Tuesday, 05 August 2025 10:06

Cynical politics

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: There is zero chance that someone who joined Fonterra as a lobbyist, then served as a general manager of Fonterra's nutrient management programme, and sat on the board of Export NZ, a division of lobbyist group Business New Zealand, doesn't understand that local butter (and milk and cheese) prices are set by the international commodity price.

So, Finance Minister Nicola Willis' little game, implying that the co-op might be cranking the domestic price up, and that she was going to meet with CEO Miles Hurrell to discuss it, was pure political theatre - and cynical politics, at that.

This led to the ridiculous spectacle of TVNZ's lightweight 'political editor' trying to doorstop Hurrell on the 6 o'clock ews about why butter costs so much.

Everyone uses dairying as a whipping boy.

It's deeply disappointing to see Willis doing the same thing.

Read More:

More like this

Fonterra Announces Interim Leadership Changes Ahead of Richard Allen CEO Transition

Fonterra Announces Interim Leadership Changes Ahead of Richard Allen CEO Transition

Fonterra has announced interim changes to the leadership of its Global Ingredients business.

Expert Says Fonterra Backing Current Strategy With New CEO Appointment

Expert Says Fonterra Backing Current Strategy With New CEO Appointment

The appointment of Richard Allen as Fonterra's new chief executive signals execution, not strategy, according to agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.

Former Fonterra Director Urges Bipartisan Support for India Free Trade Agreement

A former Fonterra director with farming interests in India says he's surprised with the political posturing over the Indian free trade agreement.

Fonterra launches farmer-led youth dairy programme in Waikato and Bay of Plenty

A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

$10m Boost for Govt Coffers From Pāmu

State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced it will pay a $10 million special dividend to the Crown off the back of a strong outlook for the business and a capital repayment of $9.5 million following Fonterra's consumer business sale.

Popular Reads

Fonterra Announces Interim Leadership Changes Ahead of Richard Allen CEO Transition

Fonterra has announced interim changes to the leadership of its Global Ingredients business.

Local State of Emergency Declared in Waikato Ahead of Cyclone Vaianu

A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region…

$3B Urea Plant To Be Built In Southland

New Zealand’s reliance on imported urea could soon be a thing of the past.

Cyclone Vaianu Brings Heavy Rain, Flooding Across NZ

Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and…

Fifth-Generation Farmer Transforms Dairy Farm into Biodiversity Hotspot

Fifth generation farmer Stu Muir believes dairy farming and conservation can go hand in glove.

Featured

NZ exports to EU surge by $3b under free trade deal, says Government

New Zealand exports to the European Union have surged by $3 billion in two years under the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement.

$1.2M Investment Boosts Low-Methane Sheep Genetics to Cut Emissions on NZ Farms

A new joint investment of $1.2 million aims to accelerate farmer uptake of low-methane sheep genetics, one of the few emissions reduction tools available to New Zealand farmers.

Fertiliser Prices Surge as FAO Flags Global Food Security Risks

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has issued a stark warning about the global implications of the ongoing Gulf crisis.

Fonterra Announces Interim Leadership Changes Ahead of Richard Allen CEO Transition

Fonterra has announced interim changes to the leadership of its Global Ingredients business.

Halter Unlocks Remote Beef Farming with Direct-to-Satellite Smart Collar Technology

New Zealand agritech company Halter has announced unveiled a new direct-to-satellite technology solution for its smart collars for beef cattle, unlocking virtual fencing for some of the country's most remote farming regions.

DWN Launches NZ Dairy Monopoly Board Game

Dairy Women's Network (DWN) has announced a new limited edition DWN Monopoly NZ Dairy Farming Edition, created to celebrate the people, places and seasons.

National

Dairy Women’s Network Names 2026 Regional Leader Award Finalists

Ashleigh Gordon and Leilani Lobb have been named as the two finalists for Dairy Women's Network's (DWN) 2026 Regional Leader…

Farmers Face Change but Opportunity as Sector Evolves

New Zealand's food and fibre sector is entering a period of significant transition and Irricon's refreshed brand reflects how both…

Meat and Dairy Vital for Health and Hunger Solutions, Experts Say

The executive director of the Global Dairy Platform (GDP) Donald Moore says research being done at Massey University's Riddet Institute…

First-Farm Buyers Braden and Brigitte Barnes Secure Ownership with Award Support

Braden and Brigitte Barnes have taken the leap into farm ownership to purchase their first farm with support from the…

Fifth-Generation Farmer Transforms Dairy Farm into Biodiversity Hotspot

Fifth generation farmer Stu Muir believes dairy farming and conservation can go hand in glove.

Machinery & Products

Nissan NZ Launches MORE Ownership Programme with Extended Warranty

Nissan has announced that the Nissan MORE Ownership Program, available to New Zealand customers, is an initiative to deliver peace of…

Massey Ferguson Introduces High-Efficiency Small Square Baler

Massey Ferguson has announced the release of the SB.1436DB small square baler to New Zealand, featuring a unique layout producing…

Dairy Wearables Gain Value Through Integration with MINDA System

Wearable collars, ear tags and boluses are becoming increasingly common on Kiwi dairy farms.

SenseHub Dairy Launches Inline Milk Sensors for Real-Time Cow Data

Two inline milk sensors are now available on monthly subscription from SenseHub Dairy, adding milk yield and quality insights to…

Te Pari Launches Modular AB Race for Safer Dairy Breeding

With the artificial breeding season creating increased activity and the need to handle cattle safely and efficiently, a dedicated AB…

» Latest Print Issues Online

dairynewscover

ruralnewscover

winegrowercover

Milking It

Too Lenient

OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…

Fossil Fuel Crusade

OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.

» eNewsletter