Food security might be the biggest loser in three waters reform says Horticulture NZ

Food security might be the biggest loser in three waters reform says Horticulture NZ
The “three waters” bill might prioritise town water supply but at what cost to the food we eat? (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
The horticulture industry is worried the Water Services Entities Bill (aka “three waters” reform) will direct entities to secure the cheapest water supply for urban areas at the expense of food security.The bill would establish four water service entities that will take fresh water, wastewater, and stormwater functions off local government and recently came under fire from the auditor general for being weak on public accountability.Horticulture NZ spokesperson Michelle Sands told Parliament’s finance and expenditure committee...

More Primary Sector

Why NZ's US tariff rates could rise on a whim
Primary Sector

Why NZ's US tariff rates could rise on a whim

NZ's trade surplus with the US is likely to go up. Donald Trump won't like that.

Dairy prices fall for fourth straight auction, whole milk powder down 2.3%
Primary Sector

Dairy prices fall for fourth straight auction, whole milk powder down 2.3%

Prices have slipped again in the latest Global Dairy Trade auction, held overnight on Tuesday, with a 1.6% dip across the board.This was the fourth consecutive decline, following a 0.8% slide at the previous auction, a 4.3% decrease before that, and a 0.3% drop on Aug 19.Whole mi...

Staff reporters 08 Oct 2025
Dairy Farms NZ sells 6 of 7 farms, last one to go next year
Primary Sector

Dairy Farms NZ sells 6 of 7 farms, last one to go next year

The corporate dairy farmer has sold most of its Fonterra shares.

Riley Kennedy 08 Oct 2025