12th May 2026 // Rural News in partnership with Farmlands

Government moves to shield businesses from climate change lawsuits ASB backs wool industry revival with Wool Impact partnership Dawn Meats acquires German Alliance Group distribution partner Rural News is in partnership with Farmlands as part of CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp - our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch / listen. Government moves to shield businesses from climate change lawsuits The Government is moving to protect businesses from civil liability for greenhouse gas emissions, amid ongoing High Court litigation that Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says is creating uncertainty for investment and business confidence. An amendment to the Climate Change Response Act will prevent courts from finding businesses liable in tort law for climate change damage caused by their emissions — applying to both current and future proceedings. Goldsmith says climate change is too complex to be resolved through piecemeal court action, and New Zealand already has a Parliamentary framework for managing emissions through the Emissions Trading Scheme. Businesses with ETS obligations will still be required to meet them. For the agricultural sector, the move provides a degree of legal certainty — farming has long been identified as a potential target for climate litigation given its significant share of New Zealand's total emissions. The law change does not alter the Government's own responsibilities under existing climate legislation. ASB backs wool industry revival with Wool Impact partnership New Zealand's strong wool sector has secured its first banking partner, with ASB signing on to support Wool Impact's work revitalising the industry. Wool Impact chief executive Andy Caughey says the timing is significant. Average strong wool prices have risen by more than two dollars per kilogram over the past twelve months — and sustaining that increase across New Zealand's annual clip of around one-hundred-thousand tonnes means an extra two-hundred million dollars flowing into rural communities each year. ASB General Manager Rural Aidan Gent says wool is part of New Zealand's national identity and the bank sees real potential for improved farm returns as the sector rebuilds its market relevance. Caughey says growing demand is coming from architects and designers seeking natural fibres for interior spaces — areas where wool's health and environmental credentials are increasingly valued over synthetic alternatives. Dawn Meats acquires German Alliance Group distribution partner Dawn Meats has acquired one of Alliance Group's largest German customers, in a move that deepens the Irish meat giant's integration with the New Zealand co-operative. Alexander Eyckeler GmbH imports and distributes Alliance's Ashley lamb, mutton and venison brand across Germany's retail, food service and cash and carry markets, where it holds a dominant market share. Alliance's relationship with the Eyckeler family spans almost forty years, beginning with a specialist butcher shop in Düsseldorf. Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne says the acquisition brings the company closer to key customers in Germany and improves coordination across supply and logistics. For New Zealand sheep and deer farmers supplying Alliance, the deal signals continued investment in securing and strengthening the German market — one of the most important export destinations for New Zealand lamb, mutton and venison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.