News Roundup - 26 January

26 Jan 2021

New Zealand is still at COVID Alert Level One
At the time of writing, all of New Zealand is at Alert Level One.
All workplaces and businesses must display the NZ COVID Tracer QR code poster to help customers to keep track of where they’ve been. Everyone is encouraged to continue tracking where you’ve been and who you’ve seen to help with contact tracing, if required.
Staying at home if you’re sick is especially important at Alert Level 1. The risk of COVID-19 being spread in the community is much greater when there are no restrictions on gatherings or going out.
Get a test if you have symptoms. If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and call your doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 to see if you need a test.
Masks are required on all domestic flights, and on all other public transport in Auckland.
https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-1/

Northland could become a peanut producer if $90k trial proves successful

The founder of Pic’s Peanut Butter hopes to produce a 100 per cent New Zealand-made product, if peanut cultivation trials in Northland prove successful.
A feasibility project worth $91,000, co-funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) started in October on three Northland kumara farms.
MPI was contributing $59,000 through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, with expertise provided by Plant and Food Research.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/124018142/northland-could-become-a-peanut-producer-if-90k-trial-proves-successful

Calls for vigilance after spate of farm deaths
Farmers are being urged to make safety a priority after a spate of accidents, including two quad bike deaths within a week.
ACC data shows “a very significant spike” in particular accidents during summer, often linked to increased work with machinery and long days.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/124041328/calls-for-vigilance-after-spate-of-farm-deaths

Consumer prices rise against forecasts of no change
Consumer prices unexpectedly rose at the end of last year as the cost of commercial accommodation, used cars, and building new houses offset cheaper food.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/434973/consumer-prices-rise-against-forecasts-of-no-change

Zespri's bid to buy counterfeit Chinese kiwifruit slapped down by regulator
Zespri's bid to buy counterfeit Chinese golden kiwifruit and stem illegal growing in the country has been slapped down by KiwifruitNZ.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/124043909/zespris-bid-to-buy-counterfeit-chinese-kiwifruit-slapped-down-by-regulator

Auckland to keep assets despite Watercare's financial woes
Despite the increased financial pressures Watercare is facing, the supercity has no plans to hand over the ownership of its assets to a new entity as part of the government's three waters reforms, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/434793/auckland-to-keep-assets-despite-watercare-s-financial-woes-goff

Wairarapa water network poses $97m question for councils

Wairarapa's ageing water network has again been placed under scrutiny and could cause a $97 million headache for its district councils.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/434582/wairarapa-water-network-poses-97m-question-for-councils

Gardeners of all ages still underestimating potting mix risk

Community awareness about Legionnaires' disease is growing, but some gardeners still underestimate the risks posed by potting mix, a researcher warns.
Dr Ali Mohammadi said more people now realised the need to work with potting and compost materials in the open air, to wear a well-fitted mask and gloves and to wash hands afterwards.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gardeners-of-all-ages-still-underestimating-potting-mix-risk-researcher/IJTVVMYGQFMZWVUC6VMSGIPMMM/

Call for more strict glyphosate-use guidelines after Japan's honey warning
Tough border testing for New Zealand honey imports to Japan is re-igniting the conversation about the use of the weed killer glypohsate in New Zealand.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/434895/call-for-more-strict-glyphosate-use-guidelines-after-japan-s-honey-warning

Drought conditions and fire: Which regions have reason for concern
It was a hard summer for many last year, with widespread drought crippling some regions.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/434976/drought-conditions-and-fire-which-regions-have-reason-for-concern

 
 

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