In May 2017, MPI detected the flat oyster parasite Bonamia ostreae on 2 flat oyster farms on Stewart Island. Find out about the parasite and what MPI is doing to try to control its spread.

Yesterday, the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, announced new funding available for quake-affected farmers in Hurunui, Kaikoura and Marlborough.

The brochure is here.

The $5 million Earthquake Recovery Fund is divided into two options to give farmers, growers and foresters the right support depending on their needs:

• Option one – project funding for community groups
  This funding is available for projects that tackle a shared problem or develop a new opportunity in relation to land use. Please note: the Sustainable Farming Fund funding round will open as per scheduled later this year.
• Option two -  Advisory services funding for land owners and land managers
  This funding is available for land owners and land managers to access advisory services to help with long-term land use planning and technical advice. We are currently taking expressions of interest for potential suppliers of professional advisory and consultancy services. To register interest, email funding@mpi.govt.nz or call 0800 00 83 33 and ask to speak with an investment adviser. A list of MPI approved suppliers will be available from early Auguist for land owners and land managers to refer to.

For more information on both of the options, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/Kaikoura-earthquake.