Early Bird I Monday May 27th 2024

New study reveals dire need for improved rural health services, Fed Farmers claim victory over new visa conditions, and milk powder revealed as New Zealand’s single biggest export commodity. 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! New study reveals dire need for improved rural health services The health of rural New Zealanders is lagging significantly behind that of their urban counterparts, according to a new study by academics from Waikato and Otago universities.  The study reveals that the more remote an area, the worse the health outcomes for its residents. Fiona Bolden, chair of the Rural Health Network, described the situation as a "postcode lottery for health," particularly affecting those in New Zealand's rural production sectors. She criticised successive governments for their inaction on health inequalities, noting that the recent introduction of a telehealth service is not a sufficient solution. Approximately 900,000 New Zealanders, or nearly one in five, live in rural areas. The researchers compiled an extensive list of health metrics showing that rural residents fare worse than urban dwellers. These metrics include significantly higher mortality rates from preventable causes, higher suicide rates, especially among males, and twice the incidence of social and economic deprivation. Additionally, rural areas have much lower rates of NCEA and tertiary educational qualifications. Access to technology is also limited in rural areas, with fewer families having mobile phones and internet access. Vaccination rates are lower, and despite poorer health outcomes, rural residents access hospital-level care far less frequently. The study highlights that these statistics are even worse for Māori living in rural regions. The report has been presented to Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson.  Fed Farmers claim victory over new visa conditions Farmers are celebrating a victory in their fight against the recent changes to the Accredited Employment Work Visa (AEWV) announced by the Government last month.  Federated Farmers report that Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has agreed to modifications that will aid farmers in obtaining migrant staff for their farms. In an email to Federated Farmers members, vice president and immigration spokesman Richard McIntyre announced that their persistent efforts to secure staff for the calving season have yielded positive results.  He said the pressure has paid off, with the Immigration Minister agreeing to changes that will help employers get migrant staff on-farm. McIntyre also mentioned that they have collaborated with Immigration NZ to create a comprehensive guide to help farmers navigate the work visa process to ensure there are improvements to the AEWV system that work for farming employers and their teams. The changes announced by the government last month included a reduction in visa length to two years, with a maximum continuous stay period of three years, and the introduction of a 12-month stand-down period after the visa expires.  Additionally, new minimum requirements were established regarding skills, work experience, job advertising, and engagement with Work and Income. New report calls for farmer catchment groups to be more involved in land use changes The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is urging New Zealand to address land use change proactively, moving it from the “too hard” basket to immediate action. In his latest report, titled "Going with the Grain: changing land uses to fit a changing landscape," Commissioner Simon Upton emphasises that merely changing management practices on existing land uses will not be sufficient in the nation’s most vulnerable catchments. The report outlines the significant environmental challenges facing New Zealand and the critical role that farmer catchment groups should in driving these necessary changes. According to the report, nearly a third of New Zealand’s catchments require significant land use changes due to exceeding critical contamination levels for nitrogen, phosphate, sediment, or E. coli.  The central North Island has the greatest contamination, primarily from sediment, accounting for over half of the affected catchment area. E. coli contamination is widespread, making it challenging to prioritise areas for action. The commissioner acknowledges the complex and fragmented policy landscape that farmers must navigate, with regulations on emissions, water quality, and biodiversity often conflicting. Environmental impacts are difficult to measure and address due to their diffuse nature, making it hard to attribute causes and enforce regulations. The report advocates for a more integrated, catchment-specific approach, involving greater participation from catchment groups.  An integrated grant and loan system could target the most environmentally challenged catchments, funding catchment groups.  Overall, the report calls for immediate and coordinated action to address land use changes, with a focus on integrating policies, supporting catchment groups, and utilising financial incentives to promote sustainable practices. Milk powder revealed as New Zealand’s single biggest export commodity Milk powder was New Zealand’s largest single commodity exported in the year ending April, accounting for 14% of the country's overseas receipts.  According to data released by Stats NZ, New Zealand exported $9.7 billion worth of milk powder during this period. Since April 2008, the annual value of milk powder exports has increased by 109%, and the quantity exported has risen by 112%.  China was the primary destination for New Zealand's milk powder exports, receiving nearly $3 billion worth, which constitutes 30% of the total milk powder exports for the year ended April 2024. The second largest market by value for New Zealand's milk powder was Algeria, which imported $975 million worth, followed by Indonesia with imports valued at $654 million. Other notable markets included the United Arab Emirates $539 million, Malaysia $510 million, and Thailand $475 million.  Overall, New Zealand exported milk powder to more than 100 countries. Inaugural Freshwater Champions found An educator, an artist, two community catchment groups, and some trail-blazing farmers are being celebrated as the inaugural 2024 Cawthron Freshwater Champions. The winners are the Burke Family from Pukekauri Farms at Katikati in the Bay of Plenty, Professor Huhana Smith from Kuku in Horowhenua, Mel McColgan from Te Tauihu Top of the South, the Moutere Catchment Group from Tasman Bay, and Project Parore from Northern Tauranga. Two other projects received Special Recognition. The Tararua Plantain Project, run by DairyNZ and Tararua farming leaders, was applauded for Innovation, while Western Springs College – Ngā Puna o Waiōrea received recognition for their rangatahi involvement in the Meola Creek restoration in Auckland. More than 50 nominations from throughout New Zealand were submitted for the awards, designed to celebrate and share the work being undertaken by groups and individuals to restore and protect the health of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers.  The awards are run by the Cawthron Institute, supported by NZ Landcare Trust and National Science Challenge, Our Land and Water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.