India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
OPINION: The death of Dame Tariana Turia is a loss for the country and a reminder of how far the quality of politician has fallen in the party she founded.
In contrast to the circus that the Māori Party has become, Turia put results before grandstanding, working with whoever was in power.
Now we have divisive politics, threats of violence, and as Winston Peters claims, "economic sabotage", the party allegedly sending a letter to all companies who applied for fast-track consideration, trying to undermine investment confidence.
"If true, they have shown what extremist economic morons they are and how little they value the future of our country," he says. "They have threatened these private companies with economic sabotage and condemning NZ to a bankrupt future - all because of their delusional and separatist views."
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.

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OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…