Early Bird I Tuesday January 14th 2025

Border security is heightened as Germany battles foot and mouth disease, public consultation opens on Arms Act rewrite, and record crowds pack Gisborne Rodeo. 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!   Border security is heightened as Germany battles foot and mouth disease New Zealand has stepped up border vigilance following Germany's first foot and mouth disease outbreak in nearly 40 years, detected in a water buffalo herd near Berlin on Friday. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed New Zealand accepts the European Union's foot and mouth disease management protocols meet international standards. German authorities have established restricted zones and implemented protection measures including movement controls, affected animal destruction, and enhanced surveillance. The development comes during an already active period for New Zealand's biosecurity system. Ministry for Primary Industries staff have been responding to both a fruit fly detection in South Auckland and avian influenza at a Mainland Poultry site in Otago, with no further cases found in either response. MPI reports no current concerns about German imports to New Zealand, with established procedures in place between New Zealand and the European Union for managing such situations. Officials from both regions however,  remain in close contact. Minister Hoggard emphasizes these events reinforce the critical importance of New Zealand's continuous biosecurity vigilance, noting that threats to our primary industries never take a break.   Public consultation opens on Arms Act rewrite Public submissions are now open on the comprehensive rewrite of the Arms Act 1983, with Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee encouraging all New Zealanders to participate in shaping the new firearms legislation. The consultation period runs until February 28, marking the first step in developing a modernized firearms control framework. The Ministry of Justice will lead the policy development process using public feedback gathered through the submissions. McKee emphasizes the government's commitment to creating a fit-for-purpose regime focused on public safety and streamlined regulatory processes. The reform aims to build wider public confidence in firearms control systems. Following the initial consultation phase, the government will introduce a bill to Parliament, providing another opportunity for public input through the select committee process. Members of the public can access the discussion document and submission details through the firearms reform website, with the consultation window closing on February 28.   Record dry year for Northland as summer heat continues Northland faces continued dry conditions after recording one of its driest years on record, with Dargaville experiencing its lowest rainfall since 1943 at just 788mm for 2024. Niwa meteorologist Chris Brandolino expects the dry spell to continue across the region for up to 14 days, though rainfall opportunities should increase in the second half of January. Despite current conditions, Niwa forecasts normal to above-normal rainfall for the January to March period. Water restrictions are being implemented across the region, with Dargaville and Baylys Beach already under level 3 restrictions. Ōmanaia-Rāwene and Ōpononi-Ōmāpere face similar restrictions from Monday, while several other areas move to level 2 restrictions.   New Alliance director to chair key committees Alliance Group has appointed experienced corporate leader Chris Day to its board, bringing extensive governance expertise to the meat processing and export cooperative. Day comes to the role with strong credentials, currently serving on the boards of technology company Datacom and the Institute of Directors. His previous experience includes time as interim chief executive of New Zealand Green Investment Finance and directorship roles at Christchurch City Holdings and Centreport. Alliance Group chair Mark Wynne says Day brings valuable transformation and finance expertise to the board, along with a strong ability to provide independent perspective. Day will take on leadership of Alliance's Audit and Risk and Capital committees. The appointment comes as current director Simon Robertson prepares to step down from the Board at the end of March. Wynne acknowledges Robertson's exceptional contribution over three and a half years, particularly highlighting his work chairing the Audit and Risk, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Capital committees. Day says he's looking forward to helping shape the future of this iconic New Zealand business in his new role on the Alliance Board.   Record crowds pack Gisborne Rodeo The 2025 Gisborne Rodeo has drawn its largest-ever crowd, with an estimated 4000 spectators filling the Showgrounds Park on Saturday. Gisborne Rodeo Club secretary Sue Rylott confirms organizers needed to open a third paddock for parking to accommodate the record turnout. The event attracted 250 New Zealand Rodeo Cowboy Association competitors alongside nearly 50 local participants. Local talent dominated several categories, with Zac Taylor taking first in broncs, Zahlia Whakataka winning junior barrel racing, and Hine Walker claiming victory in adult barrels. Junior novice steer rider Rylan Matiaha also delivered a standout performance. The event also marked a special milestone for local rodeo legend Dick Parsons, who received a commemorative buckle acknowledging his 50 years of service as chute boss at Gisborne rodeo events. The competition featured traditional rodeo events including barrel racing, bareback and saddle bronc riding, and bull riding, with both NZRCA members and local riders participating.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.