Tuesday, 26 November 2019 11:13

Nats cop it too

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Interestingly, none of the politicians managed to escape the wrath of farmers at the protest march organised by the lobby 50 Shades of Green.

There were boos and jeers when Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, Forestry Minister Shane Jones and National agri spokesman Todd Muller arrived to meet protesters at the Beehive.

While the biggest boos and jeers were reserved for Jones and O’Connor, Muller wasn’t spared either.

Some farmers feel that none of the parties, including National, have done enough to for them on climate change. The near-unanimous passing of the Zero Carbon Bill is a case in point.

More like this

Editorial: New Treeland?

OPINION: Forestry is not all bad and planting pine trees on land that is prone to erosion or in soils which cannot support livestock farming makes sense.

Farmer warns of hidden risks from forestry neighbours

Farmers who find the land next to them is about to be converted into forestry, face potential damage and costly consequences.

Dreams aren't plans

OPINION: Milking It reckons if you're National, looking at recent polls, the dream scenario is that the elusive economic recovery finally roars to life.

If voters see some growth and wages rising faster than prices, the government could say they've "fixed" things as they ride into the next election.

Back here on Earth though, the economy they inherited is a basket case, and the long-term headwinds are fierce.

Political commentator Liam Hehir says, "dreams are not plans" and if the turnaround doesn't come in time, National may have no choice but to go negative.

"Everybody wants to fight on the economy if they can. But when neither side has a compelling story, the contest shifts to other issues. That's not new. In fact, it's the stuff of politics everywhere, always."

Trop de Paris!

OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly relating to how they're treating their farmer base.

Forestry company fined $112,500 for evironmental breaches near Waihi

Convictions and fines totalling $112,500 have been imposed on a logging company for repeated environmental damage on a farm near Wahi between August 2022 and October 2023.

Featured

India-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) dairy outcomes

OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.

Massey University Opens $70m Ngā Huia Vet Facility

Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.

Honesty vital in flood insurance claims, says IFSO

As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.

Velvetleaf Threat: North Island growers urged to stay vigilant

A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.

Wage Theft Becomes Criminal Offence: What NZ farmers need to know

In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.

Fonterra launches dairy youth programme with Growing Future Farmers

In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.

National

Culverden dairy farmer counts cost of windstorm damage to irrigation

The effects of the big windstorm of late October will be felt in lost production in coming weeks as repair crews…

NZ dairy sector eyes inclusion in India free trade deal

The dairy sector is hopeful of being part of a free trade deal being hammered out between New Zealand and…

Dairy farmers urged to participate in 2026 Levy vote

DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown is urging dairy farmers to participate in the 2026 Levy vote, to be held early next…

Winston Peters calls Fonterra vote result 'utter madness'

New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of…

Fieldays calls for strategic investment in its future

A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight…