Record-breaking year ahead for food and fibre exports, RMA amendment brings relief for primary producers, and fire bans for Hawke’s Bay and coastal Wairarapa.

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Record-breaking year ahead for food and fibre exports

New Zealand's primary sector stands on the cusp of a landmark year, according to export projections released by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay.

The forecast suggests total food and fibre exports will reach $56.9 billion by June 2025, climbing to a record $58.3 billion the following year.

Dairy leads the charge, with export revenues expected to grow 10 percent to $25.5 billion by June next year. This surge comes from tight global supply and promising market conditions, highlighting the sector's ability to navigate complex international landscapes.

Kiwifruit export revenues are set to exceed $3 billion for the first time, while the horticulture sector as a whole is projected to reach a record $8 billion in exports, representing a robust 12 percent increase.

Meat and wool markets are also showing resilience, with revenues anticipated to rise slightly to $11.4 billion. Global beef supply tightening is working in New Zealand producers' favor, creating opportunities for local farmers.

Forestry is recovering ground, with export revenue expected to rebound 4 percent to $6 billion. Increased engagement from key markets, particularly China, is driving demand for logs and processed wood products.

RMA amendment brings relief for primary producers

New Zealand's primary producers are set to see significant regulatory relief with the latest Resource Management Amendment Bill, with farming-focused reforms taking center stage in the proposed legislation.

Farmers will experience immediate benefits through improved farm plan certification processes. The bill introduces more cost-effective approaches by enabling industry organizations to directly deliver audit and certification services. 

Wood processing facilities will now operate with greater certainty, with resource consent applications mandated to be decided within one year. This time-bound commitment eliminates the prolonged uncertainty that has historically hampered agricultural and forestry investments.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop explained that these changes are part of a broader strategy to support primary industries, saying they are about making it easier to get things done in New Zealand.

Marine and aquaculture operators will also benefit, with the bill providing more flexibility for marine farms. New provisions will enable easier modifications to existing consent conditions, recognizing the dynamic nature of marine-based primary industries.The amendment addresses longstanding challenges by reducing regulatory overlap between the Resource Management Act and the Fisheries Act 1996. Councils will face clearer constraints on controlling fishing and agricultural activities, particularly regarding biodiversity protection.

The legislation is part of a three-phase plan to overhaul the Resource Management system. The current bill represents Phase Two, with a complete RMA replacement planned for Phase Three. The government aims to create a more responsive regulatory environment that supports economic growth while maintaining environmental considerations.

The bill will also introduce additional changes across infrastructure, housing, and heritage sectors. 

The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill is expected to pass into law by mid-2025, with its first reading scheduled for next week.

Clandeboye leading Fonterra's emissions reduction drive

Dairy cooperative Fonterra is making a significant stride in emissions reduction, announcing a $64 million project to convert two coal boilers to wood pellets at its Clandeboye site in South Canterbury.

By switching from coal to wood pellets, Fonterra will reduce its overall emissions by nine percent - equivalent to 155,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Chief Operating Officer Anna Palairet described the project as a critical step in the company's sustainability journey, and is as the largest decarbonisation investment by Fonterra to date..

The initiative is part of Fonterra's commitment to completely exit coal by 2037, building on previous successful boiler conversions at Te Awamutu and Hautapu sites. The project received co-funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), highlighting collaborative efforts in industrial emissions reduction.

By September next , the two boilers will be fully operational, with Fonterra confirming plans to continue transitioning remaining boilers at the Clandeboye site.

Fire bans for Hawke’s Bay and coastal Wairarapa.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has implemented total fire bans across several regions, with specific areas in Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa facing extreme fire risks.

In Hawke's Bay, the ban covers Heretaunga-Ahuriri, Tukituki East, Tukituki West, Pōrangahau, and the southern Hawke’s Bay coast. A restricted fire season is in place requiring permits for outdoor fires in Tararua Central, Tararua East, Tararua West, Wairoa Coast, Te Haroto and Esk-Tutaekuri.

Coastal Wairarapa's fire ban encompasses the northern, central, and southern coastal zones, including Aorangi Forest Park and the eastern coastline up to Mataikona. This includes rural areas around Martinborough, Featherston, and Cape Palliser.

The fire bans will remain in effect until conditions improve, with Fire and Emergency continuously monitoring vegetation and weather conditions.

Fire and Emergency recommends using the website www.checkitsalright.nz to check precise fire restrictions for individual properties.

Ōpōtiki catchment group launches

Water quality is getting a multi-stakeholder makeover in the Ōpōtiki district, with a new catchment group emerging. Environmental consultants Allegrow are leading the charge, bringing together Whakatōhea iwi, local growers, and community members.

Project co-ordinator Mel Brown outlined the group's ambitious goals, highlighting a strategic area between Waiotahe River and Torere. The initiative aims to revitalize water ecosystems, with key objectives including native wildlife restoration and improving swimming water conditions.

The group's structure represents a unique model of cooperation, featuring three distinct yet interconnected interest groups: farmers and growers, community representatives, and Whakatōhea iwi members. Currently, around 12 agricultural producers have joined, with Doug Brown from Riverlock Group serving as interim chair.

Brown says their short-term priorities include facilitating communication channels with local and central government, and educating communities about water quality impacts.

Interested local farmers, growers, and community members are being encouraged to engage with the group.

Upcoming meetings with Bay of Plenty regional and Ōpōtiki district councils will further solidify the group's strategic framework and collaborative potential.