Trump tariffs
OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
Prime Minister John Key says the decision to reject a Chinese bid for Lochinvar Station was nothing to do with politics.
The $88 million bid Shanghai Pengxin subsidiary, Pure 100 Farm Ltd was knocked back by Ministers Paula Bennett and Louise Upston in September, despite the Overseas Investment Office recommending it be approved.
Key told a China Business Summit in Auckland today said the two ministers didn't discuss the decision with anyone else and took the decision there wasn't enough (in it).
"Right or wrong you can read their decision, he said. But he said the decision was nothing to do with the politics of it.
He said if you wanted him to change the Overseas Investment Act to have more clarity "show me where we can get the numbers from because only ACT will support us".
"We are stuck with the Overseas Investment Act whether we like it or not."
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.