Working in the agri-nutrient sector, Calvin Ball says he has seen a significant change in farmers’ attitudes to health and safety in recent years. Calvin, the Northern 2021 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, grew up on a Northland dairy farm, studied agriscience at Massey and began his career with an agri-nutrient company in 2013. […]
Health and Wellness
Ruralco scoops double win in gender diversity awards
In what is traditionally perceived as a conservative, male-dominated industry, Ruralco has shattered stereotypes winning the 2021 Gender Diverse Organisation Award. The team at Ruralco are extremely proud that more than 60 per cent of their people represent gender diversity across all levels within the organisation. Board Chair, Jessie Chan – a Federated Farmers member […]
Govt’s response on farm workforce crisis totally underwhelming
By Jason Herrick, Southland Federated Farmers Sharemilker Chair Farm staff shortages in Southland and around the country are getting worse. While the government finally bowed to dairy industry pleas and announced border exemptions for 150 management and 50 farm assistant positions, the sector was already under severe workforce gap pressure. The super-busy calving season begins […]
Over 5000 rural school pupils targeted in rural health careers promotion tours
This month, over 5000 rural school pupils will learn about rural health careers through the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network’s rural school tours. Groups of tertiary health students will visit 50 high schools throughout the Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti and Hawkes Bay, Manawatū and Ruapehu, Central Otago, and Canterbury to inspire pupils to pursue […]
Norwood raises healthy 100k for Farmstrong
Norwood’s third annual charity golf tournament and fundraising auction has raised $100,000 for award-winning rural wellbeing programme Farmstrong, significantly exceeding sums raised in previous years. All 92 golfers played 18 holes in teams of four at Wairakei Golf + Retreat, Taupo on Wednesday 12 May. The golf tournament was followed by a formal dinner and […]
Seat belts on school buses petition presented
Wheels are turning in the drive to get seat belts on school buses. A petition on the topic that gained more than 6,500 signatures in four weeks was presented to National MP Jacqui Dean on the steps of Parliament on Wednesday afternoon by its organiser, Philippa Cameron, and Federated Farmers of NZ Vice-President Karen Williams. […]
Farmers and growers – don’t let a spot become a full stop
‘Don’t let a spot become a full stop’. This is the message Melanoma New Zealand and FMG are sharing with rural New Zealanders. With over 50% of rural New Zealand insured with FMG and a strong presence in those communities, FMG has today announced it’s partnering with Melanoma New Zealand to help prevent avoidable suffering […]
2021 Peter Snow Memorial Award goes to Kerikeri GP
Kerikeri GP Dr Grahame Jelley is the 2021 recipient of the Peter Snow Memorial Award. The award was announced at the National Rural Health Conference at Wairakei Resort in Taupō on Friday. The Peter Snow Memorial Award honours Dr Peter Snow and his contribution to rural communities as well as recognising an individual for their […]
Thank a farmer this opening weekend
Federated Farmers wants duck hunters heading out for the season opening this weekend to enjoy themselves and to remember to thank the many farmers who provide access to their shooting spots. The ‘Opening Day’ of the duck-shooting season is a special event in rural New Zealand, with 40,000 annual participants getting ready to head out […]
Rural Health Conference gives platform for restructure impact on rural Kiwis
This week approximately 400 rural health professionals and administrators will come together at Wairakei Resort in Taupō for this year’s National Rural Health Conference. This conference is the first ‘in person’ health professionals conference in 2021 and the biggest event for rural health professionals for close to two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister […]