Wednesday, 29 January 2025 07:55

Tractor therapy

Written by  Peter Burke
Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard was back on his dairy farm in Manawatu this summer break - his unique way of winding down Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard was back on his dairy farm in Manawatu this summer break - his unique way of winding down

While many MPs have been busy taking holidays in maybe exotic places, for Andrew Hoggard it's back to his old job as a dairy farmer during the so-called 'summer break'.

He says he's been using the time to fill in for his staff as they take their holidays, but some of his plans have been thwarted by the rain which has been something of a constant in the Manawatu.

He says he planned to reinstate some fences that got taken down when he had new staff accommodation built on the property. But he says doing carpentry with power tools in the wet was not a goer and his plans were running behind schedule.

But the transition from Feds to Parliament has allowed Hoggard to indulge in politics for a little longer.

He admits that life without some involvement in politics would have driven him 'stir crazy' and forced him to watch TV news and scream at the television.

Parliament is described by some as a 'zoo' and Hoggard has his own unique way of winding down after a week in it.

"I call it tractor therapy - recreational cultivation - something that involves me going around and around in circles on the tractor. After spending all week listening to the screaming and squealing from across the aisle in Parliament, it's good to listen to the diesel engine just purring away," he says.

More like this

Double standards

 

OPINION: As soon as RNZ realised MP Andrew Hoggard's sister worked for Dairy Companies Association of NZ (DCANZ) and was, shock horror, lobbying government on behalf of its members, it wasted no time accusing him of not managing conflicts of interests.

Editorial: Getting the RMA overhaul right

OPINION: Making it easier to get things done while protecting the environment - that's the Government's promise when it comes to the overhaul of the problematic Resource Management Act (RMA).

Featured

Farmers urged not to be complacent about TB

New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.

National

Machinery & Products

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

Grabbing bales made quick and easy

Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter