Where is Luxon?
OPINION: Why can't Christopher Luxon stand up to Winston Peters over the latter’s high-profile attack on the proposed Indian FTA?
increase font size
OPINION: After a run of bad polls and mixed economic news, PM Christopher Luxon was no doubt hoping for a bit of luck.
The Hound doubts the PM expected that luck to arrive wearing a hoodie and posting racist Tik Toks in the wee small hours after having a few.
But Tākuta Ferris might be just the loose cannon Luxon needs as the next election appears over the horizon.
Ferris embodies the radical, unfit-for-office image many middle voters have of The Māori Party, which also embodies Labour leader Chris Hipkins’ worst nightmare, because anyone that can count knows Labour will need Te Pati Māori and the Greens to form a viable government.
However, Luxon can’t afford to sit back, ironing his suit and waxing his head in anticipation of his victory speech in the election – the poor polls are shouting, “must try harder!”
OPINION: Why can't Christopher Luxon stand up to Winston Peters over the latter’s high-profile attack on the proposed Indian FTA?
OPINION: November 7 has been set by Christopher Luxon as ‘E day’ – election day.
OPINION: When he promised an Indian FTA in his first term, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was really putting it all on red for the win. Against the odds (and with help from Todd McClay and others), he has thumbed his nose at the many doubters by closing just such a deal before Christmas – a move that will change the narrative around the PM and could help him win the election.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
|
A landmark moment for New Zealand. That's how Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describes the conclusion of negotiations for an India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Popular ReadsHawke’s Bay Apple Grower Taylor Corporation Reports Standout 2026 Season Boosting Industry OptimismHawke's Bay apple grower Taylor Corporation says a standout 2026 season, coming after a few difficult years, is boosting optimism…Share Farmers, Managers Honoured in WairarapaThe winners of the 2026 Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards were announced at the annual awards dinner held at Copthorne…Another Windfall for Fonterra Farmers, Unit HoldersFonterra farmer shareholders and unit holders are in line for another payment in April.Global Dairy Prices Surge with GDT Index Up 18% in 2026Global dairy prices are on a roll, recording a fourth consecutive jump on the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction this…Castle Ridge Station Wins Canterbury Supreme Environmental AwardCastle Ridge Station has been named the Regional Supreme Winner at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards.FeaturedHortNZ Election Manifesto Calls for Policy Changes to Boost Horticulture GrowthHorticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining priorities to support the sector’s growth, resilience, and contribution to New Zealand’s food security and export revenue. Dairy Farmers Vote to Continue DairyNZ Milksolids LevyFarmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ. Fonterra Begins CEO Search Following Miles Hurrell ResignationFonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role. McRae Wins Southern South Island B+LNZ Director VoteMatt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director. Ravensdown’s HawkEye Pro Wins Technology Award at Southern Field DaysRavensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026. Southland Siblings Win Innovation Award with Good Dog Work WatchWhile mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School. NationalLabour Caucus Portfolios Reshuffled Ahead of 2026 ElectionLabour Party Leader Chris Hipkins has announced a reshuffle of the party's caucus portfolios.Rural Resilience Workshops to Help Farmers Prepare for Adverse EventsAgriculture Minister Todd McClay says a series of rural resilienced set to be rolled out next week will help farmers…Massey University Reports Record Growth in Agriculture and Horticulture StudentsThe head of Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment, Professor Paul Kenyon, says the outlook for the primary…Palmerston North Promotes Agri-Innovation Hub Status at Central Districts Field DaysPalmerston North mayor Grant Smith is a long-time supporter of the CD field days and says the benefits from it…Feilding Prepares for Central Districts Field Days as 27,000 Visitors ExpectedThe lower North Island township of Feilding is gearing up for its biggest event of the year - the annual…Machinery & ProductsRavensdown’s HawkEye Pro Wins Technology Award at Southern Field DaysRavensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days…Southland Siblings Win Innovation Award with Good Dog Work WatchWhile mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is…AGCO Reports 2025 Sales Decline but Expects Recovery in 2026The parent company of Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra – AGCO – reports lower net sales of around US10.1 billion…Mark Dillon Returns Home with Ploughing Tractor after European CompetitionsSouthland rural contractor and current NZ Ploughing champion Mark Dillon has got his tractor back after it enjoyed some extensive…Amazone Catros Cultivator Marks 25 Years of Tillage InnovationWith an extensive cultivation portfolio, Amazone entered a new era in tillage 25 years ago when it launched the newly…» Latest Print Issues OnlineThe Hound
Silly SeasonOPINION: Election years are usually regarded as the silly season, but a mate of the Hound reckons 2026 is shaping… Two-Faced SystemOPINION: If farmers poured just a few litres of some pollutant into a stream, the Green Party and the wider… » Connect with Rural News» eNewsletter |