New Zealand olive sector stays confident after Wairarapa producer's closure
Olives NZ said the country's olive sector remains strong despite the collapse of a major Wairarapa processor. Producers are expected to turn to alternative processing channels before the harvest season.
According to RNZ, Olives NZ has said the country's sector remains resilient despite the closure of a key olive processor in the Wairarapa ahead of harvest. The industry body said existing infrastructure is still able to meet growers' needs nationwide.
The closure has raised short-term concerns over season planning. Producers are working on fresh arrangements to route their fruit to other processors in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough. Olives NZ stressed that the transition is logistically manageable.
New Zealand's olive-oil output remains modest in absolute terms but is gaining ground in the premium export segment. Demand for high-value bottles in Australia, Asia and Europe continues to support the sector's outlook. Government rural development funds will open a new round of applications next month aimed at strengthening processing capacity for smaller growers.
More from Australia-Pacific
Oil prices climb after US and Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices climbed after US and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was still in place despite the incident.
Tasmania premier Rockliff backs away from explaining backbencher's legal-cost payout
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has backed away from explaining why the state government covered legal costs for crossbench MP Shelton. Opposition and transparency campaigners are escalating their information requests and keeping legal review options open.
Australian netball body suspends woman charged over alleged antisemitic slur at children's game
Netball Australia has suspended a woman who was charged after an alleged antisemitic slur at a children's netball game in Sydney. The decision is seen as a sign of toughening institutional responses to a recent rise in antisemitic incidents in the country.