Yes, we are open
Yes, we are open, selling milk and happy to answer any questions regarding the recent closure. For a prompt reply, please ring our Farm Manager Tristan directly: 022 361 5015.
The last two weeks have reminded us that we are lucky to live in a country which allows small dairy farms to sell raw milk directly to the customers and that we have robust practices in place to ensure our milk conforms to the highest standards.
Selling a product labelled a 'high risk food' by the government may well be one of the most perilous jobs around but all the stress and headaches are all worth it nevertheless.
Here an explanation of what exactly happened but firstly please note that our milk gets tested daily voluntarily as well as via an independent laboratory:
One batch of Riverside Milk (28/01/2019) did exceed microbiological limits because of one small crack in a component of the milking plant which was identified the day before but the replacement part was only mailed to us (and promptly installed) on 29th January.
The reality is that raw milk is a 'high risk food' which can contain bacteria that not all of us may be able to cope very well (the very young, pregnant, very elderly or immune system compromised). That's why we have notices commenting on this reality all through our vending shed and why we require customers to register their details with us.
While the good bacteria and lactic acid in raw milk as well as consistent refrigeration all provide for a rather hostile environment for most unwanted guests and regular raw milk consumption may actually strengthen healthy individuals' immunity, any traces of microorganisms such as campylobacter in raw milk samples will trigger an automatic suspension of raw milk sales.
There is now hardly any registered raw milk provider in the country who has not had a suspension triggered since the new legislation has come in and every now and then we hear from one of them, their worries and their uphill battles.
All we can do for now is to ensure you that we are doing our utmost best, every single day, to ensure our milk is healthy and wholesome. We would like to thank all the fabulous people who emailed, texted and rang us to offer their support and encouragement. It meant the world to us!
The Riverside Milk Team
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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36.5% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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63.5% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
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