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 notes that at the recent release of the Government's response to agricultural emissions, there was only the PM, Ag Minister, Climate Change Minister and local Labour MP - a non-descript, little man with a beard - fronting up to media.
Absent were members of the infamous He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) partnership - including its two biggest proponents, Beef+Lamb chair Andrew Morrison and DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel.
Usually, whenever there's been any government agricultural announcement of note over the past 5 years, Morrison and van der Poel have been loyally nodding behind the PM, helping to hold her handbag - along with Damien O'Connor.
Does this mean the two big ag industry chairs are no longer in the loop? Or, have they both finally seen the light and realised that the Government is about to screw the ag sector and want no part of it?
It's probably a little too late for this stance now!
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.
New tractor deliveries for 2025 jumped 10% compared to the previous year, a reflection of the positive primary sector outlook, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA).
Entries have opened for two awards in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme, aimed at helping young farmers progress to farm ownership.
Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

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