Rural Lobby Groups Seek Clear Election Positions On Farming And Emissions
Centre right parties are backing policy positions pushed by three farmer lobby groups ahead of the general election.
Protestors headed towards the Auckland CBD in one of a series of protests organised by Groundswell NZ.
In a series of tweets last night, Labour MP and Golden Shears board member Kieran McAnulty said today’s Groundswell NZ protests do not represent the sector.
“The sentiment behind them doesn’t represent the whole sector and undermines the hard work of so many farmers who are keen to get ahead of the curve,” he wrote.
McAnulty, who is MP for Wairarapa and the Labour Party’s chief whip, wrote that the Government recognised that the pace of change was concerning for farmers.
“The Government hears that and has shown a willingness to amend things in order to make it work. We will continue to do so.”
He said he was concerned that someone would do or say something to hurt the image of farmers and how those overseas view New Zealand.
“They will look at our protests and wonder why we are opposing proposals that aren’t as harsh as those they have in their own countries. These are the very same people in the very same markets we want to sell more of our products to.”
“I will continue to back the majority of farmers who want the best price for their products, the best for the environment and the best for our country.”
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.
Xero, the global small business platform, today released its first ever small business productivity measurement backed by data from Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI).
Money invested to protect native bush, wetlands and other special habitats on farms is paying huge dividends.
A central Canterbury business which turns malting barley into a key ingredient in beer making has celebrated its 100% New Zealand-grown status with a special event.

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