Latest News

Katrina Thomas 29 Jan 2023

/ Categories: National, Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel, Otago, Southland, Adverse Events

Fire Season Status

Can I light a fire?

This map shows the fire season status as of 1pm Friday 27 January 2023.

If your area is in a red zone, there is a total fire ban. No fires are permitted.

If your area is in a yellow zone, you may need to apply for a permit. Go to here to check and apply.

If your area is in a green zone, you do not need a permit but go to here for safety tips before lighting.

A temporary ban on the private use of fireworks has been put in place for the Karikari Peninsula, Ahipara township, Thames-Coromandel and islands, Mackenzie Basin, Upper Waitaki, Queenstown-Lakes and Otago Central zones.

Remember, the fire season status can change at any time.

Go to here for the latest information.

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New Coordinator joins the East Coast Rural Support Trust, representing Tairāwhiti.

Vicki Crosswell has spent the past 11 years supporting the victims of crime and tragedy here and elsewhere. She is stepping into a role to assist farmers who need help in Tairāwhiti, as the new East Coast Rural Support Trust coordinator. She spoke to Murray Robertson

Teamwork helping farmers in the Tararua

As recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle in Tararua slowly begins in the rural sector, practical measures and public generosity are combining to help ensure that when farmers are ready to begin the long haul back to prosperity there will be local help.

March 19, 2023 0 Comments

Year of The Farmer 2023

In January this year, Otago Daily Times business and rural editor Sally Rae wrote an opinion piece suggesting the need for a celebration of New Zealand’s food producing champions.

March 19, 2023 0 Comments

Cyclone Gabrielle - Farmer and Grower Recovery Grants 2023

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has $51 million to help farmers and growers, including whenua Māori owners, to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle. This funding is intended to assist farmers and growers in getting back to productivity as quickly as possible.

March 18, 2023 0 Comments