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 New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.

OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…