Articles tagged with Ct

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Taupō Trout Bag Limit Increases to 8 for 2026/27 Season Boosting Fishing and Economy

11 Jun 2026, 9:40 AM | 4 months ago | 840 views

The Taupō District’s trout bag limit will increase from six to eight starting 1 July 2026 to improve stock quality and support local businesses, as overpopulation of trout is impacting their primary food source, smelt. This evidence-based change aims to maintain a healthy trout population, enhance fishing conditions, and boost economic benefits from tourism and fishing activities. Additionally, minor regulation adjustments, such as removing the fixed February closure at Lake Otamangakau, will simplify rules and allow more responsive fishery management.

Tags: Taupō District James Meager trout bag limits Lake Taupō smelt Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board New Zealand freshwater fishing Otamangakau DOC

Taupō District Increases Trout Bag Limits to Boost Fishing and Economy

11 Jun 2026, 9:34 AM | 4 months ago | 794 views

Taupō District’s trout bag limit will increase from six to eight starting 1 July to improve stock quality and support local anglers and businesses, according to Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager. The decision is based on evidence that angler harvest helps maintain a healthy trout population by addressing smelt depletion caused by an imbalance in trout numbers. Additionally, minor regulation changes, including removing the fixed February closure at Lake Otamangakau, aim to simplify rules and enhance freshwater fishing opportunities across New Zealand.

Tags: Taupō District trout bag limits James Meager Lake Taupō smelt angling fishing season local economy freshwater fishing New Zealand

New Zealand Food and Fibre Exports to Hit Record $64.3B by 2026

11 Jun 2026, 6:14 AM | 4 months ago | 1099 views

New Zealand’s food and fibre sector is driving strong economic growth, with exports forecast to reach a record $64.3 billion by June 2026 and $70.1 billion by 2030, supported by high demand for dairy, red meat, and horticulture products. The government, led by Minister Todd McClay, is committed to backing farmers through trade expansion, reducing barriers, and implementing reforms in freshwater, resource management, and agricultural emissions. This support aims to boost rural communities, create jobs, and help achieve the goal of doubling export value within ten years.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Kiwi farmers dairy red meat kiwifruit apple crops food and fibre sector SOPI report

Greater Land Use Flexibility Empowers Māori Farmers for Productivity and Sustainability

10 Jun 2026, 12:59 PM | 4 months ago | 751 views

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka emphasize that greater land use flexibility enables whenua Māori landowners to enhance productivity and environmental outcomes. The Government is investing $2.6 million in a project with Te Arawa Primary Sector Incorporated to help Māori landowners optimize farm production, increase profitability by 10-30%, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5-25%. This initiative aims to support farmers and growers through regulatory reform, innovation, and data sharing, strengthening New Zealand's primary industries and rural communities.

Tags: Todd McClay Tama Potaka whenua Māori land use flexibility Māori landowners Agriculture Minister Māori Development Minister Te Arawa Primary Sector farming systems New Zealand agriculture

Government Backs NZ Forestry Innovation with $8M Mass Timber Project Boost

10 Jun 2026, 12:57 PM | 4 months ago | 932 views

The New Zealand Government, led by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, is investing $3.2 million in a project to develop prefabricated mass timber modules, aiming to boost forestry sector innovation, onshore processing, and job creation. This initiative supports land use flexibility, sustainable productivity, and shifting supply from export to domestic markets, enhancing value and stability for regional economies. The project will assess technical, economic, and environmental factors to encourage long-term investment and provide data to help farmers and growers innovate and grow their businesses.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand Government forestry sector Agriculture Minister VoMo Limited Red Stag Investments mass timber modules sustainable productivity regulatory reform

New Zealand Boosts Agriculture with Land Use Flexibility and Sustainable Innovation

10 Jun 2026, 12:55 PM | 4 months ago | 839 views

The New Zealand Government is enhancing agricultural land use flexibility to promote innovation, sustainable productivity, and a reduced environmental footprint, supporting over 257,000 workers and contributing $52 billion in exports. It is investing in multi-million-dollar projects to boost beef, sheep, and dairy production with improved environmental outcomes, including reducing nitrogen leaching and increasing pasture utilization and feed efficiency. These initiatives aim to back farmers with regulatory reforms, science, and technology to ensure profitable, sustainable growth that benefits regional economies and rural communities.

Tags: Todd McClay New Zealand agriculture land use flexibility dairy farming beef production sheep farming environmental sustainability regulatory reform virtual fencing

New Anti-Scam Measures Protect Kiwis and Businesses from Online Fraud

10 Jun 2026, 12:45 PM | 4 months ago | 875 views

The Anti-Scam Alliance in New Zealand has launched new initiatives, including expanding the banking sector's "Confirmation of Payee" system and introducing the New Zealand Online Scams Code, to better protect people and businesses from scammers. This collaborative effort involves telcos, digital platforms, banks, government, and consumer groups working together to block scam content and prevent fraud, building on successful pilot programs that saved millions in losses. These measures complement legal changes and aim to create a safer online environment, giving New Zealanders greater confidence to engage in digital transactions without fear.

Tags: Cameron Brewer New Zealand Commerce and Consumer Affairs Confirmation of Payee Google Meta TikTok Trade Me Fair Trading Act

Government Invests $143M to Boost NZ Food & Fibre Sector Productivity Through Innovation

10 Jun 2026, 11:22 AM | 4 months ago | 698 views

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasize that New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, which accounts for over 80% of exports, requires increased productivity through innovation and greater land use flexibility. The Government is investing $143 million in six commercial projects across various sectors, partnering with industry to demonstrate how science, technology, and regulatory reform can drive growth while reducing environmental impact. A report from Lincoln University and ASB Bank projects that adopting these innovations and flexible land use could boost the economy by $10 billion within five to seven years.

Tags: Christopher Luxon Todd McClay New Zealand food and fibre sector agriculture innovation land use flexibility Government investment productivity Lincoln University

AgriZeroNZ Launches $51M Early Adoption Accelerator to Boost NZ Farm Tech

10 Jun 2026, 10:41 AM | 4 months ago | 862 views

The Government and industry have jointly launched the AgriZeroNZ Early Adoption Accelerator, contributing up to $51 million each to support the rollout of innovative farm technologies that enhance New Zealand farmers' competitiveness and emissions efficiency. This co-funded program focuses on practical, scalable solutions, building on prior investments in emissions-reducing research, with tools like EcoPond already available and more technologies expected soon. AgriZeroNZ invites companies and industry groups to participate in projects over the next three years, aiming to provide farmers with diverse technology choices tailored to their operations.

Tags: AgriZeroNZ Nicola Willis Todd McClay Early Adoption Accelerator New Zealand farmers farm technologies emissions reduction EcoPond agriculture innovation Crown funding

New Rural Scholarship Empowers Future Leaders in Agriculture and Forestry

10 Jun 2026, 8:28 AM | 4 months ago | 780 views

The Government has introduced the Minister of Agriculture Future Leaders Scholarship to support emerging leaders in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry by providing three $10,000 grants annually for study and capability building. The program aims to develop governance skills and practical experience in rural primary sector leadership, addressing capability gaps through collaboration with sector leaders. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay emphasizes the scholarship's role in nurturing leadership and sustaining the sector's long-term success.

Tags: Todd McClay Government rural scholarship primary sector Agriculture Forestry young farmers leadership development Ministry for Primary Industries

Government Invests $750,000 in Pilot Projects to Manage Wild Deer Impact on Farms

10 Jun 2026, 8:10 AM | 4 months ago | 792 views

The Government is investing $750,000 in three pilot projects led by catchment groups in Rangitīkei, Wairarapa, and North Canterbury to measure and reduce wild deer impacts on privately-owned production land. These projects, running until August 2027, aim to assess deer populations, evaluate control techniques, and inform future management plans while involving farmers, hunters, and regional councils. Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager emphasized that toxins like brodifacoum will not be used, and hunter-led conservation will play a key role in the programme.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard James Meager Ministry for Primary Industries Rangitīkei Wairarapa North Canterbury Hurunui District Landcare Group Wairarapa Catchment Collective Rangitīkei River Catchment Collective Government

New Zealand Advances GeoShot NZ Project to Drill First Superhot Geothermal Well

09 Jun 2026, 10:31 AM | 4 months ago | 991 views

The GeoShot NZ project aims to drill New Zealand’s first superhot geothermal well at the Rotokawa Geothermal Field, with government funding of $55 million approved for pre-drilling and exploratory activities. The initiative involves expert partners and advanced technology to harness superhot fluids at depths of 4–5 km, offering significantly more energy than conventional wells and enhancing national energy resilience. This pioneering effort, supported by international collaboration, seeks to establish New Zealand as a leader in clean, high-capacity geothermal energy for long-term regional and national benefits.

Tags: Shane Jones Mercury NZ Todd Energy Tauhara North No. 2 Trust Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment GeoShot NZ Regional Infrastructure Fund Rotokawa Geothermal Field Iceland New Zealand

New Zealand Advances LNG Import Facility to Cut Power Bills and Boost Energy Security

09 Jun 2026, 8:36 AM | 4 months ago | 707 views

New Zealand’s Government is advancing plans for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility to enhance energy security, reduce power bills by up to $800 million annually, and provide reliable backup during dry years when renewable sources underperform. This facility, expected to be operational by 2028, will not be funded by levies on power bills but through a fair model involving industry stakeholders, ensuring stable and affordable energy for households and businesses. The initiative addresses risks highlighted by recent energy shortages and price spikes, aiming to protect jobs, support economic growth, and secure the nation’s energy supply amid declining indigenous gas production.

Tags: Simeon Brown New Zealand Government LNG import facility Energy Minister Labour Government MBIE NIFFCO Electrify NZ New Zealand Aluminium Smelter Winter Energy Reliability Obligation

New Zealand Introduces Winter Energy Reliability Obligation to Prevent Power Shortages

09 Jun 2026, 8:34 AM | 4 months ago | 902 views

The New Zealand Government is introducing the Winter Energy Reliability Obligation, requiring major power companies and large electricity users to secure sufficient back-up energy ahead of dry winters to prevent power shortages and price spikes. This includes stricter penalties for non-compliance and enhanced oversight by the Electricity Authority to ensure dry-year risks are managed effectively, boosting system resilience and price stability. The obligation is part of the broader Securing Affordable Energy plan, which also considers additional back-up supply options like LNG imports and aims to rebuild the energy system for reliable, affordable power.

Tags: Simeon Brown Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Electricity Authority Winter Energy Reliability Obligation New Zealand Government LNG Electricity Industry Act Securing Affordable Energy plan gentailers power companies

Government Invests $30M to Upgrade Drinking Water in Rural Schools

08 Jun 2026, 3:39 PM | 4 months ago | 861 views

The Government is investing $30 million through the Drinking Water in Schools Programme to upgrade drinking water infrastructure in around 20% of small, rural schools that manage their own water supply. Nearly 230 schools are involved, with 64 undergoing immediate remediation and 20 having completed full upgrades, improving water safety and reliability. In addition to funding, the Ministry of Education offers resources, technical guidance, and free training to support schools in maintaining safe drinking water.

Tags: Erica Stanford Government Drinking Water Schools Programme rural schools infrastructure Ministry of Education water supply health and safety training programme