Friday, 16 July 2021 13:16

Protests don't represent whole sector - McAnulty

Written by  Jessica Marshall
Protestors headed towards the Auckland CBD in one of a series of protests organised by Groundswell NZ. 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.”

More like this

Back off!

OPINION: The inquiry into rural banking practice was welcomed at Fieldays, but Groundswell NZ added a proviso that this must include banks' treatment of agricultural emissions.

Market-led solution for emissions

OPINION: Thanks to the much-needed review of the methane science being announced, the topic of agricultural emissions is back in the discussion along with all the associated misinformation.

Parting shot?

OPINION: Environment Minister David Parker, likely in the final weeks of the job, remains hell-bent on burning bridges with farmers.

Unhelpful politics

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says the succession of Recovery Ministers who have resigned or left has not made his life easy.

Featured

Velvetleaf a real risk to crops

Any farmer that harvests or buys crops risks inviting one of the world's most invasive pest plants onto their property - to their detriment.

Corn makes Christmas hit

Gisborne's record hot dry summer weather has produced rewards for one of the country's largest commercial growers based in the region - Leaderbrand.

Apricot brand makes a summer splash

Apricots from New Zealand’s largest Summer series exporter, Ardgour Valley Orchards, burst onto the world stage and domestic supermarket shelves under the Temptation Valley brand last month.

National

Top dairy CEO quits

Arguably one of the country's top dairy company's chief executives, Richard Wyeth has abruptly quit Chinese owned Westland Milk Products…

DairyNZ seeks more cash

For the first time in 17 years, DairyNZ wants farmers to contribute more cash to run the industry-good organisation.

EPA's plan 'not good enough'

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is bolstering its frontline applications teams in a bid to reduce the timeframe for new…

Machinery & Products

Loosening soil without fuss

Distributed in New Zealand by Carrfields, Grange Farm Machinery is based in the Holderness region of East Yorkshire – an…

JCB unveils new models

The first of the UK’s agricultural trade shows was recently held at the NEC Centre in Birmingham.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Ruth reckons

OPINION: Ruth Richardson, architect of the 1991 ‘Mother of all Budgets’ and the economic reforms dubbed ‘Ruthanasia’, added her two…

Veg, no meat?

OPINION: Why do vegans and others opposed to eating meat try to convince others that a plant based diet is…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter