Government boosts funding for East Coast flood clean up, new tertiary study pilot shines light on wool, and Dairy NZ has a new director. Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Government boosts funding for East Coast flood clean up The Government has allocated an additional $3 million in funding to support Wairoa's recovery efforts following recent severe flooding. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced this funding will enable the Wairoa District Council to proceed with cleaning up household waste and sediment left by the flooding event. This new allocation comes from a $10 million budget previously set aside for the Hawke's Bay Region to complete sediment and debris removal from Cyclone Gabrielle. The Government has asked the region to reprioritize part of this funding to address Wairoa's immediate needs. The funding will facilitate the clean-up of over 400 properties impacted by the recent weather event, covering the collection, removal, and disposal of sediment, debris, and household waste. Minister Mitchell praised this as an example of regional cooperation, with the whole Hawke's Bay area working together to support Wairoa. This $3 million is in addition to a recent $600,000 contribution to the Wairoa Mayoral Fund, bringing the total government assistance for Wairoa's recovery to $3.6 million. The Minister emphasised that the government's priority is to help communities return to normalcy as quickly as possible. Mitchell reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the people of Wairoa and all affected regions during these challenging times, underlining their dedication to the recovery and rebuilding process. This funding aims to accelerate the clean-up efforts and aid the community in its return to normal functioning following the severe weather event. Plummeting prices cause concern among East Coast maize grain growers Meanwhile East Coast maize grain growers are grappling with industry viability as contract prices plummet well below production costs, creating widespread concern among farmers. Allan Newton, Federated Farmers Wairoa arable chair, reports average prices around $350 a tonne delivered to Waikato, significantly under the estimated $400-$430 per hectare growing cost. The market downturn followed a large eastern European grain shipment that flooded the market, creating a "fire sale" and leaving local growers in a precarious position. Newton revealed that when growers met with companies to discuss demand for east coast-grown maize grain, they received no clear answers. Contracts for the 2023-2024 season have been scarce, leaving many farmers with unsold crops. The situation is exacerbated by an unusually late harvest, with 50-70% of Gisborne and Wairoa growers still harvesting due to wet conditions last spring that delayed planting, in some cases until after Christmas. Ewan Powdrell, a Wairoa farmer and contractor, highlighted the widespread impact across the North Island. He revealed that offered payments are $100-150 below production costs. Contributing factors include increased grass growth in Waikato reducing demand for feed, and unexpected grain imports of 50,000 tonnes in November that caught growers off guard. Current prices, hovering around $350 per tonne, fall well short of the $500 needed for viability. This crisis comes after three years of challenging growing conditions, including Cyclone Gabrielle and recent flooding. Growers estimate losses of 1-1.5 tonnes per hectare from flood damage. Many are questioning the wisdom of continuing to grow maize under these conditions, citing high input costs and insufficient returns. Farmers have also expressed frustration over lack of support from government entities such as the Ministry for Primary Industries, as they struggle to maintain their operations in adverse conditions. New tertiary study pilot shines light on wool Campaign for Wool New Zealand (CFWNZ) is launching comprehensive wool education initiatives across all age groups, from early childhood to tertiary level. The organisation aims to foster innovation and growth in the wool industry by deepening understanding of wool's properties among future generations. A new tertiary study pilot programme, Wool Dynamics, is being introduced across six major architecture and product design schools. Developed by CFWNZ and authored by Auckland University Technology experts, the programme will support students in bringing innovative ideas to the wool industry through various vocational-specific programmes. CFWNZ general manager Kara Biggs emphasises the programme's significance in answering wool growers' needs and aligning with students' interest in sustainable systems. The online education portal will provide students and academics with access to presentations, lecture materials, research, and case ...
