increase font size
Andrew McGiven.
A farmer leader wants the incoming government to can Labour’s proposed water tax.
Federated Farmers Waikato president Andrew McGiven is hoping New Zealand First will block the proposed tax, a charge on farmers who use irrigated water.
“Now that the coalition has been announced I would expect that all Labour/Green policies will be put under the NZ First microscope,” says McGiven.
“I can only hope that the water tax is canned as realisation that costs by far outweigh the benefits environmentally and economically.”
Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern seemed to hint that the water tax was history.
She told reporters that NZ First leader Winston Peters was "very firm" on the controversial levy.
Ardern says she is "still sticking to the goal of improving our waterways", Peters "campaigned very firmly" against it.
"We are going to release the details early next week. People will understand that Mr Peters campaigned very firmly on that issue. I campaigned on water quality - I'm still sticking to the goal of improving our waterways... but I can tell you Mr Peters was very firm on that."
During the election campaign, farmers protested against the proposed water tax in Ardern’s hometown, Morrinsville.
OPINION: Many Kiwis know that the decisions we make today will shape our future for years to come. With the election now announced for 7 November, the country faces a critical question: What choice will we make for our future?
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.
OPINION: After seven years of Adrian Orr’s antics as Reserve Bank NZ governor, the priority of his successor, Anna Breman, surely is rebuilding the tarnished reputation of the RBNZ, not stepping on the Foreign Minister’s toes by commenting on US domestic politics.
International trade expert Stephen Jacobi says Winston Peters' objections to the Indian free trade deal are "ridiculous".
Sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay are being urged to keep a close eye on the wells that supply water to their stock.
This year, 'Foodie February' sees potatoes take the spotlight as one of New Zealand's most powerful and versatile food heroes.
A multi-cultural team is helping to establish one of New Zealand's largest plantings of premium eating grapes - while learning each other's languages and cultures along the way.
The World Wide Sires National All Day Breeds Best Youth Camp Best All Rounder plaudit has become family affair, with 2026 Paramount Cup winner Holly Williams following in her sister Zara's footsteps.
DairyNZ is giving New Zealand farmers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on governance and leadership experience within the dairy sector.
Herd improvement company LIC has posted a 5.2% lift in half-year revenue, thanks to increasing demand for genetics.
According to the latest Fresh Produce Trend Report from United Fresh, 2026 will be a year where fruit and vegetables are shaped by cost pressures, rapid digital adoption, and a renewed focus on wellbeing at home.
OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not…
OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.
