A lot is happening across the rural sector right now. Rising fuel costs are putting pressure on day-to-day operations, while changes to immigration settings are starting to ease some of the strain around finding staff. At the same time, strong commodity prices mean many businesses are on track for a better-than-expected year, bringing opportunities, risks and a few tax considerations.
As the seasons shift and the days get shorter, it’s a good time to stay on top of your numbers and plan. In this issue, we cover these key topics before taking a closer look at where smart tech is delivering real value on farms, and what’s actually worth investing in.
What rising fuel costs mean for farmers and growers
We’re all feeling pain at the pump, but rising petrol and diesel prices are hitting the primary sector harder than most. From machinery and irrigation to transport, fuel sits at the heart of farming and growing operations. And it’s not just fuel: urea prices have climbed too.
These pressures are pushing up operating costs, so it’s worth taking a closer look at where things stand and what you can do next.
Starting from a position of strength
Much of New Zealand’s rural sector has entered this period on a relatively solid footing. Dairy prices have strengthened, beef is trending upward, lamb has been steady, and horticultural exports such as apples and kiwifruit are tracking well overall.
Fuel supply itself remains stable. We are currently in Phase 1 of the Government’s Fuel Response Plan, meaning fuel is arriving as expected and there are no restrictions in place.
The Government has also taken steps to strengthen supply resilience, working with Z Energy to secure an additional 90 million litres of diesel, expected to arrive in June or July, as a buffer against potential supply disruptions.
Supply isn’t currently an issue, but price volatility is
You can’t control global fuel prices, but you can stay on top of how it’s used on your farm or orchard:
- Maintain machinery. Check tyre pressure, wheel alignment, and keep up with regular servicing.
- Check trailer tyres too. They’re easy to overlook, but worn tyres can seriously bump up your fuel use.
- Cut idling time. Idling uses more fuel than you’d expect, so switch off if you’re stopped for more than a few minutes.
- Slow down. Even small reductions in speed can make a big difference over time.
- Choose tyres carefully. Low rolling resistance tyres can help you get more out of every litre.
If rising costs are starting to sting, it may be a good time to revisit budgets and cash flow forecasting with your accountant. And if you have any upcoming expansion plans, we can help you weigh the benefits against the need to protect your buffer.
Hiring help on the farm is getting easier
If finding and keeping good staff has felt like a constant challenge, there are signs that some of that staffing pressure is starting to ease.
Part of this comes down to recent updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which many farmers use to hire staff from overseas. These changes have made it easier and more practical to bring in workers for entry-level and intermediate roles, with longer visa durations and fewer barriers in some cases.
More flexibility at peak times
From 8 December 2025, two new seasonal visa options became available under the AEWV framework:
- Peak Seasonal Visa, valid for up to seven months, is suited to entry-level seasonal roles like calf rearers, relief milkers, and wool handlers.
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, valid for up to three years, is for skilled seasonal roles such as agricultural technicians, wine makers, and shearers
The goal of these new pathways is to help accredited employers find seasonal workers when demand spikes. It gives you more options, a wider talent pool, and more certainty when building your team and planning.
To learn more, head to the New Zealand Immigration website.
TAX UPDATE:
Check your provisional tax
Stronger commodity prices and improved production mean many farmers and growers are having a better-than-expected 2025–26 year. That’s great news - just don’t let a strong year turn into a bigger tax bill than expected.
If you’re using the uplift method (last year’s tax + 5%), it’s worth checking your provisional tax to make sure you’re not underpaying without realising it.
Is this year tracking ahead of last? A quick review now can help you stay on top of things and avoid a larger terminal tax bill and interest charged by Inland Revenue.
Smart tech on the farm: What’s worth investing in?
From virtual fencing to real-time pasture data, smart tech is changing the way we farm. New tools are being embraced across New Zealand’s agricultural industry, but with more options come more price tags and subscription packages, so it’s important to ask: what’s actually worth your money?
Four NZ farming tools worth considering
A growing number of New Zealand-developed tools are helping farmers and growers work smarter day to day. Here are a few of the innovations that have come out of our own backyard.
1. Livestock management
Halter’s virtual fencing is reshaping how stock is moved and monitored for family-run businesses and large operations across the country. It uses satellite-enabled virtual GPS collars to guide animals and track behaviour without the need for physical fencing.
2. Animal health and performance
Platforms such as Herd-i give you better visibility around animal health, weights, and performance, helping you make faster, more informed decisions.
3. Precision inputs and cropping
SpreadWise, developed by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, is a digital mapping tool that helps you apply fertiliser to your farm more precisely, reducing waste, improving efficiency, and limiting your farm’s environmental impact.
4. Environmental monitoring and compliance
Founded in New Zealand and now headquartered overseas, cloud-based software CropX provides real-time soil data, helping farmers monitor soil conditions and optimise irrigation and nutrient use, while supporting environmental compliance.
Find the tech that’s right for you
The farms seeing the most value aren’t the ones with the most tech, but the ones using it consistently and with a clear purpose.
Before investing, it’s worth asking a few practical questions:
What problem am I trying to solve?
Will this genuinely save time, reduce costs, or lift production?
How easily will this fit into day-to-day operations?
When will I see a return?
If you’re considering new tech this year, build it into your budgets and cash flow planning early. Some investments may be depreciable, so it’s worth talking it through with your accountant first.
| DATE |
CATEGORY |
DESCRIPTION |
| 2 June |
FBT |
Return due |
| 5 June |
PAYE |
Large employers payments due for deductions made 16 to 31 May. File employment information within two working days after payday |
| 22 June |
RWT |
RWT return and payment due for deductions from dividends and deductions of $500 or more from interest paid during May. |
| 22 June |
NRWT / Approved Issuer Levy |
Payment and return due. |
| 22 June |
PAYE |
Large employers payments due for deductions made 1st – 15th June. Small employers payments for deductions made in May. File employment information within two working days after payday |
| 29 June |
GST |
Payment and return for May. |
| 29 June |
Provisional Tax |
Instalment due for May balance date taxpayers |
Note: any provisional tax due dates noted apply to those clients who pay provisional tax on the standard uplift or estimation basis and have a May balance date. Different dates apply for those clients who have different balance dates, or use the ratio or AIM method. Contact us if you would like to check your provisional tax payment obligations.
Disclaimer: This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms only. The publication should not be relied upon to provide specific information without also obtaining appropriate professional advice after detailed examination of your particular situation.