Be afraid
OPINION: Your old mate hears some of the recent uptick in farmer confidence has slipped since the political polls started leading a bit to the left, away from the current coalition of National, Act and NZ First.
Emergency Management minister Kieran McAnulty picked up two new portfolios in yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle.
McAnulty, who is also MP for Wairarapa, has been named as the Minister for Local Government and Rural Communities.
He takes over the local government portfolio from the embattled Nanaia Mahuta, who retains her foreign affairs portfolio.
Mahuta became embroiled in a scandal of sorts when the entrenchment provision had to be removed from the Water Services Entities Bill late last year by then-Acting Leader of the House, now Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
McAnulty picks up the rural communities portfolio from Damien O’Connor, who retains his agriculture and trade portfolios.
The reshuffle, signalled at the end of 2022, signals what Prime Minister Chris Hipkins calls the first step in a shift in focus.
“Over the coming days and weeks you will see us put words into action, with policies to support New Zealanders by reprioritising existing programmes to free up resources to help with the cost of living,” Hipkins says.
The reshuffle also sees Forestry Minister Stuart Nash pick up the Oceans and Fisheries and Police portfolios.
Ginny Anderson will take over as the Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications, overseeing the rollout of the Rural Capacity Upgrade.
Justice Minister Kiri Allan picks up the Regional Development portfolio and Dr Ayesha Verrall has been named Minister of Health.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
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