This June, Richard Houston - Managing Director of Hanzon Jobs Ltd, packed his boots and headed to the UK to get a first-hand look at what the next wave of Kiwi-bound operators might look like. The goal was simple: find switched-on, practical people with the right attitude and ideally, some horsepower under their belt. But as always, it’s a mixed bag.

A world-first Kiwi-developed food technology that upcycles horticultural waste into high-value products is set to reduce NZ’s dependence on imported food ingredients, cut greenhouse gas emissions, increase grower returns and boost regional employment.

Rural contractors were relieved and encouraged by key presentations from WorkSafe at the four 2025 RCNZ roadshows.