Friday, 29 May 2020 09:52

What’s in a name?

Written by  Milking It

The man who coined the term ‘Gypsy Day’ is slightly miffed that a term he introduced to New Zealand’s farming lexicon is now being called derogatory, and is banned in some circles.

Former Northland rural report broadcaster Goldie Wardell recently told the Otago Daily Times that he started the expression after stumbling across a farmer and his wife moving cows and household items back in the 1980s.

“I thought of Gypsies, packing up their home and moving to another farm. It was a sight I’ll never forget, but also one you used to see many times,” he told the newspaper.

The next day on the wireless, Wardell described the scene and said Moving Day or Sharemilkers’ Day could just as well be called Gypsy Day. It stuck, and it spread. However, today the politically correct prefer to call it Moving Day.

Featured

Farmers urged to prepare as heavy rain looms

With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.

National

Machinery & Products

Fliegl offers effluent solutions

Founded in Germany as recently as 1977, today, the Fliegl Group employs more than 1100 workers, offering an expansive range…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

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…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter