DIRA Review: Open Country Dairy Warns Against Regulatory "Complacency"
The country's second largest milk processor is warning against 'complacency' during a review of competition regulations in the dairy sector.
Agriculture is high on his agenda as new Trade Minister Todd McClay attends the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
The three-day meeting, which started yesterday, is McClay's first duty as Trade Minister, a portfolio change which took effect on Monday.
"Key issues for trade and development will be in the spotlight at Nairobi, including in the important area of agriculture," McClay says.
"WTO Members will be trying to agree a package of measures from the Doha Round agenda, which has been stalled since 2008.
"While no negotiation with more than 160 participants could be described as easy, we hope that all players come to the table prepared to play their best hand.
"As well as negotiations on new market access and improved multilateral trade rules, the WTO works to ensure that hard-won market access is preserved and existing WTO rules are complied with.
"While New Zealand has been successful in securing a network of high quality free trade agreements, we believe that FTAs should complement and contribute to the WTO system.
"When it comes to trade issues, global solutions are the most effective ones."
McClay is having a range of bilateral meetings in Nairobi.
The WTO Ministerial Conferences take place every two years.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.