Early Bird I Tuesday April 22nd 2025

Prime Minister’s UK trip aims to boost export opportunities, back-to back tractor fatalities in Clutha and Taupo, and world-class shearers go for merino record in South Africa.

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!

 

Prime Minister’s UK trip aims to boost export opportunities

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is in the United Kingdom this week where he will meet King Charles and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The Prime Minister will focus strongly on trade opportunities, particularly for New Zealand's agricultural sector, during talks with Starmer. 

The UK represents a significant market for New Zealand's primary producers, with exports there growing by more than 20 percent in 2024 and continuing to climb. This growth provides important diversification for rural communities as global trade tensions between China and the US create uncertainty.

Luxon will explore the role of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in promoting free trade as a path to prosperity for agricultural exporters. The Prime Minister plans to compare notes on world trade with his British counterpart and test what both countries can do together to strengthen trading systems vital to the primary sector.

Following his UK engagements, the Prime Minister will visit Istanbul and travel to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day commemorations to honour the commitment and sacrifice of New Zealand war veterans, coinciding with the 110th anniversary of the ANZAC landings.

 

Chicken exports recovering after avian flu outbreak

New Zealand chicken exports are returning to normal levels after trade was suspended following an avian influenza outbreak last year.

The Ministry for Primary Industries reports good progress in restoring international market access, with approximately $300 million – about 75% – of poultry product trade now recovered. 

MPI's divisional manager bilateral relations and trade, Steve Ainsworth, confirms the ministry has worked closely with overseas government counterparts and industry partners to meet market requirements and propose alternative assurances where needed. The collaborative approach has helped major exporters including Tegel, Ingham's, Brinks and Tara Exports resume their international trade.

The outbreak occurred last December when New Zealand experienced its first confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at an Otago egg farm. While thousands of chickens were culled at Mainland Poultry's Hillgrove site, MPI confirms there remains no sign of the disease beyond that farm and no risk to domestic egg and chicken supply.

 

Back-to back tractor fatalities in Clutha and Taupo

Two separate fatal farm accidents happened over Easter weekend, with a respected Clutha volunteer firefighter among those who lost their lives.

Blair Halder, a 41-year-old farmer and secretary of the Clutha Valley Volunteer Fire Brigade, died Saturday afternoon following an incident involving a tractor on his Kononi property. Emergency services were called to the scene about 2.20pm, with crews from Lawrence, Balclutha and Lookout Point attending alongside Mr Halder's own brigade.

Mr Halder had served as a volunteer firefighter for approximately 23 years, beginning in Dipton before joining Clutha Valley in 2015. Clutha Valley Chief Fire Officer Richard Hunter remembered him as a genuinely good bloke who was always quick to help his community.

About an hour later, emergency services responded to another farm vehicle accident on State Highway 5 in Wairakei near Taupō. First responders arriving at the address shortly after