Rural News – Rules on road transport between farms need addressing

August 22, 2025

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Following last night’s One News story about an overweight farm tractor and trailer and subsequent comments from Transport Minister Chris Bishop, road freight association Transporting New Zealand says it agrees those rules need to be reviewed – but it can’t just be a case of ‘anything goes’.

Chief Executive, Dom Kalasih said there is a risk that people jump to incorrect conclusions.

“Prior to Minister Bishop’s announcement in June about reforming the land transport rules, we’d been working with officials on this and unless something has dramatically changed, the requirements related to operating farm equipment on the road isn’t in the scope of the first tranche of work.

“That said, we’ll have to wait and see what comes out in October.”

While technology in the agriculture sector has improved, Kalasih cautions that the purpose of land transport rules can’t be ignored.

“These rules are in place to ensure that safety and roading infrastructure impacts are being managed, and that maintenance on those assets is being paid for. The agricultural sector needs to take accountability in managing and contributing to these things.”

“There’s no doubt that an efficient productive agricultural sector is a key part to the success of our economy. But on the flip side, I think that sector needs to appreciate there are an increasing number of motorists that are getting stuck behind farm tractors and trailers and while they’re following them, they’re thinking it all looks a bit dodgy.

“I’d hate to see a serious crash or major damage to a bridge because those vehicles were exempt from all the rules.”

Transporting New Zealand will be continuing to work with officials on the rules reform.

MIL OSI

Local News – Pātaka heating system a win for the environment – Porirua

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: Porirua City Council

In a climate change success story, Porirua City’s Pātaka Art + Museum has moved from a gas boiler to a more cost-effective electric heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The HVAC system took 16 weeks to put in and was completed on 11 August. It replaces the old-fashioned gas boiler Pātaka had, which was near the end of its life.

Gas has been kept in the building for catering purposes, but Pātaka will now be 94 per cent electric, which is more cost-effective and better for the environment, Porirua’s General Manager Community & Partnerships, Reuben Friend, says.

“An electric-supplied HVAC system is a win-win for visitors to our amazing Pātaka as the heating and system control is now consistent,” he says.

“Our beautiful galleries, offices and public areas are warmer and inviting and we can regulate temperature and air quality so much better.

“More importantly, we’re helping achieve one of Council’s priorities, building towards a low-carbon city, reducing our pollution overall.”

The area where the old heating system was contained can now be used as a hireable space for entertaining and events, Reuben says.

MIL OSI

Slim Down Server Maintenance Time with Southco’s New Rack Attach

MIL OSI

August 22, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 August 2025 – Southco Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Southco Inc., a leading global provider of engineered access solutions such as locks, latches, captive fasteners, electronic access solutions and hinges/ positioning technology has introduced RA Rack Attach to the server industries.

RA Rack Attach

As the race for the best AI technology heats up, manufacturers are turning to liquid immersion cooling to stabilize the servers of the future. While this technology provides far superior cooling properties compared to traditional fans, it also brings a new set of challenges, particularly around maintenance. Server blades are packed extremely tightly in a small space and immersed in liquid coolant, which can make it difficult to remove a single blade for service.

During maintenance, screws can be dropped and lost in the enclosure and hands can slip on slick metal as technicians try to lift heavy, liquid-covered hardware. These mishaps risk costly damage to server blades, and more importantly, loss of server uptime. In this AI race, the more time you spend running the better off you are, and every second counts. That is why Southco is introducing the RA Rack Attach.

The RA Rack Attach replaces traditional screws that normally secure a server blade to a rack. Instead, those screws are used to attach the RA to the blade, and an integrated pawl secures the blade to the rack.

This pawl retracts when a technician presses an integrated trigger in the Rack Attach handle, providing easy release from the rack, and a secure grip for the technician as they lift out the blade in one fluid motion. No more screws slowing down maintenance, and increased uptime for servers as they support the tech of the future.

While space is at a premium in these liquid cooled server racks, the RA Rack Attach barely takes up any. The device is only 7mm thick, but its steel construction enables it to support 50kg of weight. Technicians get a strong, ergonomic grip with barely any space used by the Rack Attach.

These features drastically decrease maintenance time and risk of damage and injury to technicians. Implementing the Southco RA Rack Attach means lower costs, increased uptime, and a leg up in the race to power the technology of the future.

For more information about the RA Rack Attach, please visit www.southco.com or email the 24/7 customer service department at info@southco.com.

Hashtag: #southco

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Acquisitions – Fonterra agrees sale of Consumer and associated businesses to Lactalis for $3.845 billion

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: Fontera

Fonterra has agreed to sell its Consumer and associated businesses to Lactalis for $3.845 billion NZD
Sale is subject to certain conditions, including Fonterra farmer shareholder approval, separation of the businesses and receipt of regulatory approvals
Farmer shareholder vote to occur in late October or early November with Notice of Meeting to be issued in October
Fonterra targeting a tax free capital return of $2.00 dollars per share
Sale includes long-term agreement for Fonterra to sell milk and ingredients to Lactalis
Subject to the satisfaction of conditions, the sale is expected to complete in the first half of 2026
Fonterra’s FY25 earnings guidance of 65-75 cents per share remains unchanged.

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today announced it has agreed the sale of its global Consumer and associated businesses to Lactalis for $3.845 billion, subject to certain customary financial adjustments and conditions including approval by farmer shareholders, separating the businesses being sold from Fonterra, and receipt of certain final regulatory approvals.

The sale comprises Fonterra’s global Consumer business (excluding Greater China) and Consumer brands; the integrated Foodservice and Ingredients businesses in Oceania and Sri Lanka; and the Middle East and Africa Foodservice business.

In addition to the base enterprise value of $3.845 billion, there is potential for a further $375 million increase from the inclusion of the Bega licences held by Fonterra’s Australian business, which if progressed would take the headline enterprise value of the transaction up to $4.220 billion.

The Co-op is targeting a tax free capital return of $2.00 dollars per share, which is approximately $3.2 billion, following completion of the sale.

As part of the sale agreement, Fonterra will continue to supply milk and other products to the divested businesses, meaning New Zealand farmers’ milk will still be found in iconic dairy brands including Anchor and Mainland.

Fonterra Chairman Peter McBride says over the last 15 months, the Board has thoroughly tested the terms and value of both a trade sale and initial public offering (IPO) as divestment options.

“Following a highly competitive sale process with multiple interested bidders, the Fonterra Board is confident a sale to Lactalis is the highest value option for the Co-op, including over the long-term.

“Alongside a strong valuation for the businesses being divested, the sale allows for a full divestment of the assets by Fonterra, and a faster return of capital to the Co-op’s owners, when compared with an IPO.

“This, coupled with the firm belief we have in Fonterra’s long-term strategy, gives the Board the confidence to unanimously recommend this divestment to shareholders for approval,” says Mr McBride.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the sale agreement represents a great outcome for the Co-op.

“As the world’s largest dairy company, Lactalis has the scale required to take these brands and businesses to the next level. Fonterra farmers will continue to benefit from their success, with Lactalis to become one of our most significant Ingredients customers.

“At the same time, a divestment of these businesses will allow Fonterra to deliver further value for farmer shareholders and New Zealand by focusing on our world leading Ingredients and Foodservice businesses, through which we sell innovative products to more than 100 countries around the world, from our home base here in New Zealand,” says Mr Hurrell.

Lactalis CEO Emmanuel Besnier says “with this acquisition, we significantly strengthen our strategy across Oceania, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Combining the Fonterra consumer business operations and market leading brands with our existing footprint in Australia and Asia will allow Lactalis to further grow its position in key markets. I’m delighted to become a key partner to Fonterra over the long term as well as I’m looking forward to welcoming new teams to the Lactalis family”.

Terms of sale agreement

The divestment comprises the sale of shares in Mainland Group Holdings Limited, a New Zealand incorporated holding company that is currently owned by Fonterra.

The inclusion of the Bega licences held by Fonterra’s Australian business would be confirmed once a dispute with Bega Cheese Limited is resolved. If for some reason the Bega licences are not included in the sale, Fonterra expects to receive a fair value payment from Bega for the licences which would need to be determined at the time.

Under the terms relating to the sale, Fonterra will continue to supply raw milk, dairy ingredients and products to the divested businesses under long-term supply agreements.

Alongside shareholder approval, the divestment is conditional on final regulatory approvals being received from the Overseas Investment Office in New Zealand, the Foreign Investment Review Board in Australia, as well as relevant competition regulators and foreign direct investment regulators in certain countries including Kuwait, New Caledonia and Saudi Arabia.

In July 2025, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission announced it would not oppose the proposed acquisition by Lactalis in Australia.

The divestment is also conditional on separation of the businesses from Fonterra and no material adverse change arising before completion.

Subject to satisfaction of all conditions, the transaction is expected to complete in the first half of the 2026 calendar year.

Shareholder vote and capital return process

Fonterra will now seek farmer shareholder approval to divest the businesses by ordinary resolution at a Special Meeting to be held in late October or early November.

The Notice of Meeting will be issued in early October and will contain information on the impact of the divestment on Fonterra’s financial shape as well as the proposed capital return.

Payment of the capital return would be subject to a separate shareholder vote following completion of the sale and receipt of proceeds in New Zealand. The amount of the capital return would be confirmed ahead of the capital return shareholder vote.

Fonterra’s outlook

Mr McBride says “the Board’s decision to pursue a divestment followed a strategic review, through which we examined the context we operate in, our strengths, and how as a Co-op we create value for farmers.

“By far, we do this best through our Ingredients and Foodservice businesses, which collectively generate the majority of our returns to shareholders through both the Farmgate Milk Price and divid

MIL OSI

State Highway 56 blocked, Opiki

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

An intersection on State Highway 56 in Opiki, Horowhenua is blocked as emergency services respond to a single-vehicle crash.

It happened shortly before 1:20pm at the intersection with Poplar and Tane Roads.

The vehicle involved was on fire, however this has now been extinguished.

There have been no injuries reported.

Motorists should delay travel if possible, or expect delays.

ENDS

MIL OSI

Statement following NZ-US Trade and Agriculture discussions

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, in Washington this week to express New Zealand’s concerns over US tariffs, and the disadvantage this creates for Kiwi exporters in relation to other countries, many of whom subsidise their production.

Ambassador Greer recognised New Zealand applies low tariffs against US goods. He confirmed that the additional 5 per cent tariff imposed on New Zealand exports last month was in relation to New Zealand’s balance of trade surplus and represented a new bottom tariff rate of 15 per cent, or higher, for all countries that sold more to the US than they bought.

Product-specific trade investigations in areas including steel and aluminium, pharmaceuticals, and timber were also discussed.

Ambassador Greer and Minister McClay agreed that trade officials would meet over the coming months to discuss the impact of tariffs on New Zealand-US trade and consider practical ways to give exporters greater certainty.

Minister McClay recognised New Zealand’s relationship with the United States is important. Two-way trade is well balanced and complementary with New Zealand applying an average tariff rate of just 0.3 per cent on US goods imports. At different times, each side has enjoyed a trade surplus, reflecting the dynamic nature of the trade relationship.

Ambassador Greer and Minister McClay agreed to next meet during the ASEAN Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia in September and again at the APEC Leaders’ Summit in Korea in October where they would consider any next steps to strengthen trade.

Minister McClay, Secretary of Agriculture Rollins and Ambassador Greer discussed shared concerns about the harm that heavily subsidised, trade-distorting practices of some countries are causing to the New Zealand and US dairy industries.

They agreed that dairy farmers were important to both governments and that they shared significant concerns over the effect these trade-distorting practices have on our respective dairy industries.

They agreed to explore ways to jointly combat these harmful practices and support our dairy farmers.

MIL OSI

Hamilton Police seeking information on serious assault

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson:

Hamilton Police are seeking information on a serious assault that has left a youth in critical condition in Waikato Hospital.

A 17-year-old male was stabbed during an altercation outside an address on Slim Street, Melville around 5pm yesterday.

Approximately seven people are thought to have been involved, and enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate them.

A scene examination is being conducted today.

As part of our enquiries, Police are asking anyone with information to contact Police via our 105 service, referencing file number 250821/2944.

Police especially want to hear from anyone in the area that has CCTV from around the time of the incident.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

MIL OSI

Reckless driver wanted by Police lands in Court

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A driver wanted by Police is now facing a raft of charges after allegedly failing to stop in Waterview last night.

At about 10pm, a motorways unit signalled for the driver of a Lexus travelling on State Highway 20 to stop, however it failed to do so and allegedly took off at sped.

Auckland Motorways Manager, Senior Sergeant Scott Cunningham, says the vehicle was not pursued and the Police Air Support Unit was called in to assist.

“Eagle has the provided commentary as the vehicle has continued travelling south to Manukau before turning back north on State Highway 1.

“The driver has travelled at excessive speed while also weaving through traffic in a dangerous manner.”

Senior Sergeant Cunningham says the vehicle was spiked in Grafton and continued over the Harbour Bridge, exiting at Northcote.

“The vehicle then pulled into a driveway and all four occupants were quickly arrested.

“Enquiries confirm the car was not stolen, however the driver had a warrant to arrest.

“Police is committed to keeping people safe on our roads and individuals who chose to drive in a reckless or dangerous manner will be held to account.”

A 23-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 29 August charged with failing to stop, reckless driving and driving while disqualified.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

MIL OSI

CTU calls on PM to sack Brooke van Velden

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Prime Minister to remove Brooke van Velden as Minister of Employment Relations and Safety, following her recent comments that politicise the Employment Relations Authority and breach the Cabinet Manual.

The NZCTU will also lodge a complaint with the Attorney General on the grounds that the Minister has commented on judicial matters and not exercised appropriate judgement.

“We are calling on the Prime Minister to show leadership by removing Brooke van Velden as Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“In my 10 years as CTU President I have never had to take the drastic step to call for the removal of a Minister for Workplace Relations.

“Before van Velden was appointed as the Minister, we always had constructive working relationships with labour ministers, including under National-led governments, as they understood the importance of the portfolio, including the independence of the Employment Relations Authority.

“It is of the upmost importance that ministers respect the independence of judicial bodies and not politicise them by saying they expect members they’ve appointed to deliver outcomes that suit their political agenda.

“It is deeply concerning that the Minister has told media that she stands by her comments, after the PSA called for a retraction. It is now clear that the Prime Minister must step in and take action to uphold ministerial standards in his cabinet.

“These comments represent the kind of political interference in judicial processes that undermine the rule of law and have no place in a democracy.

“Since she was appointed as Minister, van Velden has implemented constant policy attacks on workers’ rights and unions. There is no ability for workers and the public to have confidence in her as the Minister. It’s time for her to go,” said Wagstaff.

MIL OSI

Funding approved to four-lane busiest section of Hawke’s Bay Expressway

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the investment case for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, with construction starting in November on this crucial Road of National Significance (RoNS).

The Board has endorsed the investment case and approved more than $600m to four-lane the most congested part of the Expressway, between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road roundabouts, including a new grade separated interchange at the Links Road/Pākōwhai Road roundabout.

“The Hawke’s Bay Expressway is one of 17 RoNS being progressed by this Coalition Government. The NZTA Board’s endorsement of the investment case, and approval of construction funding for four-laning of the most congested section, demonstrates our focus to streamline business cases, prioritise economic growth, and get spades in the ground on projects,” Mr Bishop says.

“Hawke’s Bay is home to about 166,000 people and that is expected to increase to 202,000 by 2048, with most of that growth in Napier and Hastings. Upgrading the existing Expressway in a staged and affordable way will ensure we can deliver benefits sooner by alleviating congestion currently being experienced by road users, improve safety, reliability, and resilience, and accommodate future growth.

The investment case for Hawke’s Bay Expressway corridor includes:

7km of four-laning between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road.
a duplicate two-lane overpass at Meeanee Road.
a duplicate two-lane overpass at Kennedy Road.
a duplicate two-lane bridge over Tutaekuri River.
a four-lane grade separated interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road.

“The decision to fund and undertake early ground improvement and design work late last year in advance of the investment case, including raising the land either side of the Kennedy Road overpass with repurposed, safe Cyclone Gabrielle silt, has proven its value. After waiting 12 months for that soil to compact, it has allowed NZTA to realise benefits of the project earlier than initially programmed and ensures the team can hit the ground running and start construction as early as November this year.

“Contracts to deliver the road and bridge packages of work for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project will be confirmed through a procurement panel that was established late last year. This process will commence at the end of August, with contracts awarded by October.

“Four-laning is expected to start in November 2025 and be completed in early 2028. Design work for the grade separated interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road will take place next year, with construction expected to begin in late 2027 and be completed in late 2029.

“Once completed, the interchange will ultimately provide road users and freight with almost 12km of free-flowing, uninterrupted travel, and a more reliable connection to Hawke’s Bay Airport and the port in Napier.

“The investment case has shown it represents a strong case for investment with up to 39 per cent improvement in travel times, up to 36 per cent improvement in travel time reliability, up to seven fewer deaths and serious injury crashes, and twice the resilience to flood closure. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) is a range of 2.3-2.8 (exclusive of wider economic benefits).

“The Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 (GPS) requires NZTA to consider tolling for all new RoNS. For the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, tolling has not been pursued as current legislation does not allow tolling across a route where only part of the corridor is being delivered as new infrastructure.

“Future investment beyond the most congested part of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be assessed against need, benefits, prioritisation, and funding availability. NZTA expects to begin work in mid-2026 on a Hawke’s Bay System Plan, pending approval of funding, which will take a long-term strategic look at the transport system, including future growth and development. This will help shape a pipeline of future regional transport projects, including consideration of further sections of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

“Our Government is committed to delivering a strong pipeline of projects to support jobs and growth. Today’s announcement of more than $600 million of investment in the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project is in addition to the $6 billion of already confirmed Government-funded projects around New Zealand expected to begin construction before Christmas.

“I want to thank local MPs Katie Nimon and Catherine Wedd for their strong advocacy. I look forward to NZTA confirming the successful contractors who will deliver this crucial project for the Hawke’s Bay in the coming weeks and being on site later this year to turn the first sod as construction gets underway.”

Notes to editor:

The funding approved by the NZTA Board for the most congested part of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road roundabouts, includes contingency allowances. To protect the sensitivity of commercial negotiations, more specific figures will be confirmed once contracts are signed by NZTA in the coming months.
The project will be delivering a total of 7km of four-laning – 6.5km from Taradale Road to Links/Pakowhai Road, and 500m south of Links/Pakowhai road (as part of new interchange).
The approximately 12km of uninterrupted travel, provided through the new grade separated interchange, will run from Taradale Road to Evenden Road.

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