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.
A convoy of protestors left Pukekohe at 9.30am and is scheduled to arrive at Aotea Square around midday
About 200 tractors and utes are making their way to Auckland City centre as part of the Groundswell NZ protest.
The convoy left Pukekohe in South Auckland at 9.30am and is due to converge near Aotea Square around midday.
The convoy was broken into groups around 20 to 30 tractors near the Mount Wellington exit to avoid traffic congestion on the Southern Motorway leading into the city.
Tractor drivers were allowing vehicles access to and from motorway onramps and offramps.
Some tractors displayed placards with messages like ‘No farmers, no food’, ‘No farmers, no food, no jobs’, ‘I’m not going to pay for your EV’.
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Protestors drive tractors along the Auckland Motorway, headed to Aotea Square. |
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.
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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.

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