing some farmers to change what they grow and how they grow it. Some are shifting to crops that use less fuel and have started cutting back on fertiliser, moves that could ultimately lower production and increase prices.

Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett told Morning Report on Tuesday farmers were adjusting to the new reality for now, but if the war was not over and usual deliveries resumed by the end of the southern hemisphere winter, there would be a “crunch”.

“Initially supply was a big issue and we are still hearing isolated cases where farmers are running out, but in general the supplies are getting through, but they are certainly being delivered in smaller batches.

“The concern now, I guess, as a lot of farmers stored fuel on the farm, that storage has now been used and the full price impact is coming through now. So we’ll start to have an economic impact from now on.”

Farmers were considering switching to crops that use less fertiliser, he said, and using smaller tractors.

“The thing is here, I guess for farmers, is looking at what can they do to make sure that profitability doesn’t drop away. And that’ll be one of the two questions. One, does it reduce the amount of fuel that’s needed? And two, will it impact on the profitability at the end of the day as well?

“Because while some sectors are going well, other sectors are struggling with their profitability at the moment. Price and supply are obviously an issue… At what point do those stock levels become a real operational risk for what you can produce?”

David Birkett. RNZ/Anisha Satya

Birkett said the timing of the shock was “very lucky”, with much of our crops already planted and the quiet winter period ahead.

“Our next peak demand will be springtime. And that’s probably our next area of concern is, what will the price be like come springtime? So we’re talking August. And what will the price be as well? … The next crunch period will be spring, and I would certainly hope that the war is finished by then. But yeah, no, I don’t think anyone’s holding their breath.”

The price of fertiliser in spring remained a big source of uncertainty.

“We know that the Australian prices of fertiliser have already gone up significantly, so that gives us a bit of an idea of where those fertiliser prices will probably get to. So yeah, both fuel and for us here in New Zealand are pretty linked, and they’re the two which we’re keeping a very close eye on.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/07/morning-report-live-nicola-willis-faces-questions-about-fuel-stocks-prices-and-taxes/

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Launch of the Asian Hackathon for Green Future 2026 with a Total Prize Pool of USD 24,000

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2026 – On April 6, 2026, three Vingroup member organizations—the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and VinTechTalent (Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club) – officially launched the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Open to undergraduate and master’s students from universities across Asia, the competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000.

The Asian Hackathon for Green Future officially opened for registration on April 6, 2026, marking the start of the competition, with a total prize pool of USD 24,000. Photo courtesy of the “For Green Future” Foundation.

This marks the first time an Asia-wide environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students is held in Vietnam. The competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.

Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6 – May 17, 2026); Online Training Phase (June 2 – June 28, 2026); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2 – July 5, 2026, tentative).

During the Registration & Preliminary Round, participants register online in teams of up to four members. Eligible applicants must be current undergraduate or master’s students at universities across Asia.

Application materials include an idea proposal and an introductory video. Based on evaluation by the Technical Board, the Top 30 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.

The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields—including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences—with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.

Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility; Urban Air Quality and Climate Resilience; Water Resources and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.

During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.

During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity (Hanoi), where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the Top 9 teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.

The Chair of the Judging Panel is Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education at VinUniversity and Chief Scientific Officer at the Center for AI Research. He had been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore until July 2025, where he served as Scientific Director at the Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI). Under his leadership—as Executive Director until 2025—the institute has emerged as a global leader in air traffic management research, thanks in large part to the scientific foundation he helped establish. Before joining NTU, Prof. Vu was the founding Director of the John von Neumann Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, spearheading university-industry collaborations and championing innovation and entrepreneurship in education.

Prior to returning to Vietnam in 2010, he was Head of Innovative Research and Senior Scientific Advisor at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). He also advised Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment on innovation strategy, contributing to the establishment of the National Innovation Center.

The competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000, comprising one First Prize of USD 8,000, one Second Prize of USD 5,000, two Third Prizes of USD 3,000 each, and five Consolation Prizes of USD 1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.

Dr. Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “We believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future.“

The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.

Interested candidates may register for the competition via: https://forms.gle/o3L5BVLExUYKQtGJA

For any inquiries, please contact the Organizing Committee at hackathon@foundationforgreenfuture.com for further assistance.

Hashtag: #ForGreenFutureFund

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/06/launch-of-the-asian-hackathon-for-green-future-2026-with-a-total-prize-pool-of-usd-24000/

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A New Songkran Landmark in Silom for 2026

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2026 – As one of Thailand’s most celebrated annual traditions, Songkran transforms cities across the country into vibrant spaces of culture, community and celebration. This year, Silom — one of Bangkok’s most iconic Songkran hotspots — adds a new dimension to the 2026 festivities with “CP Splash to Space” at CP Tower Silom, supported by Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF), from 12–14 April 2026. The event introduces a distinctive new Songkran experience that brings together Thai tradition, creativity and inclusive celebration in the heart of one of Thailand’s most iconic festival districts.

While the world knows the familiar images of floral shirts and water splashes, for Thais, Songkran is also a profound moment of respect and joy — a time for family gatherings, honouring elders and sharing blessings through water. What makes Thailand’s New Year especially compelling is the variety of experiences it offers across the country. From the heritage-rich rituals of Chiang Mai and the beachside festivities of Phuket to the multi-layered street celebrations of Bangkok, each destination brings a distinct character to the season.

Among the many iconic Songkran hotspots across the country, Bangkok’s Silom district continues to stand out as one of the festival’s most recognisable destinations, distinguished by its dynamic blend of street celebration, nightlife and Pride energy. In 2026, it is further elevated as a new must-stop landmark for Songkran.

The “CP Splash to Space” event, running from 12 to 14 April 2026, introduces a fresh dimension to Silom’s celebrations with a space-themed festival inspired by CPF’s “Thai Chicken Mission to Space” programme. The event features a range of live performances and interactive activities. Highlights include an appearance by Mix Chaloemsri on 12 April from 15.30–16.00 hrs., a performance by T-pop group iZ on 13 April from 15.00–16.00 hrs., and an international Pride parade on 14 April from 16.30–17.30 hrs., expected to bring together more than 3,000 participants along nearly two kilometres of Silom Road.

Beyond the celebration itself, the event also brings food innovation into the heart of the festival. This year’s theme highlights CPF’s “Thai Chicken Mission to Space,” featuring “Basil Chicken Breast” crafted to NASA’s rigorous food safety standards. For travellers seeking the full Silom experience, it offers a high-tech, high-flavour pitstop amid the festival’s famous water splashes.

This initiative underscores how Songkran continues to evolve as one of Thailand’s most important cultural celebrations, where heritage and creativity can coexist in meaningful ways. By bringing together interactive experiences, contemporary creativity and the traditions of Thai New Year, the event offers a distinctive platform for both local and international visitors to engage with Thai culture in a fresh and memorable way. As Songkran continues to attract growing interest from around the world, experiences such as this help reinforce Thailand’s appeal as a destination where tradition remains vibrant, relevant and globally resonant — creating the kind of Songkran memory that lingers long after the streets have dried.

Hashtag: #Cpsplashtospace #Songkran #CPF

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/06/a-new-songkran-landmark-in-silom-for-2026/

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Environment and Politic s- Greenpeace challenges MPs to drink nitrate-contaminated water at Parliament

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa has installed a mobile bar serving nitrate-contaminated water on Parliament lawn, and is calling on MPs to lower the nitrate limit in drinking water.
Greenpeace Aotearoa Agriculture Campaigner Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says, “Today, we’ve brought nitrate-contaminated water from rural homes in Southland in Canterbury, directly to the people in government. We’re asking MPs if they’ll drink the same contaminated water that rural families are forced to drink because of outdated government policies.”
Greenpeace has installed a mobile bar offering samples of nitrate-contaminated water on parliament lawn. The bar is offering samples from parts of the country most impacted by nitrate contamination.
“We should all be able to trust that the water coming out of their kitchen tap is safe to drink. But right now, it’s perfectly legal for a town to supply its residents with water that could lead to an increased risk in bowel cancer, or pre-term birth. Only the people in Government can change that.”
Nitrate contamination at levels as low as 1 mg/L has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. At levels of 5 mg/L, there is an increased risk of preterm birth for pregnant people drinking the water.
New Zealand’s legal limit (Maximum Allowable Value) for nitrate in drinking water is 11.3 mg/L – a level set in the 1950s in response to Blue Baby Syndrome. Increasingly, rural drinking water is exceeding this limit – which Greenpeace says is already too high.
“It’s simple, the current nitrate limit in New Zealand is dangerously high. It’s out of date and does not sufficiently protect families from the very serious risks associated with nitrate in drinking water.”
The leading cause of nitrate contamination in groundwater and drinking water is cow urine from the oversized dairy herd and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser used by the intensive dairy industry.
“Successive governments have facilitated pollution from the intensive dairy industry, but this has to stop. Peoples’ lives are at stake. The government must prioritise the health of all New Zealanders over dairy industry profits and lower the nitrate limit now.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/02/environment-and-politic-s-greenpeace-challenges-mps-to-drink-nitrate-contaminated-water-at-parliament/

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Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), a global leader in sauces and condiments, proudly served as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner for the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China. The event marked the first time the celebrated culinary award had taken place in Hong Kong, making the occasion especially significant for the city and the wider Asian dining community.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony 2026. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant

From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.

“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation

Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.

The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.

(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.

The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.

The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.

At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”

Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.

Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.

As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.

Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants

In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.

Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships

With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.

Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/04/02/lee-kum-kee-celebrates-culinary-excellence-at-the-historic-hong-kong-debut-of-asias-50-best-restaurants-2026/