Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
Former National leader Todd Muller has taken over as acting spokesman for agriculture, biosecurity and food safety.
Muller replaces Barbara Kuriger, who resigned abruptly this morning over an ongoing dispute between her family and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI).
Opposition leader Chris Luxon says he accepted Kuriger’s resignation from the three portfolios last night. The Taranaki-King Country MP was appointed to the role one year ago.
Luxon says he become aware that Kuriger and her family are involved in a personal dispute with the Ministry of Primary Industries that is ongoing.
“I discussed this with Ms Kuriger and she accepts that this is a significant conflict of interest and the failure to recognise it and to take steps to manage this conflict has been a serious lapse of judgement.
“On this basis, Kuriger felt it appropriate to resign from her portfolios.
“From today, Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller will become Acting Spokesperson for Agriculture, Biosecurity and Food Safety.’
Luxon has reconfirmed that a major reshuffle in the coming months.
China’s Ambassador Wang Xiaolong says bilateral economic and trade cooperation between China and New Zealand has made significant and rapid progress.
South Waikato farm manager Ben Purua’s amazing transformation from gang life to milking cows was rewarded with the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer award last night.
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.