Groundswell on Freshwater Rules, Paris Agreement and AgriZeroNZ
Farmer lobby Groundswell believes that farmers are worried about the implications of a potential centre-left government.
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.”
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…