Tuesday, 25 May 2021 13:30

Honi O'Connor

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor doesn't get too many plaudits these days, but at this month's Ahuwhenua Awards he got one that took him by surprise and, he said, it was one of the nicest things anyone has said to him in a long time.

In a speech to the 800 or so people at the dairy awards, Paki Nikora, who is the chairman of Tataiwhetu Trust, declared O'Connor as an honorary Maori for his work in support of Maori.

There is no indication that other iwi support this, but certainly Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson supported the move saying that Damien was an Irishman and that Irishmen are just like Maoris.

O'Connor responded that while he was not part of the people from the mist (a reference to Tuhoe), he was from the people of the rain - the West Coast.

More like this

Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade

Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade

When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.

Synthetic milk

Synthetic milk

OPINION: Will synthetic milk derail NZ's economy?

It's all about economics

OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a 'please explain' from her former employer Fonterra.

Red line on dairy

OPINION: As India negotiates to open its borders to more global products, dairy is proving a sticky issue.

Farmland security

OPINION: Paranoia about foreigners is at an all-time high in the US and attention is now turning to foreign-owned farmland.

Popular Reads

Environment Canterbury urges buyers to check wastewater systems on rural properties

Buying 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 return

The sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.

Formula goes sour

OPINION: Media reports say global recalls tied to cereulide toxin contamination in milk-based nutrition brands could inflict combined financial losses…

Canterbury arable farmers face heavy losses after stormy January wreaks havoc

Canterbury 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 Celebration

A 40th Anniversary event to remember.

Featured

Out with Fonterra, in with Mainland Dairy

Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.

Horticulture NZ Celebrates Record Year for Kiwifruit and Apples

Reflecting on the past year, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott says there has been a lot to celebrate.

MPI Hails Kiwifruit Boom as Horticulture Revenue Surges Past $9 Billion

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith is giving a big shout-out to the horticulture sector, especially kiwifruit.

New Zealand apple and pear harvest 2026 signals standout season

Early forecasts for New Zealand's apples and pears point to a standout season marked by exceptional fruit quality and high pack-out rates.

Tickets available for Beef + Lamb NZ's Out the Gate 2026

Tickets are now available for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Out the Gate, returning from 19-21 May 2026 at Te Pae, Christchurch.

Dairy Women’s Network welcomes AgriHealth as new partner

Dairy Women's Network (DWN) is welcoming AgriHealth as a new partner.

National

Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital return

The sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.

Fonterra expands butter production at Clandeboye with $75m investment

Fonterra is boosting its butter production capacity to meet growing demand.

Upper North Island Storms: Limited impact on dairy farms

For the most part, dairy farmers in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and the Manawatu appear to have not…

South Island dairy production lifts despite stormy summer, feed risks loom

South Island dairy production is up on last year despite an unusually wet, dull and stormy summer, says DairyNZ lower…

Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlook

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in…

Machinery & Products

Stihl unveils centennial MS 500i chainsaw

Most 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 farms

With 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 Agritechnica

Easily missed on its expansive Agritechnica site, John Deere offered visitors to the bi-annual event, the first opportunity in Europe to…

Exceed two-wheeled farm motorcycles enter NZ market

In a market already well supplied with agricultural spec’ two-wheeled motorcycles, a new arrival with an aggressive price point is sure…

Merlo Hypercompact Telehandler built for 3500kg towing

Given that most countries who favour the humble ute have maximum braked towing limits of 3500kg, those seeking to use mobile…

» Latest Print Issues Online

dairynewscover

ruralnewscover

winegrowercover

Milking It

Battle for milk

OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not…

Birth woes

OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.

» eNewsletter