Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
OPINION: This old mutt reckons Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor too often suffers from 'foot in mouth' disease.
Speaking at last month's Central District field days, O'Connor told an audience of agricultural leaders and politicians that the last year has taught the tourism industry "not to be so cocky" after losing its spot as the top export earner to the dairy industry.
Not a very smart thing to say when tourism operators are going broke all over the country due to his government's policies on border control - especially when tourism businesses in his own patch on the West Coast are suffering terribly.
This follows O'Connor's dumb comment, earlier in the year, when he told the Australians to show China 'more respect'.
The Hound suggests O'Connor should practice engaging his brain a whole lot more before opening his big, fat mouth!
A Hawke's Bay farming family of self-confessed 'frequent flyers' has donated the proceeds from their spring lambs.
Biosecurity New Zealand is intensifying its campaign to locate and eliminate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, following confirmed detections on Auckland's North Shore.
Following a recent director election, Canterbury farmer Sean Molloy has been appointed to the New Zealand Pork Industry Board.
Red meat farmers and processors are welcoming a US Government announcement - removing its reciprocal tariffs on a range of food products, including New Zealand beef.
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?