94% of NZ farmers oppose Paris Agreement, survey shows
A survey of 2000 farmers shows 94% of respondents believe that remaining in the Paris Agreement for climate change is not in the country's best interest.
Groundswell New Zealand says it wants the Government to cease all regulations targeting the farming sector.
Groundswell New Zealand wants the Government to cease all regulations targeting the farming sector.
In a statement at the end of ‘The Mother of all Protests’ today, Groundswell NZ called on the Government to hold “genuine negotiations to reach acceptable solutions” with aggrieved farmers.
And it warns that if the Government doesn’t do this, the farmer lobby will invite all New Zealanders to join its next protest at Parliament in February.
Addressing protestors around the country Groundswell NZ says Kiwis are hardworking and reasonable people.
However, it says the Government regulations around the environment, ute tax and Three Waters are unworkable, unfair and unreasonable.
“A Government must have enough wisdom and compassion to see this,” it says.
“The stress of Covid has been tough on us: these regulations only added to everyone’s worries.
“We demand an end to these regulations until genuine consultations takes place.”
The protest, held around the country, started with a drive through towns and cities by utes and cars and ended at 1.35pm
Groundswell has asked its members to disperse from protest sites peacefully.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…