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OPINION: The coalition Government seems to have chickened out when it comes to live animal exports by sea.
Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard was unable to get Cabinet to agree to reinstate the live export trade, so that's one 2023 election promise that won't be progressing this political term.
Both National and ACT campaigned at the last election on overturning the ban on livestock exports by sea and promised to bring in a new gold standard to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare.
While ACT seems to be in favour of lifting the ban, National, which is taking a beating in latest polls, seems to think it's not worth the risk.
Time will tell.
ACT MP and Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard says he's hearing a common story about school buses, with empty seats, driving past pick-up points, while a parent follows behind in a farm ute, burning fuel and taking up time to get their children to school.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.
OPINION: Rural school buses is a topic I have had a great deal of correspondence on over the last couple of months.
Associate Agriculture Minister and Manawatu dairy farmer Andrew Hoggard says the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiated with India is not a bad deal and his party, Act, will support it when it goes before Parliament.
OPINION: 2025 was a big year for rural New Zealand in terms of policy.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
