increase font size
If the sale of TelstraClear to Vodafone increases both broadband penetration and mobile network coverage, then Federated Farmers will welcome it.
"The two things we want are faster and deeper broadband penetration into rural New Zealand along with enhanced mobile network coverage," says Anders Crofoot, Federated Farmers Telecommunications spokesperson.
"To me, the numerical reduction in the number of telecommunication competitors is potentially outweighed by the scale and competitive pressure this brings.
"Instead of having a number of bit players, the acquisition of TelstraClear by Vodafone means a major competitor to Telecom. Whatever happens from now on in, the landscape has changed and farmers will benefit from the competition and services it will spur.
"With market share brings the case for network investment and with regulatory hurdles now cleared, it marries TelstraClear's strong fibre network, its radio spectrum and content, with Vodafone's mobile operations.
"As we noted a few months ago, as TelstraClear is a Sky reseller, Vodafone gets the opportunity to integrate this content with what it offers rural customers. That means multiple delivery channels now and into the future.
"As Vodafone will have some 29% of the broadband market in a combination of wired and wireless, it helps the business case for a 4G mobile network.
"That is something we are incredibly keen on in order to get ultra fast broadband into the nation's paddocks to boost productivity," Crofoot concluded.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities Party, labelled by some as the 'LinkedIn Greens' for their corporate spin on Green-esque 'tax the rich' policies.
OPINION: Mike Chapman, former chief executive of levy-funded HortNZ, has thrown out a challenge to farmers and growers to put their levy-funded industry organisations under the same scrutiny as fertiliser, electricity, labour and freight.
A team effort that is paying dividends for the wider New Zealand economy.
A strong sense of community involvement is what propelled the Federated Farmers' North Canterbury president Bex Green to the honoured title of the Feds' Advocate of the Year 2026.
Improving health and safety is about incremental gain rather than a sudden decision, says Leeston farmer and Federated Farmers health and safety spokesman David Birkett.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.
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…
