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Nichol is new PGW chair

Nichol is new PGW chair

A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair. Nichol, a former board member, was re-appointed with the backing of the two biggest shareholders – Agria and Elders - at the annual general meeting on Monday. Agria Singapore holds a 44% stake while Australian agricultural trader Elders is the second largest shareholder with a 12.5% stake. In a shock move, Agria and Elders voted against the reappointment of chair Garry Moore and his deputy Sarah Brown at the AGM. In a statement the PGW board says it wrote both major shareholders, seeking clarification on the rationale and strategic intent behind the directorship changes effected at the meeting. In response, founder of Agria Corporation and former PGW board member Alan Lai says they view the recent developments “as an opportunity to refresh the board, with a focus on driving improvement and enhancing shareholder value”. He says Agria remains committed to its long-term investment in PGW and will continue to support the company, its board, and management in our efforts to increase the value of our investment.” Nichol adds that the PGW board remains committed to maintaining transparency and strong governance practices. Read More: Board upheaval at PGG Wrightson PGG Wrightson declares dividend as profits surge 248% PGG Wrightson increases 2025 earnings forecast amid rural sector growth “We will continue to engage constructively with all shareholders and stakeholders to ensure confidence in the company’s governance and strategic direction.” Lai stepped down from the PGW board in 2018, following investigation for alleged securities law breaches in Singapore. Nichol previously served as a PGW director and audit committee member from October 2013 to April 2019. During that time, he gained broad exposure to PGW’s operations and management team and developed a strong affinity for the business, PGW says. Commenting on his appointment, Nichol says he’s delighted to have the opportunity to rejoin the board and serve as chair. “I look forward to working with CEO Stephen Guerin and the wider PGW team to extend the proud legacy of the business and continue enhancing shareholder value. “The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, and PGW plays a vital role in supporting the success of our farmers and growers. PGW is a longstanding and trusted name woven into the fabric of rural New Zealand, with a proud history of service and commitment. I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to help foster that legacy and contribute to PGW’s continued growth. “I have great confidence in the management team and feel strongly supported in stepping into this role. Without that confidence, I would not have accepted the appointment. Together, I believe we can continue to strengthen PGW’s position as New Zealand’s leading rural services business.” PGW shares have continues to slide - from $2.57 on October 10 to $2.50/share on October 14. Around midday on October 16, it was hovering around $2.41/share. #PGG_Wrightson #JOHN_NICHOL

UK's Starmer publishes evidence in collapsed China spy case

UK's Starmer publishes evidence in collapsed China spy case

The United Kingdom Government published evidence today it had submitted in now-collapsed legal proceedings against two men accused of spying for China, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks to contain controversy over the failed case. Starmer’s Government has faced accusations of killing the case to protect relations with China, and his Labour Party and the independent prosecutors have been rowing over why it failed to proceed to trial. The Crown Prosecution Service said the case collapsed because the Government’s evidence did not show that China represented a threat to national security at the time of the alleged offences. Starmer, a former chief state prosecutor himself, has said the Government was only able to submit evidence from the time of the alleged offences, which occurred between 2021 and 2023, when the Conservative Party was in power. Earlier today, he told parliament he would publish “in full” the three statements prepared by deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins for prosecutors. The Government published the witness statements online. In the most recent statement, from August 2025, Collins told investigators the Chinese intelligence services are “highly capable” and said they “conduct large scale espionage operations against the UK to advance the Chinese state’s interests and harm the interests and security of the UK”. “Chinese espionage operations threaten the UK’s economic prosperity and resilience and the integrity of our democratic institutions,” he said. ‘Stench of scandal’ The Conservative opposition blasted the release, however. “It is disappointing that it has taken significant pressure ... to force this weak Prime Minister to publish this limited information - which falls short of what was requested,” a Conservative spokesperson said. “The China files must now be published in full and without delay. Until that time, the stench of scandal will hang around this Government.” Starmer denied claims, pushed by the Conservatives, that officials privately lobbied for the charges to be dropped over fears a prosecution could prompt China to pull its investment in the UK. “Under this Government, no minister or special adviser played any role in the provision of evidence,” the Prime Minister said. Charges against Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, were dropped last month, two years after they were arrested on allegations of collecting information that could be “useful to an enemy”. They had denied the accusations. Starmer told lawmakers he was “deeply disappointed by the outcome” of the case. “We wanted to see prosecutions,” he said. The UK leader has set about trying to improve relations with China, becoming the first British prime minister in six years to meet President Xi Jinping last year. His Government covets Chinese investment to spur a struggling economy. It is also considering whether to allow Beijing to build a sprawling new embassy in London, which has triggered concern among residents and rights advocates. -Agence France-Presse

Woman found dead at property near school, homicide investigation launched

Woman found dead at property near school, homicide investigation launched

Police have launched a homicide investigation after a woman was found dead at a property near a Pahiatua school yesterday. Police were called to a residential property on Arthur St in the Manawatū-Whanganui town about 4.40pm on Wednesday, where they found the woman’s body, Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson said. “A scene guard is in place at the property and nearby residents can expect to see an ongoing police presence in the coming days as we conduct a scene examination and make enquiries in the area,” Thompson said. “Local police have also been working with the school near the property to provide reassurance and an alternative route for students to enter and exit the school. “We know the police presence will be unsettling but we can confirm there is no threat to the wider community.” A car belonging to the victim is missing from the address and police are appealing for any sightings of it since yesterday afternoon. The car is a red, late-model Mitsubishi ASX VRX station wagon, registration QGU91. “It is possible the car may no longer be in the Pahiatua area, so we are appealing for sightings across the central North Island region,” Thompson said. Police would also like to hear from anyone else who has information they think may assist with inquiries. If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 251015/6286. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Tararua College’s principal, Iain Anderson, updated parents via a Facebook post yesterday evening. “I am writing to inform you that an incident has occurred this evening at a property on Arthur Street, adjacent to the school. As a result, the area will be cordoned off, and there will be an increased police presence —including armed officers — over the next few days." He said there would be “changes and precautions”, including bus routes being redirected away from the bus bay, and senior leadership staff being on site early to “guide students safely into the school” and away from the cordoned area. “Police have requested that the public avoid the vicinity as much as possible,” Anderson said. “The police have assured us that there is no threat to the community at this time. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.” Melissa Nightingale is a Wellington-based reporter who covers crime, justice and news in the capital. She joined the Herald in 2016 and has worked as a journalist for 12 years.