Fonterra announces new incentives for farmers to reduce emissions

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February 18, 2025

Source: Fonterra

Fonterra has today announced new funding designed to build a stronger Co-operative and continue to grow value for its shareholders through helping farmers reduce on-farm emissions.

For the 2025/26 season beginning on 1 June, Fonterra will introduce a payment for farms that achieve certain emissions-related criteria as part of updates to its Co-operative Difference framework.

Meanwhile, new incentives that benefit farmers will be funded through separate agreements with Mars and Nestlé, who have been working with Fonterra to make progress towards their individual sustainability goals by supporting farmers to reduce emissions.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says the new incentives demonstrate Fonterra’s strategy in action.

“We’re growing relationships with customers who value the hard work farmers put into producing sustainable, high-quality milk, along with the Co-op’s quality of on-farm data and ongoing commitment to improvement. This helps us make progress towards achieving our on-farm emissions target and deliver the highest returns for our farmer shareholders’ milk.

“Last year we confirmed six strategic choices that we believe will help grow further value in the years ahead and this is an example of how we’re delivering on two of those choices, deliver the strongest farmer offering and build on our sustainability position,” says Mr Hurrell.

The new funding, includes:

New Co-operative Difference payment

1-5 cent per kgMS payment: To date, a total of up to 10 cents per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS) has been possible across all achievements within Fonterra’s Co-operative Difference framework. A new Emissions Excellence achievement will offer a further payment of between 1-5 cents per kgMS for farms that meet certain criteria*. Based on last season’s data, it’s estimated that approximately 5,000 farms will be eligible for this payment next season.

New customer incentives

Funding from separate agreements with Mars and Nestlé, will be split between:

On-farm solutions: Farmers who achieve the Co-operative Difference will be eligible for access to on-farm tools or services designed to further improve emissions efficiency, for example herd efficiency services from LIC and CRV. Based on last season’s achievements, 87% of farmers would’ve been eligible.
Extra 10-25 cents per kgMS Emissions Incentive payment: Farmers who achieve the Co-operative Difference and have one of the lowest emissions footprints in the Co-op** will receive an Emissions Incentive payment of between 10-25 cents per kgMS. Based on last season’s data it’s estimated that between 300-350 farms will be eligible for this payment next season.

Mars Snacking Chief R&D, Procurement and Sustainability Officer, Amanda Davies says between new equipment and technology, embracing more sustainable practices comes with a price tag for farmers.

“That’s why we’re working with partners like Fonterra to help remove this barrier – providing cash, tools, and technology to support farmers in making meaningful, long-term changes.”

Nestlé New Zealand CEO, Jennifer Chappell, says Nestlé globally is a significant purchaser of New Zealand dairy ingredients, and dairy remains its largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

“As we strive towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050, we are committed to reducing our Scope 3 emissions. We will continue to support farmers, in partnership with Fonterra, fostering new economic opportunities and helping them lower their greenhouse gas emissions.”

Mars and Nestlé have independently supported Fonterra farmers with their sustainability actions through initiatives introduced over the past couple of seasons.

In 2024, Fonterra farmers were invited to take part in the Mars Tools and Services pilot, which provided access to tools and services, including animal efficiency services and digital tools. Additionally, Mars previously supported the Greener Choices programme, which made it easier for Fonterra farmers to identify and buy products at Farm Source stores that could help them make sustainability improvements on-farm.

In 2022, Fonterra and Nestlé announced a partnership that included the Net Zero Pilot Dairy Farm in Taranaki, designed to help reduce on-farm emissions. In 2023, Fonterra announced that Nestlé would make an additional payment of between 1-2 cents per kgMS for farms that achieved any level of the Co-operative Difference. This payment has been replaced with the new Emissions Incentive payment from next season.

Notes:

*New Co-operative Difference payment

To meet the new Emissions Excellence achievement, farmers need to achieve the Co-operative Difference and their emissions from farming activities (like feed, fertiliser and herd) minus any carbon removals (i.e. emissions reductions resulting from the carbon dioxide that is removed from trees and vegetation that is grown on-farm) need to be lower than the Co-op’s 2017/18 baseline year.

**Extra 10-25 cents per kgMS Emissions Incentive payment

To receive the customer-funded Emissions Incentive payment, farmers need to achieve the Co-operative Difference and have one of the lowest emissions footprints in the Co-op (around 30% lower than the average farm). This will take into account not only emissions from farming activities, but also those associated with land use change (e.g. the historical conversion of forests to pasture) and those released from peat soils, before subtracting any carbon removals.

Fonterra’s Climate Roadmap

Fonterra has a target of reducing on-farm emissions intensity by 30% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline. The target was announced in 2023 as part of its Climate Roadmap, which outlines the Co-op’s 2030 targets and ambition to be net zero by 2050. This target is critical for a number of reasons. It helps the Co-op to remain competitive and build stronger partnerships with customers as well as be able to secure future funding, meet market access demands and comply with increased legal and reporting obligations, as the Co-op plays its part intaking action on climate change.

Sustainability at Mars

As part of Mars’ Net Zero Roadmap, the company has built a plan to halve full value chain emissions by 2030*, enroute to Net Zero by 2050. Mars is already delivering on its promises with 16% absolute reductions in GHG emissions in 2023 against a 2015 baseline, across its full value chain. 

In 2024, Mars launched its Moo’ving Dairy Forward plan, a $47M 3-year investment in new technologies and partnerships to slash greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its global dairy supply chain.

*As measured against a 2015 baseline. 

Sustainability at Nestlé

Nestlé is striving towards net zero emissions by 2050. In 2020, they published the global Nestlé Net Zero Roadmap and have since transformed their business to start delivering reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all three Scopes of their activities. By the end of 2025, Nestlé aims to reduce emissions by 20% and by the end of 2030, by 50%.

Progress toward net zero will be measured against Nestlé’s 2018 GHG emissions. Targets were set by following the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) criteria, providing a clear pathway for future-proof growth with reductions in GHG emissions. Nestlé’s Scope 3 emissions make up 95% of their footprint, and they are addressing more than 80% of these. The SBTi approved Nestlé’s targets in November 2020. Read more here: https://www.nestle.com/sustainability

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Local News – Signing of Te Wai Ora o Parirua – Porirua Harbour Accord

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February 18, 2025

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Source: Porirua City Council

A significant milestone in the journey to restore and protect the health of Te Awarua-o-Porirua (Porirua Harbour) was marked on 6 February with the official signing of Te Wai Ora o Parirua – Porirua Harbour Accord (the Accord). This historic agreement unites key partners in a shared commitment to restoring the ecological, cultural, and environmental integrity of the harbour.

The Accord brings together Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Porirua City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council, and Wellington Water Ltd, alongside stakeholders, community groups, and organisations dedicated to improving the harbour’s health.

Key focus areas of the Accord include improving water quality, restoring biodiversity, integrating sustainable water management with urban development, and addressing climate change impacts.

Community engagement is also a vital aspect of this work, with the Accord encouraging active participation from local groups and residents passionate about the harbour’s future.

“For Ngāti Toa, the harbour is more than a body of water; it is a taonga deeply woven into our identity, heritage, and values,” says Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Board Chair, Callum Katene.

The Accord establishes a framework for collaboration among the partner organisations to implement a unified approach to improving the health of Porirua Harbour and monitoring progress, with an iwi-led mauri ora approach guiding the long-term restoration efforts.

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker welcomed the Accord and the joint commitment it brings.

“Te Awarua-o-Porirua is at the heart of our city and our community and is a taonga for our mana whenua. We have been working with our partners and the community on ways to restore the mauri of Porirua Harbour and the Accord formally signals our shared vision and ongoing commitment,” she says.

The Accord is not just a commitment on paper, but a promise to future generations. It is a living document that will be reviewed regularly, with work programmes established and monitored annually.

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Local News – Children’s Day in Porirua celebrating all things heroic

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February 18, 2025

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Source: Porirua City Council

Heroes can be found in the most unlikely places, and on Sunday 2 March you’ll be able to find loads of them at Porirua City Council’s free Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki/Children’s Day event.

Celebrations of the annual day recognising our tamariki will run from 11am-3pm at Ngāti Toa Domain. The theme for the day is all things heroic – this could be everyday heroes, superheroes or community heroes, and hopefully the event will inspire some heroes of tomorrow.

Visitors of all ages are encouraged to dress up as their favourite type of hero, with lots of cool prizes to be won.

“Children are such an important part of our city, and as about 40 per cent of Porirua’s population is younger than 25, it’s only fair that we use this day to put them first,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.

“Celebrating all things heroic will give tamariki the chance to meet everyday heroes from our community, such as those who work hard for our emergency and health services, and our environmental heroes too.”

Attendees can meet and chat with representatives from Plunket, Bee Healthy, Ora Toa, surf lifesavers, Predator Free, and Nonstop Solutions.

There will also be loads of opportunities for tākaro/play activities for all ages. Porirua City kindy gym instructors will be at the dedicated preschool area for younger tamariki, which will also feature a baby bouncer, soft play area and bubble house.

If bouncing around is your thing, there will be an inflatable obstacle course, bouncy castles, inflatable sports arcade and a big blue slide.

You can try your hand at the inflatable target shootout, ten pin bowling, baseball and rugby.

The fabulous Rainbow Circus will also be there on the day, ready to create face painting works of art.

There will be some food trucks on site on the day. There is also a supermarket and other eateries nearby to help satisfy any rumbling tummies.

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Women giving birth are older than ever recorded – Stats NZ media and information release: Births and deaths: Year ended December 2024 (including abridged period life table)

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February 18, 2025

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Women giving birth are older than ever recorded – 18 February 2025 – The median age of women giving birth in Aotearoa New Zealand has reached 31.5 years in 2024, according to data released by Stats NZ today.

The median age of 31.5 years is the highest since records began in 1962. The lowest median age recorded was 24.8 years in 1972. By 1994, the median age had risen to 28.5 years. Median age is the age at which half of women giving birth are younger and half are older than this age and is for all births rather than first births.

“Women who are having children now are often older than those of previous generations,” population estimates, projections and coverage spokesperson Victoria Treliving said.

“This births data, when considered alongside the 2023 Census data, supports a trend of women having fewer children.”

Files:

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Stats NZ information release: National population estimates: At 31 December 2024 (2018-base)

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February 18, 2025

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

National population estimates: At 31 December 2024 (2018-base) – 18 February 2025 –National population estimates give the best available measure of the population, by age and sex, usually living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Key facts
At 31 December 2024:

the estimated resident population of New Zealand was 5,356,700 (provisionally)
there were 2,693,400 females and 2,663,300 males
the median age of females and males was 39.2 and 37.4 years respectively.

For more see:

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Consumer NZ survey reveals New Zealanders face rising healthcare concerns amid ongoing financial uncertainty

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February 18, 2025

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Source: Consumer NZ

The latest Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker results reveal that New Zealanders continue to grapple with financial uncertainty and growing concerns about healthcare services.

39% of respondents identified healthcare as a key issue, up from 27% in October 2024 and 23% a year ago.

Healthcare is now the second-biggest concern, growing rapidly, with increased anxiety about the healthcare system’s ability to meet demand, and concerns about the affordability and quality of healthcare services. This rise sees the issues of crime, climate and broader economic stability dropping in importance since the last survey, in October 2024.

Health themes that emerged from our research included concerns about access and wait times, cost, staff shortages and burnout, resourcing and infrastructure, inequities, as well as the quality of healthcare services.

Healthcare concerns have risen across all age groups, but older New Zealanders remain most vocal, with 65% of those aged 70 years and over identifying healthcare as a top issue, up from 46% in October 2024 and 41% a year ago.

What we heard
“So much under funding is making the health system worse, I’m going to have to get private medical insurance.” – Female, 35-39 years, Otago

“That ALL people requiring healthcare receive it in a timely affordable manner. Seeing ones GP should be affordable for all to prevent costly issues later.”
– Female, 70 years and over, Hawke’s Bay

“Concerned about the standard or availability of healthcare being a postcode lottery. Insufficient numbers of GPs. Unsubsidised dental care rules out this important health care option for a lot of adults. Healthcare workers are not well paid and are put in dangerous situations.” – Female, 55-59 years, Wellington

Healthcare at Consumer NZ
Jon Duffy, Consumer chief executive, says the data is showing the healthcare system is failing to meet consumer expectations.

“Given the central role the health system plays in all of our lives, it is concerning to see such a rapid rise in consumer anxiety about the system’s ability to meet even basic needs.”

“We are committed to covering and answering big questions about consumer interaction with a range of healthcare topics to support better wellbeing outcomes.”

Cost of living still the top concern
Cost of living is still the top issue (64%), with financial pressures remaining a significant concern, while anxiety about unemployment has risen from 9% a year ago to 15%.

Declining trust signals broader discontent
Trust has declined across various sectors, with notable decreases in trust in the government (down 8 percentage points) and a 7-point drop in trust in the healthcare system.

About
The Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker is a quarterly survey that gathers insights from 1,000 New Zealanders, providing a snapshot of public opinion on key issues, including financial stability, consumer spending and trust.

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Health – Access to specialist mental health and addiction services continues to decrease

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February 18, 2025

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Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Data released today by Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission shows that fewer people accessed specialist mental health and addiction services in the year from July 2023 to June 2024 than in previous years.

Recently available data shows a decrease of over 3,000 fewer people than the year before and more than 16,000 fewer people than four years ago.

“We are very concerned about the continued downward trend in the number of people being seen by specialist mental health and addiction services over the last few years,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara.

“Rangatahi and young people aged under 25 make up over 10,000 of the 16,000 fewer people being seen. This requires urgent attention.”

“We want to see improved access so people get timely support when they need it.”

The reasons behind a reduction in access to services were reported in our 2024 Kua Tīmata Te Haerenga service monitoring report. We found that this was not due to a decrease in need for specialist services, but largely due to significant workforce shortages and increasing complexity of people’s needs.

In June 2024, the Commission made a set of recommendations for urgent action by Government and health agencies to accelerate improvement in a range of critical areas. This included a call for Health NZ to develop a mental health and addiction workforce plan to address service capacity and workforce shortages by June 2025.

“We will be keeping a close watch on access and will publish further information in the coming months. We will also be monitoring progress with the recommendations we made in 2024,” Karen Orsborn said.

“Ultimately, we want to see improved access to specialist services and this needs to be a top priority.”

The factsheet released today is part of broader monitoring work that Te Hiringa Mahara uses to assess how well the system is working. Our role is to draw attention to areas where improvements are needed as well as highlighting where things are working well. Additional monitoring information on the 2023/24 year will be released in coming months.

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Police appeal for sightings of missing man Travis Langford

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February 18, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police are continuing to search for Travis Langford, who has been missing since 17 January.

Travis travelled from Wellington to the Waikato region, where his vehicle was located burnt out on a Tolley Road farm in Ngaroma on 18 January.

Police coordinated a search of that area where his vehicle was located, utilising SAR staff, police and the Eagle helicopter. Private searches have also been carried out by family and friends of the same area and into the South Waikato region.

Some personal items belonging to Travis were found during the initial search.

In recent weeks, there have been sightings of a man in the Waipapa and Mangakino areas who fits the description of Travis.

Police would like to hear from anyone who has seen or heard from Travis, or who has any more information about the man seen in the South Waikato area wearing long pants, no shoes and carrying a backpack.

We’re also asking people to check any outbuildings, sheds, barns and abandoned buildings on their properties for Travis or any sign of disturbance.

If anyone has any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250119/4439.

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Popular Great Walks bookings to open

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February 18, 2025

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date: 18 February 2025

Opening dates are staggered between 13 to 28 May to give people making multiple bookings a better chance of securing their preferred slot.

DOC has upgraded the booking system, so it is easier for people to use. This includes implementing a queue system on opening days, to smooth the experience for customers and to better manage very high demand at peak times.

“New Zealand’s Great Walks are hugely popular both here and internationally. They offer diverse multi-day experiences across spectacular landscapes, on well-formed and maintained tracks,” says Director of Heritage and Visitors Cat Wilson.

“Our newest Great Walk – Hump Ridge Track was recently named on a list of ‘Top 25 trails to explore around the globe in 2025’, the only walk to feature from Oceania.”

“Around 50% of international visitors come here to experience our national landscapes and environment, and around 50% of international tourists visit New Zealand’s national parks”.

The Heaphy, Kepler and Rakiura tracks are the first Great Walks to open on 15 May, Hump Ridge Track will open at the same time. The ever-popular Milford Track will open last on 28 May. DOC recommends people wanting to book a Great Walk have a profile set up before opening day.

The Great Walks mythbuster postexplains why some Great Walks book out faster than others.

Bookings for other DOC accommodation will also open in this period, from 13 to 21 May. Bookings go live at 9:30am on the opening day.

“It’s been a busy summer to date and it’s great seeing more people are enjoying Great Walks, with bookings up 5% on the previous year,” says Director of Heritage and Visitors Cat Wilson.

“So far, 67% of all Great Walk bednights* booked were by New Zealanders, up from 60% pre-pandemic and 65% last summer. In all, New Zealanders booked over 45,000 bednights on the Great Walks between 15 December 2024 and 26 January 2025.”

“We’re lucky to have mountains, forests, beaches, parks, lakes and rivers on our doorstep. With demand for spots on some of our Great Walks still very high, people should consider some of the less well-known walks which are just as spectacular”, says Cat Wilson.

*One bednight = one person taking one berth/space for one night. Bednights are a standard reporting metric used across the global tourism industry.

Background information

Opening dates for Great Walk accommodation bookings (for stays from 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026) 9.30 am NZST

15 May – Heaphy Track, Kepler Track, Rakiura Track, Hump Ridge

22 May – Whanganui Journey, Routeburn Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit

27 May – Lake Waikaremoana Track, Abel Tasman Coast Track, Paparoa Track

28 May – Milford Track

Opening dates for all other accommodation bookings (for stays from 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026) 9.30am NZST

13 May – Backcountry huts, lodges, sole occupancy facilities

20 May – Conservation campsites, except Tōtaranui, Momorangi, Anaura Bay campsites

21 May – Momorangi campsite, Anaura Bay campsite

4 June – Tōtaranui campsite

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Man charged with murder in Hastings homicide investigation

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February 18, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A man has been arrested following the death of another man in Hawke’s Bay Sunday night, 16 February.

Detective Inspector Martin James said a homicide investigation was launched after a 33-year-old man was pronounced deceased in Hawke’s Bay Hospital around 11pm, after he was brought into the hospital following an assault.

“Yesterday, Monday 17 February, a large team of detectives worked throughout the day, conducting scene examinations at several addresses in the suburb of Camberley and an address in Napier.

“Resulting from this work, a 28-year-old Hastings man was arrested and charged with murder.

“We are glad to have been able to identify and arrest someone in relation to this tragic incident in short order – we will not accept violence in our community,” Detective Inspector James said.

The family of the deceased has been advised of the arrest, and he is due to appear in the Hastings District Court today.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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