Where is Luxon?
OPINION: Why can't Christopher Luxon stand up to Winston Peters over the latter’s high-profile attack on the proposed Indian FTA?
increase font size
OPINION: National's new leader Christopher Luxon’s first speech after his elevation to the top job included one important line about the engine of the economy: “Our provincial heartland feels taken for granted. Our farmers are not villains!” he told the press gallery.
Perhaps an indication that the plight of the rural sector and farmers will be top of mind as Luxon tries to restore National’s fortunes and wrestle power away from Jacinda Ardern.
After all, a good chunk of the 400,000 ex-National voters he alluded to in his speech would be made up of rural dwellers.
Getting them back into the fold would be crucial to Luxon scoring the keys to Premier House in 2022.
OPINION: Why can't Christopher Luxon stand up to Winston Peters over the latter’s high-profile attack on the proposed Indian FTA?
OPINION: November 7 has been set by Christopher Luxon as ‘E day’ – election day.
OPINION: When he promised an Indian FTA in his first term, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was really putting it all on red for the win. Against the odds (and with help from Todd McClay and others), he has thumbed his nose at the many doubters by closing just such a deal before Christmas – a move that will change the narrative around the PM and could help him win the election.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
|
A landmark moment for New Zealand. That's how Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describes the conclusion of negotiations for an India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Popular ReadsEnvironment Canterbury urges buyers to check wastewater systems on rural propertiesBuying or building a rural or semi-rural property? Make sure you know where the wastewater goes, says Environment Canterbury.Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital returnThe sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.Canterbury arable farmers face heavy losses after stormy January wreaks havocCanterbury arable farmers are down by tens of millions of dollars after a rollercoaster of wild changeable January weather saw harvests…Northland Field Days promise unforgettable 40th anniversary CelebrationA 40th Anniversary event to remember.Formula goes sourOPINION: Media reports say global recalls tied to cereulide toxin contamination in milk-based nutrition brands could inflict combined financial losses…FeaturedHortNZ Warns RMA Replacement Could Make Food Production HarderHorticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has added its perspective to numerous primary sector voices urging the Government to strengthen its draft legislation to replace the Resource Management Act (RMA). New Reporting Requirements to Boost Transparency for Water ProvidersThe Commerce Commission has finalised new information disclosure requirements for local councils and water organisations that deliver water supply and wastewater services. RMA Reform: B+LNZ Says Draft Legislation Misses Government’s IntentBeef + Lamb NZ (B+LNZ) is calling for significant changes to the Government’s reforms to the Resource Management Act (RMA). NZPork Urges Government to Protect Productive Rural Land in Planning ReformNZPork says the Government needs to strengthen its proposed planning laws to ensure New Zealand's pig farmers can continue to produce pork. Record Kiwifruit Crop 2025-26: Zespri Forecasts Highest Grower ReturnsGood news for kiwifruit growers - a record crop with forecast per hectare returns at record levels for all fruit categories for the 2025-26 season. National Lamb Day 2026 Celebrates NZ Sheep Farmers and $4B ExportsAs guests gathered on what is known as the Speaker's Lawn - a beautifully manicured patch of grass behind the main buildings of Parliament - to mingle and enjoy a lamb chop to celebrate National Lamb Day, the mood was very much upbeat. NationalGreen Light for Fonterra's $3.2b Capital Return SchemeFonterra farmer shareholders have approved the mechanism for a $2/share capital return expected from the sale of its global consumer…Alex Turnbull Appointed CEO of Yili Oceania DivisionFormer Fonterra executive Alex Turnbull has been appointed CEO to lead all five Yili Oceania Business Division companies in New Zealand.Dedoncker Departs Fonterra After Mainland Group SaleFonterra executive René Dedoncker is leaving the co-operative later this year to lead Australian agribusiness Elders.Organic plan generates strong farmer interestFonterra's plan to expand its organic programme to the South Island is being well received by farmers, the co-op says.DairyNZ Levy Vote Underway as Chair Highlights Seven-Fold ReturnVoting has started for the renewal of DairyNZ's milksolids levy.Machinery & ProductsMassey Ferguson 5M Series Gains Ground in NZ’s 95–145hp Utility Tractor MarketSince its official release to the New Zealand market in July 2025, the Massey Ferguson 5M Series has steadily solidified…Claas Invests €3.3 Million in Metz Plant to Boost CEREX and CUBIX Baler ProductionFollowing the €1.6 million investment in a prototype workshop in early 2025, Claas has invested an additional €3.3 million at…Stihl unveils centennial MS 500i chainsawMost rural properties wouldn’t be without a chainsaw, so it’s fitting to celebrate the centenary of Andreas Stihl inventing the…New Deutz-Fahr 5105 boosts power for Kiwi livestock farmsWith ROPS tractors still being consistently popular in livestock operations, given their ease of use for hopping on and off…John Deere showcases 130hp E-Power electric tractor prototype at AgritechnicaEasily missed on its expansive Agritechnica site, John Deere offered visitors to the bi-annual event, the first opportunity in Europe to… |