7th June 2026 // Rural News

Greens propose synthetic nitrogen phase-out and stocking rate reductions in water policy NZ-India FTA already lifting export volumes Strangles outbreak detected in North Island thoroughbreds   WANT TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW LIVE (11am-1pm NZST) ON THE GO? Download CountryWide Connect mobile app to stream the show via Apple Car Play or Android Auto. Or try the voice command ‘Play CountryWide Connect’ on Amazon Alexa or Google Home.   Apple: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/countrywide-connect/id6761033881 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.countrywide&hl=en_NZ   Greens propose synthetic nitrogen phase-out and stocking rate reductions in water policy The Green Party has released its water election policy, proposing to phase out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, reduce stocking rates on a catchment basis and protect thirty percent of New Zealand's ocean — drawing immediate fire from the agriculture sector. Co-leader Marama Davidson says the Drink, Swim, Fish policy is aimed at restoring river health and safe drinking water, pointing to up to one-hundred-thousand people a year getting sick from unsafe drinking water and declining fish populations. The policy also proposes strengthening wastewater discharge rules, phasing out bottom trawling and reviewing the Quota Management System toward ecosystem-based fisheries management.   NZ-India FTA already lifting export volumes New Zealand exporters are already seeing gains from the India Free Trade Agreement before it has even come into force, with Trade Minister Todd McClay saying a strong halo effect is driving early momentum. Apple exports are the standout — volumes have jumped sixty-three percent since negotiations began, with India climbing from New Zealand's seventh-largest apple market to fourth. Once the FTA takes effect, apple tariffs will halve to twenty-five percent from day one on an initial quota of thirty-two-thousand-five-hundred tonnes. Kiwifruit growers are also positioned for gains, with the deal delivering tariff-free access within a quota rising to fifteen-thousand tonnes by year six. The industry expects around one-hundred-and-twenty-five million dollars in tariff savings over five years. Other early signs include Matariki Forests sending its first log shipment to India since 2020, Indian wool delegations visiting New Zealand, and Indian visitor arrivals reaching new highs.   Strangles outbreak detected in North Island thoroughbreds Equine vets are urging horse owners to stay alert after a Strangles outbreak has been confirmed across twelve properties in the North Island — eleven in Waikato and one in Auckland directly linked to the cluster. The New Zealand Veterinary Association says the outbreak remains confined to the thoroughbred population and the risk to the wider horse population is currently considered low. Race meets and sport horse events are continuing safely under monitoring. Strangles spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected horses, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands. Vets are urging owners to monitor for fever, nasal discharge, swollen glands and loss of appetite — and to isolate any suspected cases immediately. The NZVA says a thermometer is the most important tool right now — any fever after movement or contact with unfamiliar horses should be treated as Strangles until proven otherwise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.