Labour Caucus Portfolios Reshuffled Ahead of 2026 Election
Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.
Labour’s $50 million commitment to support integrated farm planning will do little for farmers, claims National’s ag spokesperson David Bennett.
He says Labour doesn’t back farmers and today’s announcement will do little to ease burden of meeting regulations.
“Today’s promises around farm environment plans will do little to alleviate the individual farm cost and won’t necessarily mean that there will be a streamlined process for all farmers,” says Bennett.
“Labour can’t be trusted to deliver reasonable and rational rules when farmers know the true intentions of their party."
Bennett says Labour’s changes to winter grazing won’t be of much help to farmers.
“Minster O’Connor has said that consent for winter grazing will no longer be required and will instead come under a new system. Farmers will be wary of what this new system looks like and will be afraid it’s just more of the same from Labour.
“This is just more tinkering, which is occurring because of their own failed processes that didn’t consult with farmers.
“Right now we need our farmers to be positive, investing, creating jobs and getting us through the Covid crisis – Labour doesn’t back them but National does.”
National will be releasing policies for the primary sector tomorrow.
Danielle Adsett has been announced as the new chief executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI).
Lian Butcher has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
A day after selling its consumer businesses, Fonterra has settled a civil claim, filed by Greenpeace, out of court.
The venue for National Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere's largest agribusiness show, is getting a major infrastructure upgrade.
Despite the ongoing bad news on the geopolitical front, New Zealand kiwifruit growers may be in for a good payout.
Under pressure wine growers say the appointment of a new chief executive will bring a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry.

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